How to Find Apps You Can Trust
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
There are so, so many apps out there. More than 1.5 million on Apple’s App Store, and over 3 million on Google’s Play Store, with thousands of updates and new releases each month. If you’ve ever tried to explore apps, and then find yourself wishing you were doing anything else, you are not alone. It can feel like entering a funhouse mirror room, where you start to question your decision to even start.
Always, Always Start With the Official App Store
Whether you have an iPhone or iPad (App Store) or an Android phone, tablet, or Chromebook (Google Play Store), your device’s built-in app store is always the safest place to find and download apps. Avoid downloading apps from random websites or links in emails, even if they look official. Sticking to the official store is your first, and primary line of defense.
Four Signs an App Is Worth Trusting
Once you’re in the app store, here’s what to look for before you tap to Install:
A strong rating and plenty of reviews. Look for apps with at least a 4-star rating and hundreds or thousands or thousands of reviews. Read through a few of the reviews to see if you spot patterns in the phrases used, or notice a lack of detail that suggests it may be a paid review. A high rating with very few reviews can be misleading.
A recognizable developer name. The app should be made by a company or organization you’ve heard of, or one you can easily search online. If the developer name is vague or looks misspelled, do a bit of research to learn more about them. You can also click on the developer’s name/company name to see the other apps they have to offer, and the reviews on those.
Recent updates. A trustworthy app is maintained regularly. Check the date that the app was last updated in the app store listing. An app that hasn’t been updated in two or more years may no longer be supported or secure.
A clear description of what it does. Good apps explain themselves plainly. If the description is confusing, vague, or full of spelling errors, either research to learn more, or simply move on.
When in Doubt, Search Before You Download
If you’re unsure about an app, a quick web search can save a lot of headaches. Try searching the app’s name followed by words like review, scam, or is it safe. Reputable publications and consumer organizations often review popular apps, and their recommendation is usually easy to find.
A Word About Permissions
When you download a new app, it will often ask for permissions to access your camera, microphone, location, or contacts. Some of these make sense, like when a navigation app needs your location, or a social media app needs permission to use your camera and microphone. Others are a warning sign that the app may be up to no good, like a flashlight app wanting access to your contacts or location.
A good rule of thumb: go slowly through the setup process and read all of the buttons carefully. It’s very common for social media apps to want access to your contacts, and they really, really want you to share them. But they don’t need that data, so only grant permissions that make sense for what the app actually does. If something feels off, decline and see if the app still works. Most of the time, it will.
Introducing App Radar
App Radar is My Friendly Tech Helper’s ongoing series of app guides and recommendations, written specifically for seniors and the people who support them.
Each installment focuses on one topic, and provides readers with helpful information about the apps for that topic.
We will only recommend apps that we have researched using reliable sources, including manufacturer websites, reviews across platforms, and trusted publications.
Upcoming App Radar Posts
Medication Management Apps: Reminders, Refill Tracking, and more
Apps for Exploring the U.S.: Travel Planning, Guides, and Platforms
Apps for Emergency Health Services: Options, Providers, and Services
And plenty more after that
Each post will be practical and chock full of app discoveries for your digital life.
Stay wonderful and stay safe,
My Friendly Tech Helper
(719)256-0325
My Friendly Tech Helper offers single-session and ongoing remote tech support for seniors nationwide, and in-home support in the Colorado Springs area.
