Does Chrome have Reader mode? Yes, here's how to enable it

The web is full of great content to read, but websites can be a bit too distracting. Have you ever wondered if there is a way to simplify text and read without all the extra fluff? There is. Google Chrome has Reader mode.

Reader mode became available with the release of Chrome version 114, which was released to the public on May 24, 2023. Let’s tell you all about it and show you how to use it.

Editor’s note: We used an Apple MacBook Air running macOS 15.3 (steps are the same on Windows), Chrome version 132.0.6834.160, and a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16 to formulate these instructions. Depending on your hardware and software version, some menus and settings may look slightly different.

How to enable and use Reader mode in Chrome

Do you want to try Reader mode? The feature is now available on the stable version of Chrome, so you can enable it by clicking through some options.

How to use Reading mode on Chrome:

1. Go to the web page you want to use Reading mode with.
2. Click on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
3. Highlight More Tools. A new menu will show up.
4. Select Reading Mode.

The side panel will display a simplified version of the text within the page you are viewing. You can even navigate to other websites, and Reading mode will adapt to the text you are currently viewing. If the side panel looks too small, you can use the slider to expand it.

Does the Chrome mobile app have Reader mode?

We know many will want to have this feature on mobile, so it makes sense for you to wonder if the mobile version of Google Chrome has Reader mode. Thankfully, it does! The bad news is that the experience is not as seamless as we would wish. You actually have to download a separate app to use it. Let’s take you through the process.

How to use Google Chrome Reading mode on Android:

1. Download and install the Reading mode app from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the Reading mode app and follow the prompts to set up the app.
3. When done, hit Finish.
4. A floating shortcut used to show up, but it seems this shortcut has been moved to the Quick Settings section of the Notification area. At least this is now the default option, we will show you how to change this shortcut in a bit.
5. Launch Chrome and go to the page you want to view in Reading Mode.
6. Tap on the Reading mode shortcut in the Notification Area. The app will display a simplified version of the page.
7. You can also hit the Gear button to change text size, font, colors, and more. The Play button will read the text out loud for you. And the TT icon will help you quickly change the font size.

The mobile Reading mode app will also work on other apps outside of Chrome, which is definitely an excellent addition. It won’t always work, but more support should come in the near future.

By the way, if you find that Quick Settings button annoying, there is a way to change the shortcut. For example, you can change it so that Reading mode is enabled by pressing and holding your volume buttons. You can also switch to the floating button, or use a two-finger swipe upwards, from the bottom of the screen.

How to change the Reading mode shortcut:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Accessibility.
3. Tap on Reading mode.
4. Tap on the Reading mode shortcut option. Make sure you tap on the actual text, not the toggle.
5. Pick your favorite shortcut.

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