Change the Font Size of Messages on the iPhone to be More Readable

The default font size for messages and texts on the iPhone is fairly small, and while it may look fine to many users, it’s simply too tiny to be easily readable for others. iOS makes it easy to change the text size though, offering a wide range of options that are suitable for just about everyones visual preferences. We’re emphasizing the iPhone here, but this setting and adjustment is also available to iPod touch and iPad users.

Adjusting the Messages text size in iOS is done as follows

• Open Settings and go to “General”
• Tap on “Accessibility” and then choose “Large Text”
• Select the desired font size from this menu: OFF is the default, 20pt, 24pt, 32pt, 40pt, 48pt, and 56pt

The preview text alongside each option gives you a general idea of how things will look, but it’s really best to make a settings adjustment, then flip over to the Messages app and see how things look directly.

Something to keep in mind is that not only does the size of text increase in the message body, but also in the individual message browser screen, and even the text-input box when entering or sending texts and imessages:

Changing message text size in iOS 7 is handled slightly differently, where it isn’t labeled the same way as before but it does end up providing for more precise control of the resulting increase:

• Go to Settings, then go to General and “Text Size”
• Adjust the slider to accommodate your desired text size preference

With both iOS 6 and iOS 7, increasing the font size setting here expands beyond Messages content, and it also boosts the text size in Mail app for email body and subjects, Calendars, Contacts, and Notes too. The result is a much more readable experience in places where it matters most, and if you ever find yourself squinting to read the small on screen words, just take a moment to increase the sizes here, it can make a big difference in usability.

I have fairly decent eyesight and I find myself most comfortable with the 20pt font size setting on the iPhone, and for older folks and those with visual difficulties, I always opt for 24pt, 30pt, or higher. You will find that once you start approaching the 48pt and 56pt text sizes, on screen elements and reading gets very cramped on the iPhone and iPod touch screen, but the larger sizes look just fine on the iPad which just has more screen real estate to work with.

By the way, if you also use Messages on the Mac too, you may wish to boost the text size there as well so that all messages are more legible, regardless of the platform you are reading them on.