How to Use Detection Mode Magnifier on iPhone (iOS 16)

Detection Mode in the Magnifier app turns your iPhone into a real-time scanner that identifies people, doors, and text around you. It’s designed for users with low vision, but it’s useful for anyone who wants quick, hands-free information about their surroundings. This guide walks you through setting it up and using it on iOS 16, step by step.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 16 or later (Detection Mode is available on iPhone XS, XR, and newer models).
The Magnifier app, which is pre-installed but can be re-downloaded from the App Store if deleted.
For the People Detection feature, your iPhone must have a LiDAR scanner (iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max).

Step-by-Step

Open the Magnifier app – Find it on your Home Screen or in the App Library. If you can’t locate it, swipe down and search for “Magnifier”.
Access Detection Mode – Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the bottom-left corner. In the settings menu, look for Detection Mode and tap it. If you don’t see it, make sure your iPhone is running iOS 16 and that you have a compatible model.
Enable Detection Mode – Toggle on Detection Mode. You’ll see three options: People Detection, Door Detection, and Image Descriptions. Turn on the ones you want. People and Door Detection require the LiDAR scanner; Image Descriptions works on all compatible models.
Close Settings – Tap Done or swipe down to return to the main camera view.
Launch Detection Mode – Tap the person icon (or the door icon) in the bottom toolbar. The camera view will change to a detection interface.
Point your camera – Hold your iPhone so the rear camera faces the area you want to scan. For People Detection, slowly pan the camera across the room. The phone will use sound and haptic feedback to indicate when a person is detected. A yellow outline will appear around the person, and the distance (in feet or meters) will be shown.
Use Door Detection – Switch to Door Detection by tapping the door icon. Point the camera at a door. The phone will identify the door, its width, and the distance to it. It will also announce if the door is open or closed.
Use Image Descriptions – With this enabled, point the camera at any object or scene. The phone will speak a description out loud, such as “a chair” or “a table with a cup.” This works even without LiDAR.
Adjust feedback – In Settings > Detection Mode, you can change the Sound, Haptics, and Speech options. For example, you can turn off sound and rely only on vibration.
Exit Detection Mode – Tap the X button or the detection icon again to return to the standard Magnifier view.

Common Mistakes

Not enabling Detection Mode in Settings first – If you don’t turn it on, the detection icons won’t appear in the toolbar.
Using a non-LiDAR iPhone for People/Door Detection – These features simply won’t work on older models without LiDAR. Check your model before trying.
Pointing the camera too quickly – Detection works best when you move the camera slowly. Rapid panning can cause the phone to miss objects.
Forgetting to adjust feedback settings – If you’re in a quiet environment, the sounds might be intrusive. Customize them in Settings.

Tips

Use the flashlight in low-light conditions – it helps the camera see better.
For People Detection, hold the phone at chest height and tilt it slightly downward for a better field of view.
Practice in a familiar room first to understand the distance readings.
Combine Detection Mode with VoiceOver for a fully hands-free experience.
If you use a hearing aid, connect it via Bluetooth – the phone’s audio will stream to it.

Troubleshooting

Detection Mode not available – Make sure your iPhone runs iOS 16. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Also confirm your model is supported (iPhone XS and newer).
People Detection doesn’t detect anyone – Ensure the room has enough light. The LiDAR works in the dark, but the camera needs some light for the outline to appear. Also, move the camera slowly.
No sound or vibration – Check your iPhone’s volume and mute switch. In Detection Mode settings, verify that Sound and Haptics are toggled on.
Door Detection gives wrong width – The width is estimated based on distance and angle. Stand directly in front of the door and hold the phone level.
Image Descriptions not speaking – Make sure Speech is enabled in Detection Mode settings and that your iPhone’s ring/silent switch is not on silent (or turn on “Speak” in Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content).
App crashes – Force-quit the Magnifier app (swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away) and reopen it. If it persists, restart your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Detection Mode work on all iPhones with iOS 16?

No. People and Door Detection require a LiDAR scanner, which is only on iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. Image Descriptions works on iPhone XS and newer.

Can I use Detection Mode with the front camera?

No, Detection Mode uses the rear camera only. The front camera doesn’t have the necessary sensors.

Is Detection Mode available in all countries?

Yes, it’s a built-in feature of iOS 16 and is available worldwide.

Can I save a detection image?

No, Detection Mode is live only. However, you can take a screenshot (press side button + volume up) to capture the view.

Does Detection Mode work in the dark?

People and Door Detection use LiDAR, which works in complete darkness. Image Descriptions rely on the camera, so they need some light.

How do I turn off Detection Mode?

Go to Settings in the Magnifier app, tap Detection Mode, and toggle it off. The detection icons will disappear from the toolbar.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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