High Contrast Mode

Enables a high-contrast color scheme to improve visibility, where supported by the operating system.

What does this setting do?

High Contrast Mode greatly increases the separation between foreground and background colors. This makes text, icons and interface elements easier to distinguish, especially for users with low contrast sensitivity or reduced vision. Only Windows provides a full, dedicated High Contrast Mode. macOS and some Android devices offer partial alternatives that approximate the effect.

Instructions for different systems

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Version: varies by manufacturer

In the Google standard version of Android, there is no system-wide high contrast mode for the entire system.

Note: Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, provide additional options like High contrast, high-contrast themes, or enhanced color displays under Settings > Accessibility > Visibility enhancements. Availability, scope, and labels depend on the device.

Version: Windows 10/11

Open Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes. Select a contrast theme, such as Aquatic, Desert, Dusk, or Night sky, and click Apply.

Optionally, you can select Edit to customize colors for text, backgrounds, and highlights.

Note: Contrast themes apply system-wide and can significantly change the appearance of apps and websites.

Version: macOS Ventura/Sonoma

macOS does not include a true High Contrast Mode. Open System Settings > Accessibility > Display. Enable Increase contrast and Reduce transparency to achieve a more contrast-enhanced appearance. Note: This is only an approximation of high contrast mode.

Often mentioned in relation to the following conditions:

Low Contrast Sensitivity – Reduced ability to distinguish text or icons when contrast is low.
Color Vision Weakness – Difficulty distinguishing certain colors, often red–green or blue–yellow.
Age-related Vision Changes – Reduced sharpness, color distinction and tolerance for small text.
Presbyopia – Age-related difficulty focusing on small or close text.
Photosensitivity – Sensitivity to bright light, screen glare, or high-contrast elements.

Commonly used for the following difficulties:

Low Contrast Tolerance

Low contrast text or icons can be difficult to recognize. High-contrast modes or bold text improve visibility.

Visual Overload

Users experiencing visual overload are quickly overwhelmed by dense layouts, flashing elements, or competing visual information. Simplified displays can reduce stress.

Difficulty Recognizing Icons or Symbols

Users may struggle to interpret abstract icons. Clearer labels, bold text and simplified mode improve understanding.

Other settings frequently used together

Increase Contrast

Also commonly used for 3 of the difficulties listed above.

Adjust Cursor Size

Also commonly used for 2 of the difficulties listed above.

Color Filters

Also commonly used for 2 of the difficulties listed above.

Invert Colors

Also commonly used for 2 of the difficulties listed above.

Reduce Transparency & Blur

Also commonly used for 2 of the difficulties listed above.