Tech Tip - Turn Your Phone Into a Handy Magnifying Glass

Did you know your phone can double up as a magnifying glass? If you don’t have your glasses to hand, this built-in feature lets you zoom in on labels, menus or instructions using your phone’s camera, perfect when you’re out and about.

How To Use It On iPhone:

– Open the Settings app.
– Tap 'Accessibility', then select 'Magnifier'.
– Toggle it on — this adds the Magnifier app to your device.
– You can now open it from the Home Screen, App Library, or Control Centre.
– Or, go to 'Accessibility Shortcut', select 'Magnifier', and triple-click the side button (or Home button) to activate it.
– Use the on-screen slider to zoom in, turn on the torch for better lighting, or take a freeze-frame if the image is shaky.

How To Use It On Android:

Most Android phones don’t have a built-in magnifier app, but there are plenty of free camera-based magnifier apps available.

– Open the Google Play Store.
– Search for “Magnifying Glass” or “Magnifier + Flashlight”.
– Choose a well-reviewed app.
– Once installed, open the app and point your camera at the text or object.
– Use the zoom slider and built-in light to make things clearer. Some apps also let you freeze the image for a closer look.

Whether you're reading tiny ingredients on packaging or checking small print on a form, this is one of the quickest ways to turn your phone into a real-world accessibility tool - no internet required.