A tablet can be a great gift for a child. It's a reading device, a learning tool, a video-call screen for grandparents and, of course, a source of games and shows. It's also something that will be dropped, sat on and carried around the house by small hands.
With a little planning before the holidays, you can pick the right tablet, set it up safely and protect it from the bumps ahead. Here's what we recommend at We Fix Phones N More.
A young child mostly watching shows and playing simple games doesn't need the same tablet as a middle schooler doing homework. For older kids, check that the tablet works with the apps their school uses and that it has enough storage for school work, photos and games. Running out of space is one of the most common complaints we hear about tablets.
Software updates keep a tablet secure and keep apps working. Some lower-cost tablets stop getting updates sooner than others. Before buying, look up how long the manufacturer supports that model, especially if you hope it will last several years.
A good-condition used or refurbished tablet can be a smart choice for a first device. If you're passing down an older family tablet, make sure it still gets updates, the battery holds a charge and the screen is in good shape. Many of the same checks from our used phone buying checklist apply to tablets too. You can also ask us about devices through our buy and sell page.
Unboxing a tablet that needs an hour of updates isn't much fun. If you can, set it up ahead of time and rewrap it.
Charge the tablet, connect it to Wi-Fi and install any system updates. Then download the apps your child will use so they're ready to go.
Apple, Google and Amazon all offer ways to set up a child account managed by a parent. These let you approve app downloads and purchases, limit screen time and filter content. Taking a few minutes to set this up now saves a lot of surprises later. Our post on parental controls on your child's iPhone walks through options that also work on iPads.
Make sure in-app purchases require a parent's approval or password. It's easy for a child to tap "buy" in a game without realizing what it means.
Turn on the tablet's cloud backup so drawings, photos and game progress aren't lost if the tablet is damaged or replaced.
The single best thing you can do for a child's tablet is put it in a thick, shock-absorbing case with raised edges around the screen. Many kids' cases have built-in handles or stands, which make them easier to carry and less likely to slip.
A tempered glass screen protector takes the scratches and many of the cracks that would otherwise hit the screen. Screen protectors we install carry a lifetime guarantee. Our guide on how to choose a screen protector explains the differences between types.
Even with the best case, accidents happen. If the screen cracks, stop using it so small glass pieces don't cut little fingers, and so the crack doesn't spread. If juice or water gets spilled on it, turn it off and keep it off rather than testing whether it still works.
Charging ports, batteries and screens on tablets can usually be repaired, and that's often a good option compared with buying a new one. Learn more about our iPad repair and tablet repair services, and our repairs come with a 90-day warranty.
Want a hand setting up a new tablet, adding a screen protector before you wrap it, or fixing one that's already taken a tumble? Visit We Fix Phones N More at 801 County Line Rd in Horsham, serving families across Bucks and Montgomery counties, or give us a call at 215-323-4750.
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