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Phones & tablets

Make phone text and controls larger

Text size changes lettering; display size enlarges more screen controls. Try a small change and check a familiar app. Some apps use their own size settings.

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Before you start

  • An unlocked phone
  • Access to Settings
  • A familiar app for checking the result

Step 1 of 5: Find the text setting

iPhone: open Settings, then Accessibility, Display & Text Size and Larger Text. Android: open Settings and search for Font size. Menu names vary across Android manufacturers; using Settings search can be easier than browsing menus.

Step 2 of 5: Choose a readable size

Move the text-size slider a little towards the larger end. Read the preview before moving it further. On iPhone, Larger Accessibility Sizes offers extra sizes. Aim for comfortable reading rather than the largest possible setting.

Step 3 of 5: Check everyday screens

Return Home and open Messages or another familiar app. Read a short item and check whether buttons still fit comfortably. If parts are cut off or need too much scrolling, return to the setting and reduce it slightly.

Step 4 of 5: Try larger controls separately

Android: search Settings for Display size. iPhone: look for Display Zoom under Display & Brightness; availability differs by model. Choose a larger option if needed. This affects more of the screen than changing text size alone.

Step 5 of 5: Keep a simple reminder

Write down which setting helped and where you found it. Larger Home Screen icon styles are separate on some devices. Check their preview and labels before changing them; making icons large can affect how app names are displayed.

Try it for yourself

Your small practice task.

Adjust text by one notch, read a message and keep the size you prefer.

Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.

Cover of How to Use an Android Phone: Samsung Edition
Using a Samsung Galaxy phone?

Prefer a guide beside your phone?

Explore Danielle Murphy’s picture-led paperback: 100 lessons across 10 sections, with large screenshots and highlighted controls.

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A common question.

Why is one app still hard to read?

Some apps use their own text controls. Check that app’s settings or accessibility support rather than assuming the phone setting failed.

Official help, if you need it.

These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.