I am trying to set up a new ipad (A3260/A3268 model) for an elderly person who has cognitive impairment and isn't present. I myself , though not young, use an iphone 16 and Apple desktop with up to date software. I have never set up an ipad before. Is it possible to do this remotely for them so it is their ipad, but if, as is likely to happen, they are no longer able to use it, I can access it ?
iPhone 16 Plus, iOS 26
You can’t easily take full control of the remote iPad - but, assuming that the iPad is functional and the remote User is capable, you can use FaceTime:
Request or give remote control in a FaceTime call on iPad - Apple Support
Request or give remote control in a FaceTime call on iPhone - Apple Support
You might be able to use Screen Time controls to lock away some functionality (e.g., the ability to install apps and to make in-app purchases), so they don’t accidentally get into trouble that way.
That will still require hands-on access to the iPad to set up.
POAcarer wrote:
Thank you for the suggestion but I understand 'remote control' access isn't yet available in Europe.
Why do you believe that this facility isn't available in Europe? Please quote your source.
To the best of my knowledge, the service is available anywhere that the FaceTime service is available. The only information source that I can find, that suggests otherwise, are AI-generated responses - which are, at best, frequently incorrect or misleading.
Addendum
Diving deeper, I note that the iPad and User Guide do mention that this feature is "currently" unavailable within the European Union.
EU Member States and "Europe" are subtly different. Not all counties in Europe are restricted by EU Membership.
Thank you for the suggestion but I understand 'remote control' access isn't yet available in Europe.
Setting up a new ipad for an elderly person
