Core77

How to (Quickly) Use Your iPhone as a Super Magnifying Glass

WHY DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SOONER

By Rain Noe - November 1, 2019

in Tech

(Thumbnail/Title image credit: TapSmart)

I hardly ever use my iPhone as a phone anymore. But as my eyesight deteriorates, I use it all the time to photograph small-print labels, then pinch and zoom on the photo so I can actually read the text.

Well, what a dope I am. Core77 reader Ross Oliver learned of my plight and wrote in: "iPhones have a built-in magnifier, no need to snap and pinch. Works even if the phone is locked. I find it particularly useful for reading the infinitesimal serial numbers on servers in the data center. Some Android phones have this built-in also, others you need a magnifier app."

Image credit: TapSmart

9to5 Mac has visual instructions for how to set it up. (In a nutshell it's Settings --> General --> Accessibility --> Magnifier.) Now all I have to do is click the home button three times--that's side button on an iPhone X or later--and voila, I can read whatever I need to. You can even increase the zoom, change the colors for better contrast, and snap a photo if you need it.

Image credit: 9to5 Mac

Thanks Ross!

o

Favorite This
Q
2

Comment

Comments

Paul Elia

5 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Thanks Rain...shared it with friends

!Report as spam
Juan Cano

5 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Wow!!! This is great! And if you are in your Settings, you an just search "Magnifier" and find it right away. Works like a charm!

!Report as spam