Large-text phone setup for a parent with low vision (iPhone and Android)
A checklist to make text bigger, screens easier to see, and the phone easier to use for a parent with macular degeneration or other low vision.
You don't need a special phone to help a parent who has trouble seeing the screen. Both iPhone and Android have built-in settings for bigger text, zoom and stronger contrast. Menu names change between software versions, so follow the official guides if a step looks different.
iPhone checklist
- Bigger text: Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Larger Text. Turn on Larger Accessibility Sizes and drag the slider.
- Bold text: on the same screen, turn on Bold Text.
- Stronger contrast: turn on Increase Contrast. Apple's guide: Change display colors and text size.
- Zoom: Settings → Accessibility → Zoom. Apple's guide: Zoom in on the iPhone screen.
- Turn brightness up and consider turning off Auto-Brightness if the screen keeps dimming.
- Try Assistive Access for a much simpler, big-button layout. See our step-by-step setup (the steps are similar on iPhone).
Android checklist
Google's guide: Change text & display settings. Steps differ by phone brand.
- Font size: Settings → Accessibility → Display size and text → Font size.
- Display size: on the same screen, make everything bigger.
- Bold text and high-contrast text if your phone offers them.
- Magnification: Settings → Accessibility → Magnification.
Small things that help a lot
- Fewer apps on the home screen, in the same spots every time.
- A matte screen protector can reduce glare.
- Voice assistants (Siri or Google Assistant) can make calls by name.
- Set ringtones loud and turn on vibration as a backup.
Low vision can change over time. Ask your parent's eye doctor about low-vision services. This page is general tech information, not medical advice.
Last checked: October 20, 2026