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How do I increase the font size in Android

I often do not have my glasses and cannot read the screen without them. On WinMo there was a setting to change the default text size. Does such a setting exist in Android?

anyone? 10chars

There is a new app today in the market for *rooted* phones only, called Font Size.
It is still in beta and you'll need to have a good backup first in case of problems. I am running a rooted Nexus one and although it rebooted twice in a row after installation, it now works perfectly.

If you are running a rom with spares parts you can change it with that.
Sent from my HERO200 using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Mdawg112 said:
If you are running a rom with spares parts you can change it with that.
Sent from my HERO200 using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or... You can download spare parts from the market. LOL.

Or you can just pinch and zoom ...

peadarog said:
There is a new app today in the market for *rooted* phones only, called Font Size.
It is still in beta and you'll need to have a good backup first in case of problems. I am running a rooted Nexus one and although it rebooted twice in a row after installation, it now works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was searching for something like rhis and worked fine.
Cheers.

sms text size works pretty good, its free and in the market

Or if your rooted and feel comfortable changing things. You can go into the build file ( which is a text file you can view through ES File Explorer and give the App super user abilities ( which you HAVE to change in the settings of the app as when the app boots it's already given those permissions. You need to give it permission to overwrite files ) Go to the System Folder which is located on the phone not the SD Card. Once viewing the build file.. in the middle of the text file you'll see 160 DPI is the default value, just under that are two values ( both stock at 160 ) and you change those. If you go to 180 everything on the phone becomes bigger or 140 and things become smaller ( Apps, text, everything ) then follows the instructions after which is to reboot the phone...all settings will take place.
Just do NOT change anything else in the build file.

font size
How do i get to the build file? is it in an app or in my 4G.

font size
Hi,
Found the build file and changed from 160 DPI to 180 DPI but when I reboot it does not overwrite the change. How do I get the change to stick.

jmascia said:
Hi,
Found the build file and changed from 160 DPI to 180 DPI but when I reboot it does not overwrite the change. How do I get the change to stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Attach your build.prop here and I'll take a look at it.
You might need to rename it to .txt or put it in a .zip

jmascia said:
Hi,
Found the build file and changed from 160 DPI to 180 DPI but when I reboot it does not overwrite the change. How do I get the change to stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you editing build.prop?
Also your rom must support DPI changes, not all of them do, which rom is this?
Once you change that number it should NOT get overwritten.
Spare parts will change menu font size, but won't stick after your screen rotates. If you have rotation off you should be fine. Otherwise the CM community is trying to get that option in spare parts to work, but it's not cooperating. Editing build.prop is probably the best bet.

ROM??? this is way out of my league. I tried spare parts but was unclear how to increase fonts. it seemed to only increase font in one menu screen.
not sure how to attach build prop.

DPI changes not just the font, but everything, like if your font gets bigger, so do your icons, menus, etc. That does work if you want that result. If you want to change ONLY your system font size and nothing else, you can go read this info, and change it this way:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=990853

I need to change the size of the font in my contacts for EVO 4G

jmascia said:
I need to change the size of the font in my contacts for EVO 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're running CM7 there should be an option for changing contact text size. I've never used it, but I know it's there.
You should also be asking this in their forum btw
Sent from my Android using Tapatalk

Doesn't anybody else think it's pretty bad this option isn't available by default on Android? Not everybody wants to root their phones. Not everybody knows a 3rd party app for this exists (and it doesn't even seem to work globally for all text to begin with).
Definite downside, in my opinion.

JaSauders said:
Doesn't anybody else think it's pretty bad this option isn't available by default on Android? Not everybody wants to root their phones. Not everybody knows a 3rd party app for this exists (and it doesn't even seem to work globally for all text to begin with).
Definite downside, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talk to or email google about it. Actually, I believe there's a request for it somewhere on the aosp features page (something like that) you can star the issue and try to get more people to join it. Maybe google will look into it...
At least that's a better option than wishing constantly and not taking action
Sent from my Android using Tapatalk

Use Spare Parts named app from market. It can directly make bigger your all fonts + no root.

