Where to find the font size settings
Font size on iPhone lives in Settings under Accessibility, not in a general Display menu. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then scroll down and tap Display & Text Size. You will see a slider labeled Text Size at the top of that screen. Drag it left to make text smaller or right to make it larger.
This slider affects text in Mail, Messages, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, and most built-in apps. It does not change the size of text in web browsers or in apps that set their own font sizes — those apps control their own text independently.
Key Takeaways
- Font size settings are in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, not in the main Display settings.
- The Text Size slider changes text in Apple's built-in apps like Mail and Messages, but not in third-party apps or web browsers.
- Larger Accessibility Sizes go beyond the standard slider and require turning on a separate toggle called Larger Accessibility Sizes.
- Individual apps like Safari and Notes may have their own font size controls that override the system setting.
Using the standard text size slider
The Text Size slider in Display & Text Size has seven positions, from smallest to largest. The middle position is the default. Move the slider and you will see a preview of how the text will look — the word "Sample" appears above the slider in the size you have chosen.
After you adjust the slider, tap the back arrow or swipe back to return to the Accessibility menu. The change takes effect immediately in most apps. If an app does not respond, close it completely and reopen it.
Turning on Larger Accessibility Sizes for maximum text
If the standard slider does not go large enough, you can enable even larger text sizes. In the same Display & Text Size screen, scroll down and toggle on Larger Accessibility Sizes. This unlocks five additional, much larger size options above what the standard slider offers.
Once you turn on Larger Accessibility Sizes, the Text Size slider will expand to show all twelve size options instead of seven. The largest sizes can make text fill most of the screen. This setting also affects system text like menu labels and buttons throughout iOS.
Changing font size in specific apps
Some apps ignore the system font size setting and have their own controls. Safari, for example, has a text size button in its menu — tap the "aA" icon at the top right of the browser, then tap the larger or smaller "A" to adjust text on web pages. Notes has a similar control in its formatting menu.
If you change the system font size but an app's text does not change, look for a text size or font menu within that app itself. Third-party apps like Kindle, Medium, or news readers almost always have their own font controls that you must adjust separately.
What changes and what does not
The system Text Size slider affects labels, menus, and body text in Apple's built-in apps. It also changes the size of notifications, lock screen text, and some system alerts. However, it does not affect the size of app icons, the keyboard, or the status bar at the top of the screen.
Web pages in Safari will not resize unless you use Safari's own text size control. Apps downloaded from the App Store may or may not respond to the system setting — it depends on how the developer built the app. If you need larger text everywhere, Larger Accessibility Sizes is more effective than the standard slider because it affects system-wide elements like buttons and menu text.
Reverting to default font size
To return to the default font size, go back to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and move the Text Size slider to the middle position. If you turned on Larger Accessibility Sizes, you can toggle it off to return to the standard seven-size range.
There is no "reset all" button — you must manually move the slider back. The default middle position is designed to be readable for most people without magnification or other accessibility features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing font size affect all my apps?
No. The system font size slider only affects Apple's built-in apps and some third-party apps that follow Apple's design guidelines. Many popular apps like social media, email clients, and news readers have their own font controls that override the system setting. Check each app's settings or menu if the text does not resize.
Can I make the font size different on my lock screen?
The lock screen text size is controlled by the same system slider — you cannot adjust it separately. If you want larger text on your lock screen, increase the system Text Size or turn on Larger Accessibility Sizes, and the lock screen will change along with everything else.
What is the difference between Text Size and Larger Accessibility Sizes?
Text Size is a standard slider with seven sizes meant for everyday use. Larger Accessibility Sizes adds five additional, much larger sizes and also enlarges system elements like buttons and menu labels. Use Larger Accessibility Sizes if the standard slider does not provide enough magnification.
Why did my font size change back after I restarted my phone?
This usually means the change did not save properly. Go back to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, adjust the slider again, and wait a few seconds before leaving the screen. If it keeps reverting, restart your iPhone and try again. Persistent issues may require updating iOS.
Can I change font size just for text messages?
The Messages app uses the system Text Size slider, so changing it will affect all your messages. You cannot adjust Messages separately from other apps. If you want larger text only in Messages, you must increase the system-wide font size.