There are lots of things you can do to make your smartphone, tablet or computer easier to use.
Our tips can help if you find it hard to hear, see or press the buttons on your device.
Video transcript
Five tips to make your device easier to use
One: Turn on Virtual assistance so they can do tasks for you
Two: turn on closed captions if you can’t hear videos well
Three: use voice to text settings to talk to your device and not type
Four: increase the size of words on your screen
Five: connect hearing aids to your phone using bluetooth
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Helpful free features
Most smartphones, tablets and modern computers have special settings you can turn on to make it easier to hear, see or use.
Check the ‘accessibility’ settings on your device to find what yours can do for free.
Top tip: The settings section is usually shown using a cog or wheel icon.
Easier to see
If you’re finding it hard to read the words on your screen, increase the text size in your accessibility settings.
You can also try changing the colours on your screen. This setting is often called ‘dark mode’ or ‘inverting’ the colours.
Top tip: Some apps and settings can read the words on screen and write messages for you. Look for ‘text to voice’ and ‘voice to text’ settings.
Easier to hear
Use the volume up button on your device to make it easier to hear videos and calls. Some hearing aids use bluetooth to connect directly to your device.
Top tip: Turn on ‘closed captions’ in videos to read what is being said.
Easier to use
Try magnifying your screen or using a special stylus pen if you struggle with small buttons on touchscreens. Turn on virtual assistants like Siri and Google so you can talk to your device instead of pressing buttons.
Top tip: Say “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google” out loud followed by the task you want your virtual assistant to do.
Keep learning
The Be Connected and Good Things Learning websites have free tips on how to use your device.
Our thanks to our Get Online Week 2024 Accessibility Partner Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for their collaboration on these tips.
Use the button below to download and print an A4 version this tipsheet in larger print.