All the ways to use your phone with one hand

This article offers tips and tricks for using large-screen smartphones with one hand. Originally published September 17, 2019, it's been updated for current relevance.

Remember the smaller iPhones? Today's phones are significantly larger, posing a challenge for one-handed use. Fortunately, several methods can help.

Activate One-Handed Mode:

Your phone likely has a built-in one-handed mode. On iPhones, it's called Reachability. Enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Touch, then toggle Reachability on. Swipe down from the bottom (on iPhones without a Home button) or double-tap the Home button (on iPhones with a Home button) to lower the screen content.

Many Android phones offer similar features. Galaxy devices locate this in Settings > Advanced Features > One-handed Mode, while Pixel phones require navigating to Settings > System > Gestures > One-handed mode. Third-party apps like Reachability Cursor (a mouse-like cursor) and Bottom Quick Settings (moves Quick Settings to the bottom of the screen) offer additional assistance.

Optimize Your Home Screen:

Rearrange your apps for easier access. Place frequently used apps in the bottom corners of the screen. Android allows for empty screen space, while iOS users can utilize apps like Makeovr to create invisible icons and effectively achieve the same result. Android users can also use the swipe-down gesture (introduced in Android 10) to access the notification shade. Consider alternative Android launchers for more one-handed friendly layouts.

Reduce Keyboard Size:

One-handed typing is challenging. Most keyboards offer a one-handed mode. On iOS, usually accessed by holding the globe icon, this shifts the keyboard to the side. Android keyboards vary; Gboard, for example, uses a long-press on the comma key.

Explore App-Specific Features:

Many apps offer one-handed options. Check your most-used apps' settings. For example, Pocket Casts allows list view instead of grid view, and the Reddit app enables back swiping. Small adjustments can significantly improve one-handed usability.

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