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7 Accessibility Features on Your Smartphone: Tools You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be)

Smartphones today are packed with powerful accessibility features—many of which go unnoticed unless you actively seek them out. These 7 accessibility features available on both iOS (iPhone) and Android devices make life more accessible.

A modern smartphone on a desk, screen displaying accessibility settings such as screen reader, voice control, text size adjustment, and sound recognition icons. The background shows a clean workspace with soft lighting. A group of people in the background—one using a phone with voice command, another adjusting text size, and a third using captions for a video. The mood is inclusive, tech-savvy, and practical. | © Microsoft Designer

Phone accessibility features (Microsoft Designer)

Smartphones today are packed with powerful accessibility features—many of which go unnoticed unless you actively seek them out. Whether you have a disability or just want a more comfortable and customized phone experience, these tools are designed to make everyday use easier, faster, and more inclusive.

Here are the most useful accessibility features available on both iOS (iPhone) and Android devices, and how you can start using them.

  • 1

    VoiceOver (iPhone) / TalkBack (Android)

    These are screen readers that read out loud everything on your screen.

    • What it does: Speaks text and elements as you navigate—useful for users who are visually impaired or have low-vision.
    • How to turn it on:
      • iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver
      • Android: Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack

    These tools use gestures (like swiping or tapping) to control the phone without needing to see the screen.

  • 2

    Magnifier and Zoom Features

    Need to see things in large sizes? Both Android and iPhone let you enlarge content system-wide.

    • iPhone:
      • Zoom: Pinch to zoom or enable full screen zoom in Settings > Accessibility > Zoom
      • Magnifier: A digital magnifying glass using your camera (Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier)
    • Android:
      • Magnification: Tap Settings > Accessibility > Magnification to zoom in temporarily by triple-tapping the screen or using gestures.
  • 3

    Voice Control and Assistant Shortcuts

    Voice Control and Assistant Shortcuts

    Hands-free control is not just cool—it’s crucial for many users. This enables you to use your voice or shortcuts to control your phone.

    • iPhone:
      • Voice Control: Navigate your phone entirely by voice (Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control)
      • Siri: Set up voice commands and automations.
    • Android:
      • Google Assistant: "Hey Google" can launch apps, read messages, and control settings.
      • Voice Access: Lets you tap, scroll, and type using voice.
  • 4

     Sound Recognition and Hearing Assistance

    Smartphones can help those who are deaf or hard of hearing in surprisingly smart ways.

    • Sound Recognition (iOS): Your phone listens for sounds like alarms and notifies you.
      • Enable in: Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition
    • Live Transcribe (Android): Real-time speech-to-text for conversations and videos.
    • Hearing Aid Support: Both iOS and Android offer Bluetooth support for hearing aids with settings for audio balance, mono audio, and custom sound profiles.
  • 5

    Touch and Motor Assistance

    These features are great for users with limited dexterity or motor challenges.

    • AssistiveTouch (iPhone): A floating menu lets you control your phone with single taps instead of gestures.
      • Turn it on: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
    • Switch Access (Android): Lets you use external devices (like switches or keyboards) to interact with your phone.
    • Back Tap (iPhone): Double- or triple-tap the back of the phone to trigger actions like screenshots or launching apps.
  • 6

    Cognitive and Focus Tools

    These are helpful for users with ADHD, learning differences or are autistic or just anyone who needs less noise.

    • Focus Modes (Both): Customize which apps and notifications are allowed at certain times or locations.
    • Guided Access (iPhone): Lock your phone to a single app—useful for focused work or letting someone use your phone without access to everything.
    • Reading Mode / Reader View: Simplifies web pages for easier reading (built into Safari, Chrome, and Android’s Reading Mode app).
  • 7

    Visual Adjustments and Display Settings

    Good for users with low vision, colour blindness, or eye strain.

    • Color Filters / Inversion: Adjust colours for better visibility.
    • Dark Mode: Reduces glare and saves battery.
    • Bold Text / Larger Text: Easier to read, available in Settings > Accessibility on both systems.
    • Reduce Motion: Cuts down on animations that may cause dizziness or distraction.

     

    Getting Started: Where to Find These Settings

    • iPhone: Settings > Accessibility
    • Android: Settings > Accessibility (location may vary slightly by brand)

    Once there, you can enable features, adjust preferences, and even create shortcuts to toggle them on/off quickly.

Accessibility features aren’t just for people with disabilities—they’re for anyone who wants a better, more personalized smartphone experience. Whether you want your phone to talk to you, simplify your screen, or work entirely hands-free, the tools are already in your pocket. All you have to do is to turn them on.

Article by: Maryanne Emomeri

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