Phones for the Visually Impaired:

Last Updated June 21st, 2026. Included in this website page are the following sections. Phone Options for the Visually Impaired. Online Resources About Phones for the Visually Impaired. My Recommendations. iPhones and Androids. iPhone Assistive Access. Jitterbug Smart4 Smartphone. Jitterbug Flip2 Flip Phone. RAZ Memory Cell Phone. Smartphones for the Visually Impaired. Blindshell Classic 3 Smartphone. SmartVision3 Smartphone. MiniVision2+. Adaptive Landline Phones. Adaptive Answering Machine. End of list.

Phone Options for the Visually Impaired:

  • iPhones and Androids.

  • iPhone Assistive Access.

  • BIG Phone for Seniors Android App.

  • Jitterbug Smart4 Smartphone.

  • Jitterbug Flip2 Flip Phone.

  • RAZ Memory Cell Phone.

  • BlindShell Classic 3 Smartphone.

  • SmartVision3 Smartphone.

  • MiniVision2+ Smartphone.

  • Adaptive Landline Phones.

  • Adaptive Answering Machines.

Online Resources About Phones for the Visually Impaired:

My Recommendations as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist:

I believe that while there are adaptive phones designed for the visually impaired, smartphones have free accessibility features and free apps that should be explored first before purchasing a new phone. In addition, if the individual has a non-smartphone or landline phone, the possibility of them being adapted should be explored first as well.

iPhone vs Android:

iPhones are generally considered to be easier to use for the visually impaired because of the easy-to-use accessibility features and helpful apps. However, Android phones have the same types of accessibility features and helpful apps as iPhones. The accessibility features and apps available for Android vary by the type of Android phone.

iPhone Simplified Version - Assistive Access:

Assistive Access is a feature found in the accessibility settings of the settings app. It is a feature to view the iPhone with a customizable amount of apps and with simplified features. 

Assistive Access can be in light mode or dark mode. Siri voice assistant and VoiceOver screen reader can also be used in Assistive Access.

A four number Assistive Access password is set such as one-one-one-one and is used when exiting Assistive Access. To enter Assistive Access, the side button is pressed three times then Assistive Access is selected from the menu or automatically started depending on if other accessibility shortcuts have been set. 


The iPhone passcode will need to be entered while using Assistive Access. Alternatives to entering a passcode include removing the passcode and using face ID.


Apps that have been optimized for Assistive Access: Calls app, Camera app, Chrome app, Magnifier app, Messages app, Music app, and Photos app. 


Recommended helpful apps for the visually impaired list: a magnifier app (such as SuperVision mini or Humanware explore magnifier), a talking camera app (such as Speakaboo or Oorion), EyeNote app, Live Read app, and Talk Compass app.


For apps that have not been optimized for Assistive Access, a feature can be turned on in settings to press and hold the side button to return to the apps home screen. This feature is ideal for individuals who have difficulties in finding small back buttons.


Displaying the apps in rows will increase the size of the text which is ideal for individuals who identify apps by the text label. Displaying the apps in grid view will make the icons more prominent, ideal for individuals who identify apps by the app icon picture.


Additional settings can be adjusted by pressing the side button three times while in Assistive Access then select Settings. 

Jitterbug Smart4 Smartphone:

Easy to use smartphone. Large 6.7 inch screen with easy-to-navigate menu. Voice typing and video chat. Available from maxiaids.com product code 300242 link.

Jitterbug Flip2 Flip Phone:

A flip phone with big buttons and an optional screen reader feature that reads what is on the screen. The phone screen is 3.2 inches tall. The phone has Bluetooth capabilities. The phone is charged with a USB-C charging cable and included charging dock. The phone requires a Lively Link phone service plan. The phone can be connected to the Lively Link caregiver app. Available from Lively website page link.

RAZ Memory Cell Phone:

A simplified smartphone with big speed dial buttons. A call can be made by tapping and holding the desired button. The number of usable features can be adjusted. The phone can be managed by someone with the RAZ Care caregiver app. The name of who is calling can be set to be announced. The phone is compatible with many phone services including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Affinity Cellular, and Consumer Cellular.

Smartphones for the Visually Impaired:

Smartphones that have been designed for the visually impaired include features such as large print, a screen reader, tactile buttons, talking buttons, and voice control.

Blindshell Classic 3 Smartphone:

Easy to use smartphone designed for the visually impaired. Works exclusively on T-Mobile within the US. Tactile keypad and touchscreen. Compatible with Meta Glasses. Available from maxiaids.com. Dull yellow product code 300257 website page link. Navy blue product code 300256 website page link. Blindshell website link.

SmartVision3 Smartphone:

A Google-certified Android smartphone that can be controlled in three different ways: 1) a tactile keypad, 2) talkback gestures on the touchscreen, and 3) voice commands with Google Assistant. Available from RAZ Mobility website page link. More Information Google Doc link.

MiniVision2+:

A simple smartphone with talking and tactile buttons. Users can use the buttons as well as voice commands to use the phone. Users can make phone calls, send text messages, and other features including: alarm, calendar, FM radio, color identifier, and voice memos. Available from RAZ Mobility website page link.

Landline Phones for the Visually Impaired:

Landline phones that have been designed for the visually impaired include features such as large print, talking buttons, talking caller ID, a flashing light, and braille labels.

White Large Print Landline Phone:

A landline phone with big white buttons that have big black numbers on them. The receiver is attached by a phone cord. The phone is wall mountable. Features a bright LED for incoming calls, two memory buttons at the top, and a handset volume to 40 dBs. The phone is hearing aid compatible. Available from maxiaids.com product code 303001 link.

Black Large Print Landline Phone:

A landline phone with big black buttons with big white numbers on them. The receiver is attached by a phone cord. Features a bright LED for incoming calls and three memory buttons at the top. Available from maxiaids.com product code 3055506 link.

6 Speed Dial Buttons Landline Phone:

A landline phone with big black buttons with big white numbers on them. Features 6 speed dial buttons that a picture or paper label can be inserted into. The top of the speed dial buttons can also be adapted with tactile labels such as bump dots and braille labels. The receiver is attached by a phone cord and is hearing aid compatible. Available from maxiaids.com product code 756011 link. Also available with 3 speed dial buttons product code 756013 link.

10 Speed Dial Buttons Landline Phone:

A landline phone with no number buttons and 10 speed dial buttons that a picture or paper label can be inserted into. The top of the speed dial buttons can also be adapted with tactile labels such as bump dots and braille labels. The receiver is attached by a phone cord and is hearing aid compatible. Bright red LED lights for incoming calls. Available from maxiaids.com product code 303010 link.

Talking Landline Phone with Talking Caller ID:

Large print numbers. The buttons talk. The receiver is attached by a phone cord. Desk or wall-mount. Up to 55dB amplified sound and 15dB speakerphone. 95dB loud ringer and built-in strobe ring signaler. T-coil hearing aid compatible. Available from maxiaids.com product code 550012 link.

Large Print Landline Phone with Answering Machine:

Large print black numbers on backlit buttons. Easy to use answering machine. Amplifies incoming sound up to 40dB. Amplified handset speakerphone up to 40dB. Available from Maxiaids.com product code 953714 link.

Adaptive Answering Machine:

Easy to use answering machine with talking features. Records up to 60 minutes of outgoing announcements and incoming messages on a digital microchip. Time and date stamp announces the time and day of each message before playback. Available from Maxiaids.com product code 302061 link.