How to check an app's accessibility before downloading

Before you download a meditation app, you can check whether it fits the way you see, hear and move. That takes about ten minutes and saves you from installing something that frustrates you.

This guide gives you a checklist, questions to send to a provider, and other options if the app is not a fit.

Where can I find accessibility information?

Look in four places, in this order.

• The store listing on the App Store or Google Play: description, screenshots, version notes and reviews.
• The provider’s own website, especially a help, support or accessibility page.
• The provider’s contact form or email.
• Your phone’s accessibility settings, to see what you already use, such as larger text or a screen reader.

If you cannot find a statement, that means the information is not confirmed yet. It does not mean the app is unsuitable. Ask.

What does the listing for Miracle of Mind state?

Here is what the sources say, and nothing more. Isha’s Miracle of Mind page says the app is free and available on the Apple App Store for iOS and on Google Play for Android¹.

The App Store listing says Miracle of Mind requires iOS 15.0 or later on iPhone and iPod touch, and the version notes mention added languages including German, French and Marathi². The listing and version notes also mention adjustable meditation duration and reminders, and offline meditation downloads³.

The provider, Isha Foundation, is the best source for accessibility details, so ask them before you rely on the app.

Try this: a ten-minute pre-download check

You can do this on any app. Use paper or your notes.

1. Write the three things you most need, for example large text, audio without looking at the screen, or short sessions.
2. Open the store listing and read the description and the version notes for any of those words.
3. Check that your phone meets the version requirement, in your phone’s settings.
4. Look for offline use if your data plan or Wi-Fi is patchy.
5. Send one short question to the provider if something is unclear. Then wait for the answer before installing.

If you prefer a form to fill in, the practice cue planner is useful once you have chosen a tool. It keeps what you type in your browser.

What can I ask the provider?

A short message is enough. You might write:

“I use a screen reader. Does your app work with it, and are the audio sessions available without needing to see the screen?”

“Is there a text version of the sessions? Which phone versions do you support?”

Change it to fit your needs, such as captions, large text, one-handed use or a low-vision setting. Ask what is confirmed, and ask if the answer is based on testing.

What if sitting, breathing or screens are part of the problem?

Accessibility is not only about the app. Some people find sitting still or following a breathing pattern hard because of pain, a health condition or a disability.

Everyday comfort changes, like using a chair or lying down, are yours to make.

For changes to the method itself, check the official guidance. Checking official posture options explains the difference. If your doctor or therapist has advice about your body, follow that first.

What if the app is not a fit?

That is a fair outcome of a good check. You can try another source, or skip apps.

Our meditating without an app guide lists other resources on this site, and the meditation timer works with a quiet, plain screen. Everything you type stays in your browser.

Where to go next

If you decide to install, preparing a phone for a guided session covers volume, notifications and a quiet moment. For the wider picture, read what the official sources describe. Everything in this series sits on the keeping a practice going hub.