If you’re blind or have restricted vision

From specialist phone services, to apps and built-in features, we’ve all kinds of tools that make your life easier if you live with restricted vision.

These easy-to-use phones and devices are ideal for people with restricted hearing, vision or dexterity. 

For advice on our products and services, call our dedicated accessibility team on 0333 304 3222 free from your Vodafone mobile (standard call charges apply from other mobiles or landlines).

While devices vary, most come with the features listed below – ideal for people with restricted vision:

• Voice-activated dialling lets you call a contact in your phonebook by speaking their name aloud. For example, Siri for Apple iOS. Or you can install an app to do the same job. These voice-control apps and voice assistants let you:

  • Call someone in your phonebook just by saying their name
  • Use voice commands to search the internet
  • Dictate text messages and emails
  • Use your voice to open applications
  • Use your voice to record notes for reminders or messages

• Personalised ringtones for your contacts, so you know who’s calling

• Zoom and magnification

• Adjustable text-size, text-to-speech conversion, and the facility to end calls with the power button

• Speech output that lets you know what’s happening on-screen. Try Voiceover for Apple devices and Talkback for Android.

Some phones are designed to be more accessible and come with:

• Large display and backlit keypad with adjustable contrast and font size

• Large, well-spaced actual keys, and a raised dot on the 5 for easy navigation

• Sound settings that alert you when the phone is powering up or down, or when the battery is low

• Speed-dial for calling with minimum keystrokes

• A Bluetooth headset, so you can answer your phone without having to find it

• Actual or touchscreen buttons that vibrate or make a sound when pressed

• Predictive texting, or a predictive typing app, to limit the keystrokes needed

Bluetooth keyboards that connect to your phone without using cables may also make typing easier.

For advice on our products and services, call our trained advisers at 03333 043 222 (standard call charges apply).

Try these apps if you’re blind or have restricted vision:

• Screen-reader apps – read aloud all the information on the screen

• Big Launcher – gives you large print on Android devices

• Zoom Plus Video Magnifier – zooms in to text. Available on Android devices

• RNIB Navigator – a door-to-door GPS navigation app for iPhone

Download our guide on adjusting the font, colour and screen-reading settings.

Download our guide on setting up voice recognition.

Further Information

• Visit the RNIB website, or email helpline@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999. Calls cost 30p a minute on Pay as you go, and 45p a minute (if not inclusive) for Pay monthly customers.

• GARI Mobile Accessibility for advice on accessible phones, tablets and apps

• Vodafone Accessibility video playlist

• Vodafone YouTube channel for useful videos

• Vodafone Community for topical discussions