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Apple’s accessibility options have made technology more accessible for the partially sighted. In this article, we will guide you through using VoiceOver, the screen-reading feature built into all Apple devices. VoiceOver is available on Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, but we will be focusing on using it on iOS devices.
What is VoiceOver and How Does it Work?
VoiceOver is a screen-reading feature that allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without seeing the screen. It informs users by speaking out loud what is displayed on the screen to make it easier to interact with their devices. It uses gestures such as swipe, double-tap, and rotate instead of tapping, making it more accessible for the visually impaired. The easiest way to activate VoiceOver is by pressing and holding the Home button and asking Siri to “turn on VoiceOver.” Alternatively, you can also enable it by visiting your device’s Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then toggling the switch on.
Perform VoiceOver Gestures
After turning on VoiceOver, a black target box appears on the screen, giving users a reference point. You lift your finger to explore the screen; it does not activate anything, but as you touch, the VoiceOver will tell you what you’re touching. To activate an application or option, double-tap anywhere on the section. This is one of your most important gestures when using VoiceOver.
If you don’t want to tap on a specific item, you can swipe right or left to navigate between them. For instance, swiping to the right, the target box will change to the next item. To select the Phone app from the dock, swipe to the right until the VoiceOver says, “Phone,” then double-tap to open it. These are the three essential gestures you need to know when using VoiceOver:
- Drag/tap to target an item on the screen.
- Double-tap to activate it.
- Swipe right or left to navigate the next or previous item.
Scrolling
To scroll up and down on a page, double-tap the screen and drag your finger up or down. You can also use three fingers on the screen to swipe up or down for scrolling. To pause the speech, tap with two fingers once.
The Rota
The Rota feature allows you to interact with your device more efficiently. To activate the Rota, place your index finger and thumb on the screen and rotate as if turning a dial. VoiceOver will read various options available in the Rota feature. The grid function allows you to read the screen by characters, words, lines, or paragraphs, giving you more control over what you’re reading. This feature is especially useful when you come across a word that you don’t understand. You can navigate to ‘Characters’ through the Rota to view each letter of the word. You can use the same rotational gesture to hear words or sentences.
You can also change the speaking speed, language, and other options within the Rota. To do so, swipe up or down while navigating the Rota feature.
FAQs
1. What is VoiceOver on iPhone?
VoiceOver is a screen-reading feature available on all Apple devices. It reads the items on the screen out loud and uses gestures such as swipe, double-tap, and rotate to help visually impaired individuals interact with their devices.
2. How do I turn off VoiceOver on my iPhone?
To turn off VoiceOver on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then toggle the switch off. Alternatively, press and hold the Home button and ask Siri to “turn off VoiceOver.”