Zooming in and out on the iPad can come in handy in many cases, especially if you want to take a closer look at some detail in a picture or read the fine print on a web page. The zoom feature works not just for photos but also for web pages and other apps that provide support for the pinch-zoom gesture.
To zoom in on the screen, put your thumb and index finger on the screen with little space between them. Move them away from each other to magnify the screen. Do the opposite to zoom out. You can also double-tap with one finger or use the zoom accessibility feature.
Apple has now made zooming in and out quite simple, so you never have to squint again. Let’s look at how you can zoom in and out using your fingers and how to use the zoom accessibility feature before going through some troubleshooting tips if the zoom feature doesn’t work for you.
How Do You Zoom In and Out on Your iPad?
You can zoom out or zoom in on certain items in various apps. For instance, you can use zoom in the Photos app or take a closer look at the text present on a webpage open in Safari. Similarly, you can use the feature to zoom in on the screen regardless of what you’re doing.
A good thing about Apple’s zoom is that you can magnify either your whole screen with Full-Screen Zoom, part of the screen using Window Zoom (which uses a resizable lens), or just a portion of the screen that remains in place using Pinned Zoom. You can also use zoom with VoiceOver.
Using Your Fingers to Zoom In and Out
There are two ways to use your fingers to zoom in and out: you can either pinch or double tap. These work for all iPhone and iPad models, regardless of the iOS version.
Of course, you can use any two fingers to zoom in and out, but the index finger and thumb are the most convenient for most people.
To zoom in on a web page or photo:
- Put your thumb and index finger on the screen, leaving a tiny space in between.
- Then move the two fingers away to increase the space between them.
- As you move your fingers apart, the screen will zoom in.
- Do the opposite to zoom out. Keep both fingers pressed to the screen and move them towards each other.
Similarly, you can double-tap on the part of the screen you want to zoom in with one finger. Then, do the same on the zoomed-in part to zoom out.
How to Use the Zoom Accessibility Feature
The pinch-to-zoom feature might not work in some cases. For instance, the app might not provide support for the gesture, or a stylesheet setting might prevent the page from expanding.
In cases like these, the zoom feature in the iPad’s accessibility features can come in handy. This zoom always works whether you’re viewing photos or using a web page or app.
The feature isn’t activated by default, so you’ll have to switch it on using the Settings app. Here’s how:
- Open up the Settings app and go to General.
- Next, go to Accessibility and then tap on Zoom.
- You’ll see a toggle switch on the next screen beside the Zoom option. Tap on it to switch it on.
- Once you activate the zoom, you’ll see a magnifying glass.
- Press and hold the bar present at the bottom of the zoom window to move it around and see things zoomed in. Alternatively, you can drag three fingers to move around the screen.
- Double-tap on any screen you want to magnify using three fingers to enable it. Do the same to disable it.
- To disable the feature permanently, tap on the Zoom toggle in Accessibility to turn it off.
You can also find a number of other options on the Zoom settings page. For instance, you can choose a zoom filter, select Full-Screen Zoom over Window Zoom, increase the maximum zoom, etc.
Troubleshooting Tips for Zooming In and Out
If you cannot zoom in or out of the screen, you can do a few things to try and fix the problem. Before doing anything, simply restart the iPad. Sometimes a glitch can prevent the feature from working, and restarting it can solve the problem.
The zoom feature might also not work if your iPad is overheating. In fact, the iPad will turn off automatically if it overheats. In this case, let the device cool down for 15-20 minutes before switching it back on. Once it’s back to its operating temperatures, the zoom feature should continue working.
Also, make sure your iPad is updated to the latest iOS version. A bug might prevent the feature from functioning, and the new update might address and solve this bug. So if there’s a new update available, download and install it.