Switching Defy to 200dpi

Ive just installed the tool LCDDensity from Market
Ive tested 160dpi, 200dpi and 280dpi... with the app, and 192dpi manually... why 192 ? its 480/2.5
The 160dpi is buggy (status bar), and 280 make all fonts biggers.... but... 200dpi... its amazing, its like a new phone ! all seems more clear and scrolling faster...
Please see the screen shot and give it a try...
BUT, there is a but... The Phone App (when you click on Phone icon) in my 3.4.2-164 will auto close in 160 and 200dpi. All others apps are working, Contacts, SMS, market and Browser
So, i need to find an alternative (working) Phone app... Where could i find that ?
EDIT: In fact phone app is working if you use the missed call notification in status... Only the first tab "Dialer" will close the app, but you can use Contact list... or Recent List and its working..
to set the setting permanent on reboot :
edit /data/local.prop and add
Code:
qemu.sf.lcd_density=192
Warning: dont change in local.prop the similar ro.sf.lcddensity which will not works
Also 100dpi will not works (in fact, just prevent the screen init, your phone is running without screen)

Epsylon3 said:
So, i need to find an alternative (working) Phone app... Where could i find that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Dialer One from Market.
Great Dialer.

180dpi is looking good too, only a small "pixel" is missing in menus font tried to reinstall BlurDialer and now app is missing ://
dpi setting is not saved on reboot with LCDDensity

I've found the best setting to be 200. Dialer still works with mine.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

samorgs said:
I've found the best setting to be 200. Dialer still works with mine.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In what firmware??
Sent from my MOTO Defy

I'm using pays rom v4
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

samorgs said:
I'm using pays rom v4
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ll try the dialer.apk from this ROM and will report later.
Sent from my MOTO Defy

192 is ok for menu fonts

the app is fine but it's not only the stock dialer, CalWidget also bugs with it

For me, editing data/local.prop is not a permanent change. However, editing system/build.prop is persistent across reboots.
My stock dialer works fine.

184 dpi also works (better than 180)

i don't even see ANY difference?

If you do not see any difference, perhaps you are not editing the right file. If it is the right file, you may have mis-typed something.
Note that you would have to reboot your system before the file is parsed/the new settings are used.

i edited nothing, just used the app

Then I suggest you contact the author of the application or read any info/documentation provided about the application.
This thread is not about that app, but about making a manual change, to a system file.
Best of luck.

What does this do exactly ? Is everything smaller ? Bigger ? Easier to read ?

Epsylon3 said:
184 dpi also works (better than 180)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dialer is work..???
and what rom r u using..??

[SOLUTION] Changing the density on the leaked GB versions

Trying to change the density with a density changing app will cause a bootloop after the next reboot if not immediately.
Remember to make a backup in CWM, if you get stuck in a bootloop then you can simply restore just the SYSTEM partition choosing Advanced restore in CWM.
The build.prop file from the leaked GB versions has two ro.sf.lcd_density properties for some strange reason.
Deleting one of these will cause a bootloop.
Giving these different values will cause a bootloop. (as the density changing apps tend to do)
Changing to a unsupported density will cause a bootloop.
Change both ro.sf.lcd_density to a supported density.
SUPPORTED
I tried these densities which worked:
220
210
200
190
185
184
183
182
UNSUPPORTED
I also tried these which DIDN'T work:
181
180
167
160
(The build.prop file is located in the root, /system/build.prop)
Go ahead and try other densities and report the ones that did work and the ones that didn't so I can change this post.
I can only assume for now that all values from 182-240 will work.
I attached a screenshot of density 182 and the build.prop file which uses the density 182. Copy it to /system/ .
Changing font size:
If density 182 isn't enough for you, you can easily change the font size from Normal to Small, Extra Small or even Extremely Small by using the app Spare Parts.
The app Spare Parts is attached below. Apparently the font size will go back to Normal if you reboot your phone. So this is only temporary.
Please hit the Thanks button if you found this helpful. Thanks.

