It struck me that age had nothing to do with her confidence online.

She’d simply mastered a handful of smartphone tricks that kept her on top of digital life.

I’ve since noticed that when baby boomers pick up these same habits, they appear to glow with a fresh sense of tech-savvy energy.

Below are 7 of those simple yet powerful hacks that can make anyone feel younger online, no matter their birth year.

1. They streamline notifications

A cluttered notification bar can overwhelm even the most patient among us.

People who feel comfortable using their phones tend to manage their alerts strategically, so they see only what matters most — like messages from family or updates on important appointments.

This small tweak creates a calmer phone experience, reducing digital noise and helping you focus on what truly deserves your attention.

I started turning off most notifications for social media apps, and it was a game-changer.

It might feel odd at first, but once you sense how peaceful your phone becomes, there’s no going back.

2. They organize their home screen

A scattered home screen is a recipe for confusion.

Those who handle their phones with ease often keep their app layout simple and intentional.

They group similar apps together, hide the ones they rarely use, and place the essentials, like texts, phone calls, and email, front and center.

I’ve seen people create folders labeled “Finance,” “Health,” or “Family” so they can quickly locate the exact app they need.

Some even keep a separate page for things they use only once or twice a month.

When you reduce visual chaos, the phone starts to feel like an ally rather than a puzzle.

3. They leverage voice commands

Typing on a small screen can be frustrating, especially if you’re not used to tiny keyboards.

That’s where voice commands shine.

Whether it’s sending a text, setting a reminder, or pulling up directions, many smartphone users who feel younger than their years effortlessly speak their commands, cutting down on tedious typing.

I confess I was skeptical about talking to my phone at first.

But after dictating a few messages or saying, “Remind me to buy groceries at 5 p.m.,” I realized how intuitive it can be.

It frees up your hands and reduces typos.

4. They use helpful shortcuts

Smartphone veterans know that shortcuts can spare them from repetitive actions.

Here are some tricks I’ve seen baby boomers use consistently:

• Setting up text replacement for phrases they type often (like email addresses or a standard signature)

• Pinning important contacts so those names appear at the top of their messaging app

• Customizing quick replies for incoming calls, so they can say “I’ll call you right back” with a single tap

• Adding a widget for weather or news headlines for instant updates

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Small tweaks like these reduce friction, making day-to-day phone tasks feel smooth and efficient.

5. They utilize cloud backups

Many who seem tech-savvy at any age use cloud services to store photos, documents, and notes.

That way, they’re never tied to one device or risking everything if their phone malfunctions.

It’s also easier to share pictures with grandchildren or flip through old vacation snapshots without sifting through physical folders.

I once lost precious photos after a phone upgrade went wrong, so I quickly switched to automatic cloud backups.

Now there’s peace of mind in knowing everything’s synced.

It’s an effortless insurance policy against mishaps — and it feels incredibly freeing not to worry about phone storage running out.

6. They keep software updated

One habit that sets confident smartphone users apart is staying on top of updates.

Operating system updates fix bugs, patch security holes, and introduce new features that can make your phone easier to navigate.

Delaying these updates might mean missing out on tools that simplify your digital life.

If you’ve ever ignored that pesky “update available” notification for weeks, you’re not alone.

But I’ve noticed that once people shift to a mindset of “update when ready,” the phone tends to run smoother, and they’re less likely to encounter random glitches or performance issues.

7. They blend digital ease with real-life interactions

Some baby boomers who appear incredibly tech-savvy also know when to put the phone down.

They’ll video-call a granddaughter in another state but still set aside the screen when she visits in person.

They’ll manage their finances online yet drop by the bank occasionally to stay connected with real people.

This balance seems to give them a refreshing outlook.

It’s as if they’re comfortable with technology but not controlled by it.

Their phone is a tool, not a crutch, which allows them to adapt gracefully in a world that’s changing so fast.

Final thoughts

We’re almost done, but this piece can’t be overlooked:

Confidence with a smartphone doesn’t come with mastering every new gadget on the market.

You just need to find small, effective ways to reduce tech stress so you can live more fully.

For many boomers, these hacks offer a sense of independence and a renewed youthful spark.

If you’re feeling a bit uncertain about your phone or want to upgrade your digital game, you might explore one or two of these steps first.

See how it feels to reorganize your home screen or turn off those noisy notifications.

Often, tiny tweaks can have the biggest impact on how you navigate your day-to-day interactions.

When technology stops feeling like a barrier, it becomes a bridge — connecting you to family, friends, and a broader community that’s always evolving.

And there’s nothing more invigorating than feeling right at home in this online world, regardless of age.