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Set up Reading Mode on the Galaxy Note 8

Reading Mode needs to be configured to work on more apps than just Google Play Books. Here's the quickest path to happier eyes.

Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma
2 min read

Nicole Cozma's Samsung Galaxy Note 8 home screen (for now). Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Using a tablet as an e-reader can save you money and lighten your load while on the go. Unfortunately, a lot of tablets aren't optimized for reading text for long periods of time (like e-books, RSS feeds, or just long Web posts) and may cause mild eyestrain. Luckily, the Galaxy Note 8 comes with a feature to help solve this issue: Reading Mode.

However, Reading Mode isn't turned on for all of your apps by tapping on the icon in the notification panel. Why doesn't this mode work in all apps by default? No idea, but fixing this issue just requires a few steps.

Step 1: From one of your home screens, press the Menu button on your Galaxy Note 8 and then choose Settings. Alternatively, you can pull down the notification shade and tap on the Settings cog.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Find Display in the list of settings, then tap on the slider next to Reading Mode. Once enabled, touch the text next to the slider and you'll see a list of apps load. These are the apps that have access to Reading Mode (note: you'll probably only see Google Play Books on the list).

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: Press the Add button in the top right-hand corner. Now just check off all of the apps you want to have access to Reading Mode. When you're finished, press the Done button.

This mode changes the color/contrast of the screen to become better suited for reading.

As an extra way to make reading easier, you can also change the font size and font face; read my earlier post: "Switch the font on your Samsung Galaxy Android device." While the post works with an older model, the menus are still the same (just slightly more populated these days).