If you have an iPhone 13, you might sometimes struggle to reach the top of the screen with one hand, especially on larger apps or menus. Apple includes a handy feature called Reachability that brings the top of the screen closer to your thumb, making one-handed use much easier.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable and use Reachability on iPhone 13, why it’s useful, and tips for maximizing your one-handed experience.
What Is Reachability on iPhone?
Reachability is an accessibility feature that temporarily shifts the entire screen down so the top elements are within easy reach of your thumb.
-
Works with all apps and home screens.
-
Helps one-handed typing and navigation.
-
Useful for larger iPhones like iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
How to Enable Reachability on iPhone 13
Reachability is off by default. Follow these steps to enable it:
-
Open Settings on your iPhone.
-
Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
-
Tap Touch.
-
Toggle Reachability to On.
Once enabled, you’re ready to use it on your iPhone 13.
How to Use Reachability on iPhone 13
Unlike older iPhones with the Home button, the iPhone 13 uses gestures for Reachability:
-
Swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen (just above the Home indicator).
-
The entire screen will slide down halfway, bringing the top icons, notifications, and menu options within reach.
-
Tap anywhere outside the lowered screen or swipe up from the bottom to return the screen to normal.
Tips for Using Reachability Efficiently
-
One-handed navigation: Use Reachability to open apps, tap notifications, or reach the status bar.
-
Access Control Center: Swipe down after activating Reachability to access top icons.
-
Keyboard typing: When typing with one hand, Reachability makes it easier to reach keys at the top row.
-
Return to normal quickly: Swipe up anywhere on the screen to instantly return to full view.
Common Issues with Reachability on iPhone 13
Sometimes Reachability might feel unresponsive. Here’s why:
-
Not enabled in Accessibility: Check Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability.
-
Incorrect gesture: You must swipe down on the bottom edge (not the Home indicator itself).
-
App limitations: Some apps with custom gestures may not respond properly. Try using Reachability on the home screen first.
Why You Should Use Reachability
-
Reduces hand strain when using a large iPhone.
-
Makes one-handed texting and navigation easier.
-
Enhances accessibility for users with smaller hands or mobility challenges.
-
Improves efficiency when using apps that require top-screen interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Reachability work on iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max?
Yes, it works on all iPhone models with Face ID that use gestures instead of a Home button.
2. Can I use Reachability with gestures like swiping up?
Yes, Reachability is compatible with all standard gestures. Swiping up while the screen is lowered restores full view.
3. Will Reachability affect apps or games?
Reachability temporarily shifts the screen. Some games or apps with custom layouts may not respond perfectly, but most apps work fine.
Conclusion
Reachability is a simple but powerful feature on the iPhone 13 that improves one-handed usability. By enabling it in Settings → Accessibility → Touch and swiping down on the screen, you can reach the top of the screen comfortably. This small tweak can make a big difference in daily iPhone use, especially on larger devices.