Is your parent or grandparent struggling with decreasing vision? Help them out with some tools that are built into their Apple or Android phones or tablets! Here are some smartphone tricks for seniors:

For iPhone/iPad

Increase the size of text messages:

Are they having trouble reading text messages on their device?
Change the font size of text messages and text in most other apps

  • To enable: Settings>Display & Brightness>Text size, move the sliding dot to the desired size). Font size will adjust throughout the device, including in Settings!

Increase the size of items on their phone or tablet:

Not able to see details in a photo or read small text on their phone?
Use the Zoom feature to enlarge parts of the screen of an iPad or the whole screen of an iPhone.

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Zoom, on
  • To turn on/off: Quickly turn it on and off by double tapping the screen with three fingers
  • To use: Drag three fingers across the zoomed in area to move around the screen

Magnify items around you:

Have trouble reading ingredients on food packages, a menu at a restaurant, or their daily newspaper or mail?
The magnifier allows you to increase the size of anything around you, and you can take a magnified photo to get a better view.

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Magnifier, on
  • To turn on: Magnifying glass icon will show up in the Control Center (swipe down from the upper right hand corner) OR can be turned on with a “Triple Click” of the home button.
  • To use: Take a “picture” of the item, and adjust the brightness/contrast/color of the image to increase its read-ability!

Hear your phone or tablet read webpages or texts:

Straining their eyes reading long passages on their phone or tablet?
Have their phone or tablet read texts, emails or web pages out loud!

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Spoken Content>Speak Selection, on
  • To use: Hold down on text to highlight it, as if you were going to copy it, then press “Speak” to hear it read out loud.

 

For Android

Increase the size of text messages:

Having trouble reading text messages on your device?   

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Font Size, move the sliding dot to the desired size), font size will adjust throughout your device, including in Settings!

Increase the size of items on your phone or tablet:

Not able to see details in a photo or read small text on their phone?
Use the Zoom feature to enlarge your Android screen

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Magnification>Magnify with Triple Tap>Use Service
  • To turn on/off: Quickly turn it on and off by triple tapping the screen with one finger
  • To use: Drag two or more fingers across the screen to scroll around the screen, use two fingers to pinch to adjust size of zoom.

Increase the size of items on your phone or tablet:

Not able to see details in a photo or read small text on their phone?
Use the Zoom feature to enlarge your Android screen

  • To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Magnification>Magnify with Triple Tap>Use Service
  • To turn on/off: Quickly turn it on and off by triple tapping the screen with one finger
  • To use: Drag two or more fingers across the screen to scroll around the screen, use two fingers to pinch to adjust size of zoom.

Hear your tablet read webpages or texts:

Straining their eyes reading long passages on their phone?
Have their phone read texts, emails or web pages out loud! 

  •  To enable: Settings>Accessibility>Select to Speak>Use service
  • To turn on/off: Click the “Accessibility” image of a person in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, an on-screen button will appear with “Play” and “Stop” options.
  • To use: Drag a box around the text you would like to hear, or press play to hear the entire screen.

 

Home Care Angels provides assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, eating and personal care, from home service aides. Please call 847.824.5221 or email to speak with one of our Client Care Coordinators if you would like more information on in-home care.