How to Use Your Phone's Magnifier Accessibility Feature

Tap a platform to see how to turn it on.

iPhone

Turn on Magnifier in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, then triple-click the side button (or Home button) to instantly launch your camera as a magnifying glass.

Android

Turn on Magnifier (sometimes listed as Magnification) in Settings > Accessibility, then use your camera to zoom in on small text or objects around you.

Why It's Useful

Reading fine print on a medicine label, a receipt, or a street sign is much easier when you zoom in with your phone instead of carrying around a separate magnifying glass.

Adjust Brightness and Color Filters

Inside the magnifier screen, you can adjust brightness, contrast, and color filters to make what you're reading even clearer.

See Small Text Clearly Without a Physical Magnifying Glass

Magnifier started out as an accessibility feature for people with low vision, but it's genuinely useful for anyone who needs to read tiny print on a label, a menu in dim lighting, or a warranty card. It uses your existing camera, so there's nothing extra to carry.

Freeze the Frame for a Steadier View

Most versions of the magnifier let you lock or freeze the image once you've zoomed in, so you can hold your phone still, zoom in further, or read at your own pace without the picture shifting around as your hand moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a photo while using the magnifier?

Yes, most magnifier features include a capture button so you can save the zoomed-in view as a regular photo for later.

How is the magnifier different from a normal camera app?

The magnifier is built specifically for reading: it offers a locked focus, adjustable brightness and contrast, and color filters that a standard camera app doesn't.