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Can AI write simple tech instructions for my parents?

Yes. It writes large-print, one-action-per-step instructions that describe what they'll see on screen, so they can do it without calling you.

Verdict: Bot · AI does it well✓ Tested 2 times in Llama 3.3 70B · Oct 28, 2026Written for ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

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Bot

01Why bot

  • Rewriting for a beginner is a strength of AI.
  • It avoids jargon and explains the words it has to use.
  • You can print it and tape it next to the device.
Sponsor slot · openFeatured tool for this task. A labeled card for one relevant tool.
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02The prompt

Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details, then paste it into your AI app.

prompt.txt
You are a patient teacher who helps older adults with technology.

Who it's for: [RELATIONSHIP, COMFORT LEVEL]
Device: [DEVICE, OPERATING SYSTEM]
What they need to do: [TASK, LIKE A VIDEO CALL OR SENDING PHOTOS]

Your task: write instructions they can follow alone.

Rules:
- MUST use numbered steps with one action each, and describe what they'll see.
- MUST avoid jargon; explain any tech word in a few words.
- NEVER present menu names as certain; add 'it may look slightly different'.
- If anything is missing, ask me up to 3 short questions first.

Give me: printable steps and a short 'if something goes wrong' section.

Before you send your answer, silently check that you did ALL of these, and fix your answer if not:
- Make each numbered step a single action — split anything with two actions into two steps.
- For each step, add what I should see on screen after I do it.
- Use no jargon; if a technical word is unavoidable, explain it in a few plain words right after.
- When you name a menu or button, add "(it may look slightly different on your device)".
- If a needed detail is missing, ask me up to 3 short questions first; if nothing is missing, do not ask anything.

03Steps

  1. Pick one task at a time.
  2. Run the prompt, then try the steps yourself on their device.
  3. Print it in large type.

04What can go wrong

  • Screens change after updates; test the steps first.
  • Add a note to never share codes with callers.

05What to use

Any major AI chat app.

06Our test runs

2 runs, each with a different made-up sample. 1 of 2 passed every check.

Run 1 · Llama 3.3 70B · graded by GPT-OSS 120BOct 5, 2026Passed with a catch

The made-up sample:

  • [RELATIONSHIP, COMFORT LEVEL]My mother, who uses a phone daily and feels moderately comfortable with basic apps but gets nervous with new features.
  • [DEVICE, OPERATING SYSTEM]Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone running Android 14 (the latest version may look slightly different).
  • [TASK, LIKE A VIDEO CALL OR SENDING PHOTOS]Start a video call with her sister using the default video chat app, then send a recent photo of the garden.
  • Numbered steps, one action each, describe screen view
  • Avoid jargon; explain any technical term briefly
  • Add 'it may look slightly different' to menu names
  • Include printable steps and an 'if something goes wrong' section
  • Didn't make up details we never gave it

What came back (excerpt):

Tap on the "Video call" button (it may look slightly different on your device), which is usually a camera icon, to start a video call.
Read the full answer
Here are the steps for your mother to start a video call with her sister and send a recent photo:

1. Open the phone's app drawer (it may look slightly different on your device), which is usually a grid of all the apps on the phone, and find the "Phone" or "Contacts" app (it may look slightly different on your device). You should see a list of contacts or a dial pad on the screen.
2. Tap on the "Contacts" tab (it may look slightly different on your device) to see a list of saved phone numbers and names. You should see a list of names and numbers on the screen.
3. Find your sister's name in the list and tap on it. You should see your sister's contact information, including their phone number, on the screen.
4. Tap on the "Video call" button (it may look slightly different on your device), which is usually a camera icon, to start a video call. You should see a "Calling" or "Ringing" message on the screen, and then your sister's face should appear when she answers.
5. Once the video call is connected, you can talk to your sister and see each other on the screen. You should see your sister's face on the screen, and she should be able to see yours.
6. To send a photo, tap on the "Attach file" or "Share" button (it may look slightly different on your device), which is usually a paperclip or share icon. You should see a menu with options to share files or photos on the screen.
7. Tap on the "Gallery" or "Photos" option (it may look slightly different on your device) to access your phone's photo album. You should see a grid of your recent photos on the screen.
8. Find the recent photo of the garden and tap on it to select it. You should see the photo enlarged on the screen.
9. Tap on the "Send" button (it may look slightly different on your device) to send the photo to your sister. You should see a "Sending" or "Sent" message on the screen.

If something goes wrong:
If you can't find the "Video call" button or the "Attach file" button, try looking for a "More" or "Menu" option (it may look slightly different on your device) and tapping on it to see more options. If you're still having trouble, try restarting the phone or asking for help. Remember to stay calm and take your time, and you'll be able to figure it out!

Watch that each numbered step contains only one action.

Run 2 · Llama 3.3 70B · graded by GPT-OSS 120BOct 28, 2026Passed

The made-up sample (a messier one):

  • [RELATIONSHIP, COMFORT LEVEL]Mom and Dad, low comfort with smartphones – they can tap icons but get confused when menus change or settings appear.
  • [DEVICE, OPERATING SYSTEM]Dad's old Samsung Galaxy A10 running Android 9 (Pie) – screen a bit cracked, sometimes shows extra ads, and the battery icon sometimes flickers.
  • [TASK, LIKE A VIDEO CALL OR SENDING PHOTOS]Send a photo of the garden to Mom via WhatsApp, then start a video call with her to show the new flower beds.
  • Use numbered steps with one action each and describe what they'll see
  • Avoid jargon; explain any technical word in a few words
  • Never present menu names as certain; add 'it may look slightly different'
  • Provide printable steps and a short 'if something goes wrong' section
  • Didn't make up details we never gave it

What came back (excerpt):

Tap the WhatsApp icon (it may look slightly different on your device) on your home screen. You should see a list of conversations and a chat window.
Read the full answer
Here are the steps to send a photo of the garden to Mom via WhatsApp and start a video call with her:

1. Tap the WhatsApp icon (it may look slightly different on your device) on your home screen. 
You should see a list of conversations and a chat window.

2. Tap the "New message" button (it may look slightly different on your device), usually found at the bottom right corner of the screen. 
You should see a list of contacts and a text box to type a message.

3. Tap on Mom's name in the contact list. 
You should see a chat window with Mom's name at the top and a text box to type a message.

4. Tap the "Paperclip" icon (it may look slightly different on your device), which is used to attach files, like photos. 
You should see a menu with options to attach a photo, video, or other files.

5. Tap the "Gallery" option (it may look slightly different on your device), which is where your phone stores pictures. 
You should see a list of photos on your phone.

6. Choose the photo of the garden you want to send by tapping on it. 
You should see the photo you chose, with options to add a caption or send it.

7. Tap the "Send" button (it may look slightly different on your device), usually a green arrow. 
You should see the photo being sent, and then it will appear in the chat window.

8. Tap the "Video call" button (it may look slightly different on your device), usually a camera icon. 
You should see a message asking if you want to make a video call, and then the call will start connecting.

9. Wait for Mom to answer the video call. 
You should see Mom's face on the screen, and you will be able to talk to her and show her the new flower beds.

If something goes wrong:
- If you can't find the WhatsApp icon, try looking on another home screen or in the "Apps" menu (it may look slightly different on your device).
- If the photo doesn't send, try tapping the "Send" button again or checking your internet connection (this means your phone's ability to access the internet).
- If the video call doesn't connect, try calling Mom again or checking your internet connection.

Verify each step contains only one action and includes the disclaimer about possible UI differences.

How each run works: we fill the prompt with a made-up sample, run it once in Llama 3.3 70B, and GPT-OSS 120B grades the answer against the prompt's own rules. Word limits are counted by code, and every quote flagged as made up is checked against the full answer. Your results can differ. How we test.

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