Your screening

Finish these steps so we can approve you to take calls. Your progress is saved, so you can stop and come back any time.

1. 1

   Application

   Why do you want to be a helper? At least a sentence or two.

   Which devices are you comfortable helping with?

   iPhone iPad Android phone or tablet Computer (Windows or Mac) Smart TV or streaming device Something else

   Tell us about your tech experience For example, helping family, a tech job, or school. When are you usually free to take calls? How did you hear about us? (optional) Send my application
2. 2

   Safety training

   Read the training (about 5 minutes)

   Who calls, and how to help

   Callers are older adults stuck on everyday tech: a phone setting, a video call, a photo, an email. Many feel embarrassed to ask. Be warm and patient. Go one small step at a time, use plain words instead of tech terms, and check they're ready before the next step. It's fine to say "Let's try that together."

   Never ask for private information

   Never ask for passwords, codes, PINs, bank or card details, or Social Security or Medicare numbers. If a caller starts to read one out, stop them kindly: "Please don't share that with anyone, including me." If a code is needed, they type it themselves.

   Never ask for or accept money

   No payments, tips, gifts, gift cards or cryptocurrency, for any reason, even if the caller offers. A friendly "That's kind, but helpers can't accept anything" is enough.

   Never take control of their device

   Don't ask them to install remote-access apps, and don't try to control their phone or computer. You explain each step, and the caller taps.

   Callers stay anonymous

   You'll only see that someone is calling. Don't ask who they are or where they live, and don't try to find out, even if you think you recognize them. Don't record, screenshot, write down or post anything about a caller. General notes about a fix are fine. Any misuse of personal information means your account is closed immediately and you are banned for good.

   Help them spot scams

   Older adults are the top target of tech-support scams. Warning signs: a pop-up or email saying their account is locked, a warning that they must act right now, a demand for payment by gift card, wire or crypto, a phone number in a pop-up, or someone asking to "connect to" their computer. Help them pause. They shouldn't call numbers or tap links in the message. To check, they can contact the company using the number on their card or bill. After the call, report what happened to us in the app.

   If something worrying happens

   If a caller is in immediate danger, tell them to call 911. If a call turns abusive, you can end it. Either way, report it to us in the app after the call, and we'll follow up.

   Video and ending the call

   Only turn on video when seeing their screen would really help. Before you hang up, check the problem is fixed, and remind them they can call again any time.

   Read the full Helper Code of Conduct (opens in a new tab).

   I've read the training
3. 3

   Safety quiz

Your calls

Recent calls

Callers stay anonymous, so you'll only see the date, length and rating of each call.

Leaderboard

Ranked by calls of 5 minutes or more, then minutes. Ratings show once a helper has enough of them.