Help how do I make the phone app as default launcher

[Ichi]

I'm upgrading my old school mom to an android phone, not a great one since she don't know nor want to use any smartphone features. She just wants a phone to make calls. So I need a way to make the phone app the only app she can use, nothing else matters. No text, wifi, or data needed.

It needs to be permanently pinned on the screen so she can't turn it off at all. I've thought about putting a phone dialer widget on the home screen and remove any additional screens, but the dialer doesn't take over the entire screen.

 

[El Presidente]

I'm almost certain that's not possible (although I could be wrong), it's not something I've ever come across.

How about something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity

It simplifies pretty much everything you need to do with the phone. Reckon that would be suitable?

 

[codesplice]

This may be the wrong answer, but why go for an Android device if the only thing she wants to do is make and receive calls? In my mind, an Android phone for that purpose alone would be serious overkill - and it's just asking for something else to go wrong and cause problems/headaches. I'm sure there are hundreds of better not-smartphone options for your mom's needs.

 

[EarlyMon]

Nova Launcher - hide dock and notification bar. Or - empty the dock too for good measure.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.diegoyarza.dialerwidget

Resize widget to make bigger (Nova will let you, have to try it on that widget).

Install Swipe Up Utility to get rid of action taken by swiping up from normal home position (usually launches Google search or Google Now) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.AdrianCampos.swipeuputility

 

[argedion]

I am on the same page as my fellow constituent Codesplice To me its like buying a Mustang and putting a pinto engine in it. Way to much body for the use. My Dad is giving up his smart phone for the fact he doesn't use it he is getting a basic dumb phone that will be everything your Mom needs. If your just giving her and old phone of yours that happens to be an android to save the money then follow Earlys advise on setting it up.

 

[Hadron]

Yeah, same here. If there's a good reason for giving her a smartphone then follow Early's advice (usually a good move ) and set it up so there is one homescreen with a big button to launch the phone app.

But realistically, if that's all that's needed a Nokia dumbphone will work perfectly well, with much better battery life. Don't over-complicate things. My Mum is no dummy (though she sometimes claims to be)!, but for her an iPad for email and web browsing plus a simple Nokia for a phone just meets her needs better than a current smartphone would (more hassle as a phone, more cramped and complex as a web device, and just a poor fit for what she uses it for). So for what you describe I'd forget the smartphone: if she needs web access get a tablet, and if she only needs a phone then just get a phone, with real, appropriately-sized buttons, rather than a smartphone.

 

[electricpete]

I have the same decision to make this week. My mom's ancient phone needs replacement for Tracfone. She needs it fort nothing other than dialing and maybe texts. The thing is, the old phone was a real PITA to receive voicemails or texts she received from her carrier for to convoluted deep nested menu's. I don't want to repeat that, which I'd why I'm thinking smart phone.
I think that dialer widget Will help.