Open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Turn on Increase Contrast. Text, icons, and interface elements are displayed with clearer visual separation.
Increase Contrast
Enhances visual contrast so interface elements become easier to distinguish.
What does this setting do?
“Increase Contrast” strengthens the separation between foreground and background elements. This makes text, icons and UI components easier to perceive, especially when colors or borders are faint. The feature exists fully on iOS. macOS and some Android devices offer similar adjustments that approximate the effect. Note: Windows does not include an “Increase Contrast” feature, only a separate High Contrast Mode.
Instructions for different systems
In the Google standard version of Android, there is no system-wide option to increase overall system contrast.
Note: Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, provide additional options like Increase contrast or high-contrast themes under Settings > Accessibility > Visibility enhancements. Availability and labels depend on the device.
Für dieses Betriebssystem ist keine Anleitung verfügbar.
macOS does not provide a dedicated “Increase Contrast” mode. Open System Settings > Accessibility > Display. Enable: – Increase contrast – Reduce transparency These settings increase overall UI contrast but are not identical to iOS.
Often mentioned in relation to the following conditions:
- Low Contrast Sensitivity – Reduced ability to distinguish text or icons when contrast is low.
- Photosensitivity – Sensitivity to bright light, screen glare, or high-contrast elements.
- 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.
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
Relation to WCAG guidelines
For setting to be effective, a website or app often must be technically implemented in such a way that it respects operating system and browser settings.
Developers and designers should follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The following WCAG criteria are particularly relevant for this setting:
1.4.31.4.61.4.11