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Feature names, menu locations and availability can change with the phone model, operating-system version, manufacturer, language and region. Readers should search their device’s Settings menu when the listed path is not available.
Smartphones contain dozens of accessibility settings, but many remain hidden inside menus most people rarely explore. These tools can make it easier to read, hear, communicate, concentrate and control a device. Some may also be helpful when a disability is temporary, when someone is recovering from an injury or when environmental conditions make a phone harder to use.
The following list was independently written and verified using current Apple and Google documentation.
1. Make text easier to read or hear
iPhone: Accessibility Reader presents text in a customizable full-screen view. Users can change the font, layout and background colour or have the text read aloud. It can work with text in any app and with text captured through Magnifier.
Android: Reading mode can simplify supported articles and other long-form content, adjust the typeface, font size, colour and contrast, and read the content aloud. It is available as a free download for phones running Android 9 or later.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Read & Speak.
On Android, search for Reading mode in Google Play or Accessibility settings.
2. Caption audio as it plays
Live Caption creates on-screen text for speech in videos, podcasts, audio messages and other supported media. Depending on the device, operating system and region, captions may also be available during calls and FaceTime conversations.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility →Live Captions.
On Android, search Settings for Live Caption. Availability varies by device, language and region.
3. Transcribe an in-person conversation
Android’s Live Transcribe captures nearby speech and displays it as text in real time. It can be helpful during conversations, appointments, presentations and other situations where spoken communication may be difficult to hear or follow.
Live Captions on supported iPhones can also transcribe speech during conversations taking place nearby.
Where to look:
On iPhone, use Live Captions.
On Android, open Live Transcribe through Accessibility settings or download it from Google Play.
4. Receive alerts about sounds around you
An iPhone can recognize selected sounds such as a doorbell, siren or appliance alarm and send a notification. Newer versions also include Name Recognition, which can notify the user when the phone detects that someone has called their name.
Android’s Sound Notifications can identify certain environmental sounds, including smoke alarms, doorbells and a baby crying.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Sound & Name Recognition or search Settings for Sound Recognition.
On Android, search Accessibility settings for Sound Notifications. These tools should not replace alarms, emergency systems or other safety devices.
5. Control the entire phone by voice
Voice control goes much further than ordinary dictation. Apple’s Voice Control and Google’s Voice Access allow users to open apps, navigate menus, tap labelled items, scroll and edit text using spoken commands.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control.
On Android, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access. Voice Access may need to be downloaded on some phones.
6. Create a personalized vocal command
Vocal Shortcuts lets an iPhone user choose a word, phrase or other vocal sound and assign an action to it. The phone learns the user’s chosen utterance instead of requiring a standard command. Apple says the audio used by this feature is processed on the device.
Where to look: Go to Settings → Accessibility → Vocal Shortcuts.
7. Type something and have the phone say it
Live Speech allows an iPhone user to type a message and have it spoken aloud during an in-person conversation or FaceTime call. Frequently used phrases can be saved for quicker access. Users can select a system voice or, where available, a Personal Voice they have created.
Where to look: Go to Settings → Accessibility → Live Speech. Language availability varies.
8. Control the screen with eye movements or facial gestures
On supported iPhones, Eye Tracking uses the front-facing camera to follow the user’s gaze. Holding the gaze on an item can select it through dwell control.
Android’s Camera Switches allows users to assign actions to facial gestures, such as looking left or right, smiling or raising their eyebrows. The phone should be securely positioned with the user’s face clearly visible.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Eye Tracking.
On Android, look under Accessibility → Switch Access → Camera Switches.
9. Use the camera to read and identify what is nearby
The iPhone Magnifier app can enlarge objects and text. On supported models, its detection tools can read nearby text aloud and provide information about doors, people, furniture and other surroundings.
Google’s Lookout app uses an Android phone’s camera and sensors to recognize text and objects and provide spoken information. Lookout is designed for people who are blind or have low vision and requires Android 6 or later.
Where to look:
Open Magnifier on iPhone
Google Play – download Lookout – Assisted Vision. Some detection functions depend on the phone model and language.
10. Turn the phone into a remote listening tool
Live Listen sends sound picked up by an iPhone’s microphone to compatible AirPods, Beats products or Made for iPhone hearing devices. The phone can be placed closer to the person speaking while the user listens through the connected device.
Android’s Sound Amplifier can filter, amplify and adjust sounds from the phone or surrounding environment through wired or Bluetooth headphones. Availability and functions vary by phone.
Where to look: Add Hearing to the iPhone Control Centre
Android – Search for Accessibility settings for Sound Amplifier.
11. Replace an audible alert with a visual one
A phone’s camera light, screen or both can flash when a notification arrives. This can help someone who cannot hear an alert or who is in a noisy environment.
Where to look: On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Flash for Alerts.
On supported Android devices, search Accessibility settings for Flash notifications. Android availability depends on the operating-system version and manufacturer.
12. Tap the back of an iPhone to perform an action
Back Tap turns the back of a supported iPhone into an additional control. A double or triple tap can take a screenshot, open an accessibility feature, run a shortcut or perform another assigned action.
Where to look:
Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
13. Change how the touchscreen responds
Touch Accommodations on iPhone can change how long the screen must be touched before it responds, ignore repeated touches and determine whether the initial or final touch location is registered. These adjustments may help people with tremors, limited dexterity or fine-motor difficulties.
Android users can adjust the Touch & hold delay and, on supported devices, the amount of time temporary messages remain visible.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Touch Accommodations.
On Android, search Accessibility settings for Touch & hold delay or Time to take action.
14. Reduce motion, flashing and visual intensity
iPhone users can reduce interface motion and automatically dim video content containing flashing or strobing lights. Android offers tools such as Remove animations and, on supported phones, Extra dim, which lowers the screen brightness beyond its usual minimum.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Motion and Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
On Android, search Accessibility settings for Remove animations or Extra dim.
15. Simplify access to essential functions
Assistive Access gives an iPhone a simplified interface with larger controls and a smaller selection of apps. It can be configured around the needs of a person with a cognitive disability.
Android’s Accessibility Menu provides a large on-screen menu for common controls such as volume, brightness, notifications, screenshots and device navigation.
Where to look:
On iPhone, go to Settings → Accessibility → Assistive Access.
On Android, look for Accessibility Menu.
16. Reduce discomfort while travelling in a vehicle
Vehicle Motion Cues displays animated dots along the edges of an iPhone screen. The dots reflect the movement of an on-road vehicle and may help reduce motion sickness while a passenger is using the phone.
Where to look:
Go to Settings →Accessibility → Motion → Vehicle Motion Cues or add the control to Control Centre. This feature is intended for passengers and should not be used while driving.
A useful shortcut to set up first
Frequently used accessibility features do not have to remain buried in Settings.
On iPhone, users can choose features under Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut and then triple-click the side or Home button.
Android offers accessibility buttons, volume-key shortcuts, gestures and Quick Settings tiles, depending on the feature and device.