How to Make Reading on Your Phone Easier: Display Settings and Apps
This article covers ways to improve the reading experience on a smartphone by adjusting display settings, using browser reading modes, and installing dedicated reading apps.
While modern phone screens are bigger, sharper, and brighter than ever, they aren't always ideal for extended reading sessions. However, tweaking a few settings can reduce eye strain and make reading more comfortable.
Adjust Display Settings
Both Android and iOS allow you to change font size and style. On Android (e.g., Pixel phones), go to Settings > Display and size > Text size to adjust the default font size and make text bolder. A dark theme option is also available. On iOS, open Display & Brightness to find a text size slider and a bold text toggle, as well as a dark mode. Both platforms include a night reading mode that reduces blue light and warms the screen. On Android Pixel, it's called Night Light; on iOS, Night Shift. These can be enabled manually or on a schedule.
Use Browser Reading Mode
Most reading on phones happens in web browsers, and modern browsers offer a reading mode that reduces clutter and simplifies colors. In Chrome for Android, tap the three dots, then Show Reading mode. Swipe up on the bottom panel to change font and color options. In Safari on iOS, look for the reading mode icon (a small rectangle over two lines) to the left of the address bar on compatible articles. Tap it, then Show Reader to enable, and tap again to configure settings. Third-party browsers like Firefox also have a reader view icon (a printed page) in the address bar for compatible pages.
Install a Dedicated Reading App
Another option is a read-it-later app like Instapaper (available for Android and iOS). It lets you import and sync articles from various devices. To add an article, use the share option in your browser and select Instapaper. You can also add links via the app's menu button and the plus icon. Opening an article provides a clean, distraction-free interface. Tap the Aa icon in the top right to change page color, font size, font style, and pagination. Instapaper is free, but a $3/month premium subscription adds features like advanced article search, unlimited notes, and text-to-speech.