I wish I could thank you more than once
Thanks for this post it would really help alot of people to know the working densities. I actually got a GB ROM to boot at 182 this morning, if I had still been struggling tonight you would have been my hero!
Thanks for a very informative post.

How about the UI? Has it any glitches after changing the density?

No glitches in UI so far, looks like it would normally and everything is happy
I do use spare parts and untick the compatibility mode though, that makes everything fit in much better

Only problem is with 3D. Its display in small window.
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk

Willievi:
Glad to help mate!
dexxxterek:
Which app exactly is shown in a small window? I'm currently using 200 dpi and the 3D is shown in full screen.

When i press 3D button
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk

i think some of the LG Widgets will look messed up but that's about it. I don't use them anyway XD

dexxxterek said:
When i press 3D button
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem for me. Are you using the lastest leaked rom?
I'll try with a even lower density now.
EDIT:
Tried now with 182, the 3D is shown in full screen so no window effect like you got.
Might be because of different rom else you shouldn't have that problem.

My mistake - i'm using 2.2 so i think it's the problem.
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk

For that windowed problem i normally download an app called "Spare parts" and untick the compatibility mode, reboot twice and it will be full screen

DPI Changer S5

Thought you all might like a little more room. This app is amazing! I tested it on 360!!! If you go lower I cant tell you what happens. I tested from 480 all the way to 360 and I have to say 360 works the best!
Please Thank me if you like this find!
DPI Changer

Did this not change your dialpad? I change dpi manually and anything under stock made the dialer wrong.

Just checked. Ya same here. I don't mind I just have more room on the home screen. I just know this was the best setting for Gallery. If I remember right it did the same to the Dial pad too on my Note 3. That was the only bad thing.
PS Camera is a little smaller too.

WhiteReign said:
Just checked. Ya same here. I don't mind I just have more room on the home screen. I just know this was the best setting for Gallery. If I remember right it did the same to the Dial pad too on my Note 3. That was the only bad thing.
PS Camera is a little smaller too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya seems that AOSP was never struck with this issue, only Touchwiz based roms. I use Nova to get around the homescreen sizing.

Thanks for the share. I will have to give it a try.
I have been using the xposed module app settings. Nice module for anyone who is not familiar. Allows settings for dpi, force full screen, etc on a per app basis which is good I think as some apps I have a different dpi than others.
I agree with your thoughts on 360 for this device.
//Lance

Sir-Lancelot said:
Thanks for the share. I will have to give it a try.
I have been using the xposed module app settings. Nice module for anyone who is not familiar. Allows settings for dpi, force full screen, etc on a per app basis which is good I think as some apps I have a different dpi than others.
I agree with your thoughts on 360 for this device.
//Lance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it down to ~150, things got really small.
~120, and systemUI FC'd so badly I had to ODIN back to stock.

Has anyone figured out a way to force the dialer and the camera back to the right 480 dpi? I cant seem to figure out how to do it even in the xposed module App Settings, I can set it to 480 in there, and it still opens fullscreen, but not sized properly.
Thanks.

computercarl said:
Has anyone figured out a way to force the dialer and the camera back to the right 480 dpi? I cant seem to figure out how to do it even in the xposed module App Settings, I can set it to 480 in there, and it still opens fullscreen, but not sized properly.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep trying app settings?? It's working great for me. Has been since root. I do use a different DPI changer but that shouldn't have anything to do with it. Good luck.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Haven't had much luck using any of the dpi changer apps. Also when I try to change it manually the ro.so.lcd_density line in my build.prop isn't there, dont know if thats how its supposed to be but adding the line doesnt change anything. Anyone else having this issue or know how to fix it?

