How to turn on Reachability on iPhone

iOS Reachability
iOS Reachability (Image credit: iMore)

As iPhone displays have gotten larger, the days of using only one finger to perform most tasks are generally over. However, it's still possible, at least in some respects, with Reachability. When activated, this accessibility feature lets you reach items at the top of the mobile device by swiping down on the screen's bottom edge to bring the top into reach. Here's how to use it on iPhone.

What is Reachability?

Reachability is a built-in iOS 15 feature that works on all the best iPhones that lowers the top half of the screen so buttons and other on-screen objects are within easy reach of your thumb. For many folks, these will be top navigation buttons while using their phones one-handed.

It is available regardless of where you are on your mobile device and is super useful when using your phone with one hand.

How to enable Reachability

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.

How to Enable Reachability: Open Settings, tap Accessibility (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Select Touch under the Physical and Motor section.
  2. Set the toggle next to Reachability to the green on position.

How to Enable Reachability: Tap Touch, turn the toggle on beside Reachability (Image credit: iMore)

How to use Reachability on iPhones with Face ID

  1. Swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen.
  2. Swipe up on the bottom edge of the screen or tap the blank space at the top of the screen to return to full screen. Reachability will reset itself after a few seconds if you don't touch anything.

To use Reachability on iPhones with Face ID, swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen. Next, swipe up on the bottom edge. (Image credit: iMore)

How to use Reachability on iPhones with a Home button

  1. Lightly Double-tap (don't click) the Home button when you're on a screen you'd like to use with Reachability.
  2. Lightly Double-tap the Home button again or tap the blank space at the top of the screen to return to full screen. Reachability will reset itself after a few seconds if you don't touch anything.

Learn more about accessibility

Now that you're set up with Reachability, why not check out our coverage of Apple's other accessibility features for iPhone and iPad? There are tons of ways to customize your experience and adapt your devices to your needs.

Updated June 2022: Minor updates made.

Adam Oram

Adam Oram is a Senior Writer at iMore. He studied Media at Newcastle University and has been writing about technology since 2013. He previously worked as an Apple Genius and as a Deals Editor at Thrifter. His spare time is spent watching football (both kinds), playing Pokémon games, and eating vegan food. Follow him on Twitter at @adamoram.