Simple accessibility settings that will make your smartphone easier to use

This article provides tips and tricks to improve smartphone accessibility for users with visual impairments or limited mobility, particularly focusing on iOS and Android devices. It's been updated since its original publication date of November 18, 2018.

Many find smartphone interfaces challenging, especially those new to technology or with accessibility needs. This guide aims to simplify the experience.

Improving Readability:

Enhancing text readability involves adjusting text size and contrast. iOS users can access these settings through Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, offering options like bold text, reduced color intensity, and transparency adjustments. Larger text sizes are adjustable via sliders and even individual app widgets (iOS 15 ). Android users find similar controls in Settings > Accessibility > Text and display, allowing for font size, display size, high contrast text, and bold text adjustments. Android also offers a handy on-screen magnifier accessible via Accessibility > Magnification.

Simplifying the Interface:

Android's flexibility allows for interface overhauls using launcher apps. BIG Launcher (paid, with a free limited version) is highlighted as an example, offering large buttons, clear labels, and enlarged text in basic apps, specifically designed for ease of use for seniors. Samsung devices have a built-in Easy Mode (Settings > Display > Easy Mode). iOS doesn't offer equivalent launchers, but widgets can provide customized access and larger icons.

Enabling Voice Control:

Voice assistants are crucial for users with limited mobility. Siri (iOS, enabled in Settings > Siri & Search) and Google Assistant (Android and iOS) allow hands-free commands. Both assistants offer extensive command lists. Other assistants like Bixby (Samsung) and Alexa are also viable alternatives.

Text-to-Speech Functionality:

For users struggling with reading, text-to-speech features are invaluable. Android's Select-to-Speak (Settings > Accessibility) allows for on-demand text reading, while TalkBack offers automatic reading of on-screen content. iOS's VoiceOver (Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver) provides similar functionality. Third-party apps like NaturalReader (iOS), Speech Central (iOS), SayIt (Android), and Voice Aloud Reader (Android) offer additional text-to-speech capabilities for documents and web browsing.

Real-World Accessibility:

The smartphone's built-in flashlight and camera can assist with reading in low-light conditions or magnifying text. Apps like EyeReader (iOS) and Magnifier Plus with Flashlight (Android) combine magnification and flashlight functionality for improved readability of physical documents.

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