The quickest way to change text size depends on what you're using
Most devices let you enlarge text in two places: the operating system itself (which affects everything), or individual apps (which affects only that program). The operating system route is faster if you want bigger text everywhere. The app route works better if you only need larger text in one place — like your email or web browser — and want to keep everything else the same size.
On phones and tablets, the system-wide setting usually lives in Accessibility. On computers, it's often called Display or Zoom. We'll walk through each device type below so you can find the exact steps for what you're using.
Key Takeaways
- Most phones and tablets have a system-wide text size setting in the Accessibility menu that makes text larger everywhere at once.
- Web browsers let you zoom in on just the page you're reading without changing your system settings, using Ctrl+Plus on Windows or Command+Plus on Mac.
- Individual apps often have their own text size controls separate from your system settings, found in the app's Settings or Preferences menu.
- If you change the system text size and some apps look broken, you can usually revert to the original size and adjust individual apps instead.
Changing text size on an iPhone or iPad
Open Settings, then tap Accessibility. Scroll down and tap Display & Text Size. You'll see a slider labeled Larger Accessibility Sizes — drag it to the right to make text bigger. This affects most built-in apps and many third-party apps, though not all apps respect this setting.
If you want even larger text, tap Larger Accessibility Sizes again and toggle on Larger Accessibility Sizes at the top of the screen. This unlocks even bigger sizes, but some apps may display oddly at these extreme sizes.
For web pages specifically, open Safari, tap the address bar, then tap the "aA" icon on the right side of the address bar. Tap the larger "A" to increase text size on just that page.
Changing text size on an Android phone or tablet
Open Settings and search for "font size" or "text size" — the exact name varies by manufacturer. On Samsung devices, go to Settings > Display > Font Size and Style. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display > Font Size. Drag the slider to increase the size.
If the search doesn't work, open Settings, tap Accessibility, then look for Display or Font Size. Most Android devices put this setting somewhere in Accessibility, though the exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer.
For web pages in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu at the bottom right, then tap Settings. Tap Accessibility and use the Font Size slider. This only affects pages in Chrome, not your system-wide text.
Changing text size on Windows
Right-click on your desktop and select Display Settings. Scroll down to Scale and Layout. Under Text Size, drag the slider to the right — most people find 100% to 125% readable without breaking app layouts. Click Apply.
If you only want to enlarge text in one program, open that program and press Ctrl and the Plus key together (Ctrl+Plus) to zoom in. Press Ctrl and Minus to zoom back out. This works in most browsers and many other programs.
Some older programs may not respect the system text size setting and will stay at their original size. If that happens, try the Ctrl+Plus method instead, or check the program's own Settings menu for a text size option.
Changing text size on a Mac
Click the Apple menu, then System Settings. Click Accessibility on the left sidebar. Click Display. Under Text Size, drag the slider to the right. This affects system menus and many apps, though not all programs respect this setting.
For web pages in Safari, press Command and the Plus key together (Command+Plus) to zoom in. Press Command and Minus to zoom back out. This works in most browsers and many other programs.
If you want to enlarge text in a specific app, open that app and check its Preferences or Settings menu — many programs have their own font size controls separate from the system setting.
Changing text size in specific apps and websites
Most email programs, messaging apps, and news readers have their own text size controls. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences, and search for "font size" or "text size." Common locations include a gear icon, a three-dot menu, or a menu bar at the top of the screen.
For websites, your browser's zoom feature usually works best. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, press Ctrl+Plus (Windows) or Command+Plus (Mac) to enlarge the page. The zoom level stays the same for that website the next time you visit it.
If an app's text is still too small after you've changed the system setting, try opening the app's settings and looking for Accessibility, Display, or Font Size options within that app itself.
What to do if text size changes break your apps
Some older apps don't handle large system text sizes well — buttons may disappear, text may overlap, or the app may crash. If this happens, revert your system text size to 100% and instead enlarge text in individual apps using their own settings, or use your browser's zoom feature for websites.
If you've changed the system text size and an app looks broken, the app itself may need an update from its developer. Check your device's app store to see if an update is available. If no update exists, the app may not support large text sizes, and you'll need to use the individual app settings or zoom method instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing text size affect my battery life?
No. Text size is purely a display setting and does not use more or less battery power. Your device's battery life depends on screen brightness, how often you use it, and what programs are running — not on the size of the text.
Can I change text size for just one app without changing everything else?
Yes. Most apps have their own text size settings in their Preferences or Settings menu. You can also use your browser's zoom feature (Ctrl+Plus or Command+Plus) to enlarge just the page you're reading without changing your system settings.
What if I change the system text size and some apps look broken?
Revert the system text size back to 100% and instead adjust individual apps using their own settings. Some older apps don't handle large system text sizes well, so using the app's built-in controls usually works better.
Does changing text size work the same way on all phones?
The basic idea is the same, but the exact steps vary. iPhones use the Accessibility menu, most Android phones do too, but the path differs by manufacturer. If you can't find the setting, search your device's Settings app for "font size" or "text size."
Can I make text bigger in my web browser without changing my phone's system settings?
Yes. In Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, look for the zoom controls — usually an "aA" icon or a menu option. You can also pinch the screen with two fingers and drag outward to zoom in on most browsers.