Adjust Liquid Glass for Better iPhone Readability in iOS 26.1

Apple’s release of iOS 26.1 in November introduced a significant update that many iPhone users have been eagerly waiting for: the ability to modify Liquid Glass elements across your device. This new feature addresses readability issues raised by users on platforms like Reddit, making it a game-changer for those struggling with visual clarity on their screens. If you find it hard to read certain content, downloading iOS 26.1 and exploring this setting could enhance your experience immensely.

The introduction of Liquid Glass in September alongside iOS 26 marked the first major visual redesign of the iPhone since iOS 7 back in 2013. Before this latest update, your options for adjusting Liquid Glass were limited. You could tweak the opacity of home screen elements or activate the Reduce Transparency setting, but iOS 26.1 takes it a step further by allowing modifications to specific components like your Notification Center and certain search bars without altering other elements such as the home screen.

Where to find Clear and Tinted Liquid Glass options

To access the new Liquid Glass settings, follow these steps:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Display & Brightness.
3. Tap Liquid Glass.

In the Liquid Glass menu, you will find two options: Clear and Tinted. The default setting is Clear, which is more transparent and reveals the content beneath it. On the other hand, the Tinted setting increases opacity and adds contrast to Liquid Glass elements. While Tinted does not completely obscure the Liquid Glass effect, it makes menus and elements appear almost opaque at times, especially in areas like the Messages app’s search bar.

Importantly, these adjustments do not interfere with your iPhone’s Light or Dark display settings. You can have Tinted enabled while in Light mode or revert to Clear in Dark mode. Personally, I find that Dark mode combined with Tinted enhances visibility and gives a polished look to the interface.

For users interested in keeping up with iOS updates, details about iOS 26.2 are on the horizon, and the features included in iOS 26.1 are worth exploring further. Additionally, our iOS cheat sheet offers a wealth of tips and tricks that can elevate your iPhone experience.