Google is rolling out a meaningful update to Reading Mode in Google Chrome on Android, aiming to make the feature easier to find and more consistent to use. While Reading Mode has long existed as a way to strip clutter from webpages and focus on core text, its usefulness on Android has been limited by how inconsistently it appeared. This latest revamp focuses less on adding flashy features and more on removing friction.
Reading Mode is designed for users who want to get straight to the content of a page without ads, sidebars, or distracting layouts. When enabled, it presents articles in a simplified, high-contrast format that is easier on the eyes and faster to read. Until now, however, the feature often felt hidden. On Android, Reading Mode would only surface in certain situations, leaving users unsure when or where it could be activated.
That behavior is beginning to change. As first reported by 9to5Google, Google is rolling out a revised Reading Mode experience in Chrome for Android starting with version 143. With this update, Reading Mode appears directly in Chrome’s three-dot menu, making it a deliberate choice rather than a conditional suggestion. Once activated, a clear indicator confirms that Reading Mode is active, reducing ambiguity about whether the page has actually switched views.
Customization has also been streamlined. Users can swipe up on the Reading Mode panel to access familiar controls for font style, font size, and background color. The key improvement is persistence. Previously, any adjustments would reset when navigating to a new page, forcing users to repeat the same setup. Now, Chrome remembers these preferences across pages, making Reading Mode feel like a continuous environment rather than a one-off tool.
This change may seem modest, but it addresses one of the biggest barriers to adoption. For frequent readers, small interruptions add up. By carrying settings forward and placing Reading Mode in a predictable location, Chrome turns the feature into something that can realistically be used throughout a browsing session.
The update also reinforces Chrome’s broader accessibility and usability efforts. Reading Mode is not just for visual comfort; it supports text-to-speech functionality and is available across platforms, including desktop versions on Windows and macOS. On Android, where screen size and attention span are more constrained, a reliable Reading Mode can significantly improve long-form reading.
Availability is tied to Chrome version 143, and as with many Google rollouts, the update is arriving gradually. Some users may see the changes immediately, while others will need to wait for the update to reach their devices.
Overall, this revamp does not reinvent Reading Mode, but it finally treats it as a first-class feature. By making it easier to access and more consistent to use, Google is acknowledging that many people rely on their browsers not just to browse, but to read. For anyone who regularly works through articles, reports, or documentation on their phone, this update makes Chrome’s Reading Mode far more practical than it was before.
