Make the Text Bigger Without Changing the Screen

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You do not need to squint at a screen simply because a website or document uses tiny text. Most phones, tablets, and computers have built-in settings that can make words easier to read without replacing the device.

On a phone or tablet, look through the display or accessibility settings for options relating to text size, font size, or display scaling. Increasing the text slightly can make a surprising difference, particularly when reading messages, emails, or websites for several minutes at a time.

You can also look for bold-text or contrast settings if your device offers them. These can make text easier to distinguish without making everything on the screen dramatically larger.

Computers have similar options. Display scaling can increase the size of menus, icons, and text across the system, while browser settings can make websites easier to read. Many browsers also allow you to temporarily zoom in on a particular webpage.

If you use a particular website regularly and its text is especially small, check whether the browser remembers your preferred zoom level. You may be able to increase the size for that site without changing every other page you visit.

Do not overlook your mouse or trackpad, either. A larger pointer or stronger pointer contrast can make it easier to see where you are clicking, especially on a busy screen.

The same applies to your television. Many modern TVs have accessibility options that can increase subtitle size, improve contrast, or make menus easier to navigate.

There is no prize for keeping everything at the manufacturer’s default settings. Those settings are designed to work for a wide range of people, not necessarily to suit your eyesight, preferences or viewing distance.

If you find yourself leaning towards the screen, increasing the text size is one of the simplest adjustments you can make. Try a small change first rather than making everything enormous. You can always adjust it again until it feels comfortable.

Technology should adapt to the person using it. A few minutes exploring the display settings can make your phone, tablet, or computer considerably easier on the eyes without spending a cent.