Crooke356 said:
Keep trying app settings?? It's working great for me. Has been since root. I do use a different DPI changer but that shouldn't have anything to do with it. Good luck.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems you have to enable the xposed module as well. *IM A DERP*

computercarl said:
Seems you have to enable the xposed module as well. *IM A DERP*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, for me, it's ALWAYS the little things I miss. Glad you got it working.
Sent from my cRookeD HTC One M8

Rakuu said:
Haven't had much luck using any of the dpi changer apps. Also when I try to change it manually the ro.so.lcd_density line in my build.prop isn't there, dont know if thats how its supposed to be but adding the line doesnt change anything. Anyone else having this issue or know how to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new line for the S5 is ro.sf.lcd_density=480. It is already in the build prop file if you haven't found it yet. Just change the 480 to whatever size your after as usual.

cjsteier said:
The new line for the S5 is ro.sf.lcd_density=480. It is already in the build prop file if you haven't found it yet. Just change the 480 to whatever size your after as usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, that was a mistype, meant to say ro.sf not ro.so. Same story, the line isnt in my build.prop, adding it changes nothing.

Rakuu said:
Yea, that was a mistype, meant to say ro.sf not ro.so. Same story, the line isnt in my build.prop, adding it changes nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm that's strange. I will say that the line in my build prop is earlier in, than in the past with other devices. As soon as I start scrolling I'll go though some # signs than it is the second line past them.

cjsteier said:
Hmm that's strange. I will say that the line in my build prop is earlier in, than in the past with other devices. As soon as I start scrolling I'll go though some # signs than it is the second line past them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did a manual adb pull of the build.prop and did a find in a text editor and couldnt find it, also manually looked through it many times, its not there.

Rakuu said:
did a manual adb pull of the build.prop and did a find in a text editor and couldnt find it, also manually looked through it many times, its not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well damn lol. Verizon S5? I really don't know what else to think of that.

cjsteier said:
Well damn lol. Verizon S5? I really don't know what else to think of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No actually at&t s5, maybe thats the issue. Ill try asking around in the att forum.

Hmm wouldn't think that the build props would differ as far as basic device info, but maybe. Defiantly keep info posted here if you figure something out just for our future reference.

Well, just for kicks tried to add the line again and lo and behold it worked lol. So for future reference, if you are missing the lcd density line in your build.prop, adding it to the bottom works.

WhiteReign said:
Just checked. Ya same here. I don't mind I just have more room on the home screen. I just know this was the best setting for Gallery. If I remember right it did the same to the Dial pad too on my Note 3. That was the only bad thing.
PS Camera is a little smaller too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Messes up the lockscreen too especially if you're using fingerprint for security.
Tapped It!

changing DPI

Has anyone changed the DPI for their device. If so what app did you usei true build prop but couldn't find the setting

It's build.prop, but in /system/vendor/build.prop.
ro.sf.lcd_density and hw.lcd.density.
I've not tried changing them.
Could cause problems with apps if they use hardcoded DPI

You can change the dpi in development settings .
Adjust smallest width

intruda119 said:
You can change the dpi in development settings .
Adjust smallest width
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, but it will be reset on reboot.

012345678 said:
yeah, but it will be reset on reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Takes 2 seconds yes.
If your rooted, most apps should work. Pick your poison
Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk

I will look at it tonight and see if I can adjust it a bit smaller. I want to be able to put more aps across the bottom tray

TheKaptone said:
I will look at it tonight and see if I can adjust it a bit smaller. I want to be able to put more aps across the bottom tray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not certain and to lazy to confirm but I doubt the default launcher will give more apps with a dpi change. Most 3rd party launcher will do that though.

ante0 said:
It's build.prop, but in /system/vendor/build.prop.
ro.sf.lcd_density and hw.lcd.density.
I've not tried changing them.
Could cause problems with apps if they use hardcoded DPI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cat find that line anywhere to be able to change the DPI so I have not done it yet

Is there a way to change dpi of individual apps? I used to do that with an Xposed module but that is a no go with Nougat at this point...

There are a lot of guides how to change dpi size with adb shell command from your Pc or Mac. Like this one https://android.gadgethacks.com/how...creen-resolution-without-root-access-0160439/

TheKaptone said:
Cat find that line anywhere to be able to change the DPI so I have not done it yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found in /vendor/build.prop. (/system/vendor/ is a symlink to /vendor, but strangely the build.props doesn't match )
But changing it does nothing.