Native accessibility tools

Ensuring digital content is accessible to everyone is an essential part of modern technology design. Native accessibility tools are built directly into operating systems and devices. They play a crucial role in allowing people to interact with technology independently, without the need for additional software.

Major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS and Android, include a wide range of accessibility features by default.

Because these tools are built into devices, they are typically easy to find, free to use, automatically updated, and available across all system apps.

Typical native accessibility tools

  • Screen readers that narrate on‑screen content for users with low or no vision
  • Text-to-speech readers convert written text into spoken audio
  • Magnification and zoom options to assist with reading
  • High‑contrast or colour‑filter modes to improve visual clarity
  • Speech‑to‑text and voice control tools to help people who have difficulty using a keyboard or touchscreen
  • Captions and audio descriptions that ensure multimedia content is understandable to users with hearing impairments

Customisation

Native accessibility tools also offer customisation, allowing users to adjust settings to match their specific preferences and abilities. For example, users can:

  • change colour and contrast
  • adjust text sizes
  • adjust pointer speed
  • modify gesture controls
  • enable simplified interfaces to reduce cognitive load
  • change the language that is read out by text-to-speech readers

Find out about accessibility settings

Microsoft

Apple

Android

Android accessibility overview tells you how to customize your Android device with accessibility settings and apps.

ChromeOS

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