How to enable and use Reachability on iPhone for one-handed navigation

iPhones with large displays can be difficult to use with one hand, especially when trying to reach the top of the screen. Apple’s Reachability feature helps users manage this by shifting the interface lower, making all parts of the screen accessible without adjusting your grip. This feature is available on iPhones with Face ID and Touch ID, and it is particularly useful for one-handed use.

Reachability works by temporarily lowering the upper half of the screen, allowing users to interact with controls or content at the top. On Face ID models, the feature is triggered by a downward swipe on the lower edge of the screen, while on iPhones with a Home button, a light double tap activates it. This feature is critical for users who prefer single-handed navigation on larger devices like the iPhone 12 or later.

Using Reachability can reduce strain, prevent accidental drops, and make it easier to interact with apps that place controls near the top of the screen. The process is simple and can be enabled through the Accessibility settings on any supported iPhone. Below is a detailed guide on how to enable and use Reachability for more efficient one-handed navigation.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
3. Select Touch under the “Physical and Motor” section.
4. Toggle on the Reachability switch.

   Enabling this switch allows the Reachability feature to function on both Face ID and Home button devices.

5. For iPhones with Face ID, swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen to activate Reachability.

   Make sure to swipe from the very bottom of the screen to trigger the feature properly.

6. For iPhones with a Home button, lightly double-tap the Home button to activate Reachability.

   This action is a light tap, not a full press. It will shift the screen down for easy access.

7. Tap anywhere in the empty space at the top to return the screen to normal.

   Use this to revert back to full-screen view quickly once you are done interacting with the top portion of the screen.

8. To exit Reachability, swipe up from the bottom or tap the upper screen.