It has been possible for a while now to use your iPhone or iPad as a magnifying glass. This function is mainly intended for people with a visual impairment, but can be used by everyone.
The feature uses your iDevice’s camera and allows you to zoom in on text, photos, or wherever you want to use it with pin-sharp clarity. You can also adjust the color of the screen while using it, so you can read the content clearly in all conditions. Since iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, you can also use the Magnifier app for iPhone and iPad.
Magnifier app for iPhone or iPad
The Magnifier app is installed by default on the iPhone and iPad. The function uses the camera of your iDevice and allows you to zoom in razor-sharp on text, photos or wherever you want to use it.
Can’t find the application on your iPhone or iPad? You can also manually redownload it from the App Store. Search for ‘Magnifier’ and download the app from Apple by tapping on the download cloud or use the link below to download it directly.
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Category: Services Developer: Apple  4+ 1 MB MBDOWNLOAD FOR FREE |
Enable shortcut
It is also possible to connect the Magnifier app to the home button or side button of your iPhone or iPad. To do this, go to Settings ▸ Accessibility ▸ Activation button ▸ enable ‘Magnifier’. Do you still have iOS 13? Then you can install it via Settings ▸ Accessibility ▸ Magnifier. Under iOS 12 or earlier you will find the option via Settings ▸ General ▸ Accessibility.
Open magnifying glass
Once enabled, you can activate the magnifier via the eponymous application or by triple-pressing the home button or the side button on an iPhone or iPad with Face ID. If you have no additional options linked to the home button (for example, extra dark display), the magnifier will be activated immediately.
Adjust camera while zooming
The magnifying glass allows you to zoom in or out with the slide switch, and the flashlight allows you to activate the flash (if present). The function will automatically focus, and you can adjust this autofocus by tapping the screen. The various controls allow you to adjust the brightness and contrast, but also to choose a color filter for optimal reading or viewing.
The gear wheel allows you to access additional settings and adjust the various controls. For example, you can define, remove and/or adjust the color filters.
Quick access via the control panel
Want to access the magnifier even faster? Use the Control Center. Open Settings ▸ Control Center ▸ Adjust controls ▸ Tap the plus button next to ‘Magnifier’. Now when you open the Control Center, you can immediately access the magnifier function by tapping the icon.