No more squinting. These built-in settings on iPhone and Android make words bigger, bolder and clearer. Each takes about a minute.
Your phone can do a lot to make reading easier, and it is all built in, free. Below are five settings worth trying. Menu names can vary a little between phone models and software versions, so if you do not see the exact words, use the search box at the top of the Settings app.
1. Make the text bigger
iPhone: open Settings, then Display & Brightness, then Text Size. Drag the slider to the right. For even bigger sizes, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text.
Android: open Settings, then Display, then look for Font size (on Samsung phones it is Font size and style). Move the slider to the right.
2. Turn on bold text
Thicker letters are often easier to read than bigger ones.
iPhone: Settings > Display & Brightness > turn on Bold Text.
Android: look in Settings > Display (or Accessibility) for Bold text or Bold font.
3. Make everything on the screen larger
This makes buttons and icons bigger too, not just words.
iPhone: Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom, then choose Larger Text (on some models it is called Zoomed).
Android: Settings > Display > Display size (Samsung: Screen zoom).
4. Boost the contrast
Stronger contrast makes text stand out from the background.
iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > turn on Increase Contrast.
Android: Settings > Accessibility > look for High contrast text or High contrast fonts.
Some people also find Dark Mode (light words on a dark background) more comfortable, especially in the evening. You will find it under Display on both kinds of phone.
5. Use your phone as a magnifying glass
Great for menus, medicine labels and small print on bills.
iPhone: search for the Magnifier app on your phone. Point the camera at the text and slide to zoom.
Android: many phones have a Magnifier app or option in Accessibility. You can also simply open the camera and pinch to zoom in.
A bonus tip for websites
On most websites you can spread two fingers apart on the screen to zoom in. On our own site, use the Text size buttons (A, A, A) at the top of every page.
Want to try different sizes and colors before changing your phone? Our free Tools page includes an easy reading preview.
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