8 iPad Features That Make It Easier to Use Every Day

iPads are popular with older adults for their large screens and intuitive design — here are 8 built-in features that make the experience even better.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Make text larger everywhere on the iPad
2.Use the Reading Focus filter for eye strain
3.Turn on Speak Screen for hands-free reading
4.Use AssistiveTouch if tapping is difficult

Make text larger everywhere on the iPad

~28s

Go to SettingsDisplay & BrightnessText Size. Drag the slider to the right to make text larger in apps that support Dynamic Type. For even more control, go to SettingsAccessibilityDisplay & Text SizeLarger Text — turn this on and drag the slider to the maximum size you find comfortable. This changes text size across Mail, Messages, Calendar, Settings, and most apps. Not all apps support it, but most Apple apps and many third-party apps do.

Use the Reading Focus filter for eye strain

~25s

The iPad can reduce blue light in the evening to help with sleep and eye strain. Go to SettingsDisplay & BrightnessNight Shift. Set it to automatically turn on "From Sunset to Sunrise." This shifts the display to warmer yellow tones in the evening, which reduces the eye fatigue that bright blue-white screens cause in dim rooms. You can adjust how warm the shift is with the Color Temperature slider.

Turn on Speak Screen for hands-free reading

~28s

Your iPad can read any text on the screen out loud. Go to SettingsAccessibilitySpoken ContentSpeak Screen (toggle on). To use it: place two fingers at the top of the screen and swipe down. The iPad reads everything on the screen aloud in order. This works on web articles, emails, iBooks, and most text content. You can control the reading speed and pause/resume with the floating control panel that appears. Great for articles when you want to rest your eyes.

Use AssistiveTouch if tapping is difficult

~40s

If the touchscreen is difficult to use due to arthritis or limited dexterity, AssistiveTouch creates a floating button on the screen that replicates home button, volume buttons, and other controls. Go to SettingsAccessibilityTouchAssistiveTouch (toggle on). A small gray square appears on the screen. Tap it to see a menu of common actions — you can use it to take screenshots, adjust volume, or go home without using the physical buttons. Drag the button to any corner of the screen that is convenient.

Quick Tip

You can also connect a Bluetooth mouse to your iPad through SettingsAccessibilityTouchAssistiveTouchPointer Devices. This lets you navigate the iPad with a traditional mouse if touchscreen use is difficult.

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The iPad has become one of the most popular devices for adults over 60 because of its large, bright screen and straightforward interface. But many iPad owners never discover the built-in features that make it even easier to read, hear, and control — all included at no extra cost and already on your device.

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