iPad: Accessibility settings
Make your iPad easier and more comfortable to use with accessibility settings.
Learn how to use some of the accessibility features on your iPad, including how to make text easier to read, how to use the magnifier feature, and how to make the iPad convert what you say into text.
Before you begin
The demonstrations in this course use an iPad without a physical Home button. If your tablet is different, some of the steps might vary a little, but you can still follow along.
Before you start, make sure the iPad is switched on, and fully charged. Your operating software should also be up to date.
How to make text larger
To make text larger and easier to read, first open the Settings app and then from the menu on the left tap Accessibility:
- Some options will appear on the right of the screen. It’s worth exploring this list to see which other accessibility options could make your life easier.
- Tap Display & Text Size to see options for how text appears in menus, emails, and messages.
- Tap on Larger Text and drag the slider to the right to increase the size of the text, and to the left to decrease it.
- For even larger text, tap Larger Accessibility Sizes to turn the switch green, then move the slider further to the right to make text even larger.
- The Display & Text Size menu also includes a Bold Text setting. Tap this to make all text darker and thicker, which may improve legibility.
How to use the Magnifier
The Magnifier uses the camera on the back of the iPad to help you see things up close. To access it easily, you can add it to your iPad’s Control Centre.
- In the Settings app, find Control Centre.
- A list of options appears. Scroll down the list to find Magnifier.
- Tap the green plus symbol to add the Magnifier to the Control Centre.
- Swipe down from the top right of the screen to show the Control Centre.
- The Magnifier icon looks like a magnifying glass. Tap the icon to open the Magnifier.
- The Camera app opens and shows a live view of what the camera sees.
- Drag your finger right along the slider to zoom in and drag left to zoom out.
How to use Dictation
Dictation helps you create messages and notes without having to type on the keyboard. Instead, you speak into your iPad and Dictation converts your speech into text.
Dictation works in any app where you can see the microphone button on the keyboard. You can use it creating emails, messages or notes, reminders or calendar appointments, and searching the internet. For the best dictation results, speak slowly and clearly.