Chrome’s Reading Mode on Android Gets Seamless Redesign

Chrome Reading Mode Redesigned on Android
Reading Mode Revamp
  • Reading Mode in Chrome for Android has been rebuilt for easier access and persistent customization.
  • The redesign appears in Chrome version 143 and was first reported by 9to5Google.
  • New controls live in the three-dot menu; you can change fonts, sizes, and colors and keep those settings across pages.
  • The feature is rolling out gradually; update Chrome and be patient if you don’t see it yet.

What changed in Reading Mode

Google has updated Chrome’s Reading Mode on Android to make it more seamless to use. The change was first spotted by 9to5Google and appears in Chrome for Android version 143.

A new Reading Mode entry now appears in the browser’s three-dot (kebab) menu. Activating it shows an on-screen indicator that you’re in Reading Mode and exposes a quick customization panel.

The panel includes controls for font selection, font size, and color themes. Crucially, Chrome now carries your Reading Mode customizations across pages, so you won’t need to reapply settings as you move from article to article.

How to access and customize Reading Mode

Make sure Chrome on your Android device is updated to the latest release (look for version 143 or newer). If the feature hasn’t reached your device, it will arrive gradually via server-side rollout.

Open a web page, tap the three-dot menu, and select Reading Mode. Once enabled, you’ll see an indicator and can flick up on the tab to reveal customization options.

Choose fonts, adjust text size, and switch color schemes to suit your reading preference. Those selections are preserved when navigating to the next article, improving continuity for long browsing sessions.

Rollout, availability, and cross-platform notes

The update is being distributed gradually, so not everyone will see the new Reading Mode immediately. If you don’t see the option, confirm your Chrome version and wait for the server-side rollout to reach your device.

Reading Mode isn’t exclusive to mobile: Chrome offers similar reading controls on desktop (PC and Mac), and the browser can also read article text aloud when the appropriate accessibility or read-aloud feature is enabled.

Why this matters for regular readers

Small usability updates like persistent settings and easier access materially improve the reading experience for people who consume lots of long-form content on their phones.

The redesign reduces friction—fewer taps to enter Reading Mode, immediate feedback you’re in a focused view, and consistent presentation across pages.

If you read articles frequently on Chrome for Android, update to the latest version and try the refreshed Reading Mode. It’s a modest change, but one that will help make on-screen reading easier and more consistent.

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