minimum-text-size
Mobile validation
Accessibility guidelines do not define a strict minimum text size, but very small text is hard to read for many people, especially people with low vision. This validation checks Android apps built with XML views, and flags text smaller than 11sp. For comfortable reading, body text of about 16sp is recommended. Text size matters most for content with legal or financial significance, such as terms of use. The requirement applies mainly to body text, but also to links, lists, tables, and any other text that is essential to understanding the content and purpose of the screen. Fixing it usually means working with the design team on a text size that fits the overall layout and styles.
Note: This validation checks Android apps built with XML views only, so there are no Jetpack Compose, iOS, or cross-platform examples. Users can also enlarge text in their device settings, so make sure your text supports it. See the related text-resizing validation.
Pass Patterns
Body text at a readable size
The body text of an article screen is 16sp, well above the 11sp minimum.
Small print at the minimum size
The terms of use under a sign-up form are 12sp, smaller than the body text but still above the 11sp minimum.
Android
XML Views
<!-- TextView uses dp units instead of sp units -->
<TextView
android:layout_width="wrap_content"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:text="Minimum Text Size — Pass"
android:textSize="11sp"
android:textAppearance="?attr/textAppearanceBodyLarge" />Fail Patterns
Small print below the minimum size
The terms of use under a sign-up form are 10sp, below the 11sp minimum, so many users cannot read them.
Secondary labels below the minimum size
The captions under product images are 9sp, below the 11sp minimum.
Android
XML Views
<!-- TextView uses sp units instead of dp units, which
does not scale with the user's font-size setting -->
<TextView
android:layout_width="wrap_content"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:text="Minimum Text Size — Fail"
android:textSize="10sp"
android:textAppearance="?attr/textAppearanceBodyLarge" />Try It Yourself
Using developer tools
- In Android Studio, open the Layout Inspector, select the text, and check its
textSize.
Expected results: All text is at least 11sp, and body text is about 16sp or larger.
Actual results: Some text is smaller than 11sp.
Note: Minimum font sizes may be different if you are using a custom font in your app.
FAQ
Why is this issue marked as Best Practice?
Small text is harder to read, but most users can still read it, especially if they enlarge the text in their device settings. The impact is greater for people with low vision and for important content such as terms of use, but it rarely blocks a task, so it is rated best practice.