If a web page looks too big in Safari on your iPhone 13, with oversized text, cut-off menus, or too much scrolling, you have several ways to zoom out. You can pinch the page, shrink the page zoom for one site, set a default zoom for every site, or request the desktop version. This guide covers each, plus what to do if the entire iPhone screen is zoomed in.
Quick Answer
Pinch two fingers together on the page to zoom out. To make a site smaller every time you visit, tap aA (or the page menu icon) in the address bar and tap the smaller A until the page fits. The percentage shows the current zoom level.
Method 1: Pinch to Zoom Out
Place two fingers apart on the screen and pinch them together. This works on most pages, but some sites limit zooming or snap back to their default size.
Method 2: Page Zoom for One Website
- Open the page in Safari.
- Tap the page menu button in the address bar (shown as aA or an icon of a page with lines, depending on your iOS version).
- Tap the smaller A to zoom out in steps (for example, 85%, 75%, 50%). Tap the percentage to reset to 100%.
Safari remembers this zoom level for that website.
Method 3: Set Zoom for All Websites
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps > Safari (iOS 18 and later) or Safari (iOS 17 and earlier).
- Under Settings for Websites, tap Page Zoom.
- Choose a default under Other Websites, such as 85%. You can also edit or clear per-site zoom levels here.
Method 4: Request the Desktop Website
Mobile versions of some sites use large text and buttons. Tap the page menu and choose Request Desktop Website to see the full layout, then pinch to zoom as needed. To always load desktop sites, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Request Desktop Website and turn on All Websites.
Method 5: Use Reader
For articles, tap the page menu and choose Show Reader. You can adjust the font size in Reader with the aA controls, independent of the page’s own design.
If the Whole iPhone Screen Is Zoomed In
- Accessibility Zoom is on: double-tap the screen with three fingers to zoom out. To turn it off, go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom.
- Display Zoom is set to Larger Text: go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom and choose Default.
- Text Size is large: Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size affects apps that support Dynamic Type, but not most web pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I pinch to zoom on some sites?
The site may disable zooming. Safari’s page zoom (Method 2) still works, or turn on Settings > Accessibility > Zoom for a system-wide option.
Do these steps work on other iPhones?
Yes. They’re the same on any iPhone running a recent iOS version.
Summary
- Pinch to zoom out on the page.
- Use the page menu’s small A to zoom out one site.
- Set a default in Settings > Safari > Page Zoom.
- Use three-finger double-tap if the whole screen is zoomed.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.