Everyday life online
Health, money, shopping and getting about. The everyday jobs that are often quicker online, and how to do them safely.
Health
Order a repeat prescription with the NHS AppEngland. Wales and Scotland have their own apps
- Download the NHS App from your phone's app store. It is free and made by the NHS.
- Set up an NHS login. You'll be asked to photograph your passport or driving licence and record a short video of your face, so have one to hand.
- Once in, tap Prescriptions, then Order a repeat prescription.
- Tick the medicines you need and choose your pharmacy.
- You'll get a message when it's ready to collect.
The same app can show your GP record, test results and, if your surgery allows it, let you book appointments.
Get ready for a video appointmentWith your GP, hospital or other service
- Find a quiet, well-lit spot with the light in front of you, not behind.
- Open the link you were sent five minutes early so there's time to allow the camera and microphone.
- Prop the phone or tablet up so your hands are free.
- Jot down your questions beforehand, and have your medicines nearby.
Money
Set up your bank's app safelyCheck balances and pay bills from home
- Go to your bank's website by typing its address yourself, and follow its link to the app. Or search the app store, checking the developer name is your bank.
- Have your card and account details ready. The app will guide you through proving it's you.
- Choose a passcode nobody could guess, and turn on face or fingerprint unlock if offered.
Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account", or ask for your full PIN or passcode. Anyone who does is a criminal.
Shop online with confidenceWhat to check before you pay
- Stick to shops you know, or look up reviews of new ones first.
- Look for the padlock beside the web address, and make sure the address is spelled correctly.
- Pay by credit card where you can. For purchases between £100 and £30,000, the card company shares responsibility if things go wrong.
- Be wary of prices that seem far too good, and never pay by bank transfer to someone you don't know.
Getting about
Buy train tickets on your phoneOften cheaper than the ticket office
- Download the app of the train company you use most. Any train company's app can sell tickets for journeys across Great Britain, usually with no booking fee.
- Enter where you're going from and to, and when.
- If you're 60 or over, add your Senior Railcard for a third off most fares.
- Choose an e-ticket. It appears in the app, ready to show or scan at the barrier.
Around the home
Get the most from a smart speakerAmazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest and Apple HomePod
Just say the wake word, then speak naturally. A few favourites:
"Remind me to take my tablets at 8am every day."
"Play BBC Radio 4."
"Call Susan."
"What's the weather like tomorrow?"
Most speakers have a button to switch the microphone off when you'd rather it wasn't listening.