To use Reader mode in Safari on iPhone, open the webpage, tap the Page Menu button on the left side of the address bar, and tap Show Reader. The page switches to a clean view with just the text and images. Tap the Page Menu button again and choose Hide Reader to go back.
This guide follows Apple’s Hide distractions when reading articles in Safari on iPhone and Hide distractions when browsing webpages articles. It covers turning Reader on and off, changing how it looks, using it automatically, what to do when Reader isn’t available, and other ways to clean up a page.
How to Turn On Reader in Safari
- Open a webpage in Safari.
- Tap the Page Menu button on the left side of the address bar.
- Tap Show Reader.
- To go back, tap the Page Menu button and tap Hide Reader.
Result: Apple says Reader formats the page to show just the relevant text and images, hiding navigation menus and other distracting items. Longer pages can include a summary and table of contents. Reader is also a handy first step before printing an article, as covered in our guide on how to print a web page on iPad.
Safari briefly shows “Reader Available” in the address bar on pages that support it. A shortcut: press and hold the Page Menu button to switch Reader on.
How to Change How Reader Looks
Once Reader is on, you can tap the highlighted Reader icon in the address bar to change the text size, font and background color. You can pick a background color from the overlay and choose a font from the drop-down above the colors.
Result: The article is easier to read, for example with bigger text or a darker background at night. To resize a page outside Reader, see how to zoom in or out in Safari on iPhone. The same panel can include Listen to Page for English-language articles.
How to Use Reader Automatically
For One Website
- On a supported website, tap the Page Menu button.
- Tap Website Settings.
- Turn on Use Reader Automatically.
For All Websites
Apple says to go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Reader and turn on All Websites.
Result: Safari opens supported pages in Reader without you tapping anything. This might not give the best experience on every website, so the per-site setting can be the better choice.
If You Don’t See Show Reader
- The page doesn’t support it: Apple’s steps say “on a supported website.”
- Grayed out: This usually means the page doesn’t support Reader, or that iOS or Safari needs an update.
- Older iOS: on older versions, the button is labeled Aa instead of the Page Menu icon.
Other Ways to Make a Webpage Easier to Read
- Text size: The Page Menu has small and large A buttons for making text smaller or bigger, without turning on Reader.
- Hide Distracting Items: Apple’s Hide distractions when browsing webpages guide explains how to tap parts of a page you want to hide, then tap Hide.
- Listen instead: to hear an article read aloud, use Speak Screen or Speak Selection and choose a comfortable voice and speaking rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reader block ads?
Reader hides ads and other clutter while it’s on, since it shows only the article’s text and images. It isn’t a full ad blocker, though. The page goes back to normal when you tap Hide Reader.
Does Reader work on iPad?
Yes. The process is the same on iOS and iPadOS.
More iPhone Guides
- How to clear the Safari cache on iPhone
- How to request the desktop site in Safari
- How to turn off credit card AutoFill in Safari
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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