Enlarges text on the screen to make it easier to read.
What does this setting do?
Increasing text size helps users who struggle with small or dense text. All major operating systems provide options to enlarge text, though they differ in how the adjustment is applied, from true dynamic text scaling (iOS) to broader display scaling (macOS, Windows, Android). For many people, increasing text size is one of the simplest and most effective accessibility adjustments.
Instructions for different systems
Version:
iOS 15+
Open Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text. Turn on Larger Accessibility Sizes. Move the slider to the right to select the desired text size.
Additionally, you can enable Button Shapes under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size to make tappable text and buttons more visually distinct.
Note: Not all apps fully support very large text sizes.
Version:
varies by device
Open Settings > Display > Display size and text. Increase the Font size. Optionally, you can also increase the Display size to make interface elements larger overall.
Note: Labels and menu paths may vary slightly depending on the device.
Version:
Windows 10/11
Open Settings > Accessibility > Text size. Adjust the text size to make text larger across Windows and supported apps.
You can also scale the entire display (text, apps, and other items) under Settings > System > Display in the Scale & layout section.
Note:Some older applications may not fully support text size adjustments.
Version:
macOS Ventura/Sonoma
Open System Settings > Display. Under “Scaled”, choose a larger text option such as “Larger Text”. Note: macOS increases overall UI scale, not only text.
Often mentioned in relation to the following conditions:
Presbyopia
– Age-related difficulty focusing on small or close text.
Age-related Vision Changes
– Reduced sharpness, color distinction and tolerance for small text.
Dyslexia
– Reading-related difficulties such as slow reading, low letter contrast tolerance, or text processing strain.
NVLD
– Nonverbal learning differences including trouble understanding spatial layout, icons, or visual grouping.
Age-related Cognitive Changes
– Slower processing, reduced working memory, and difficulty with complex navigation.
Chronic Fatigue
– Persistent physical and mental exhaustion with limited energy availability. Attention, processing speed, and resilience are often reduced over extended periods.
Also commonly used for 1 of the difficulties listed above.
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: