An intro into VoiceOver on iPhone


Living with sight loss doesn't mean becoming isolated from technology. In fact, with built-in accessibility tools available as standard on many devices, the opposite is often true. Once the right features are enabled, visually impaired users often navigate smartphones and tablets more efficiently than sighted users.

One of the most powerful tools available on Apple devices is VoiceOver — and that’s what this guide is all about.

What is VoiceOver?

VoiceOver is Apple’s built-in screen reader designed to speak everything that appears on your screen — from text and buttons to notifications and navigation elements.
It allows users to interact with their iPhone or iPad using gestures and audio feedback. VoiceOver also supports Braille displays when connected via Bluetooth, opening up even more accessibility options.

How to Turn On VoiceOver

There are several ways to enable VoiceOver:

1. From Settings
Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and toggle VoiceOver ON.

The steps to turn on VoiceOver in iOS device settings

2. Using Siri

Say “Hey Siri, turn on VoiceOver”.

3. Using the Triple-Click Shortcut
Set it up via Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut, then select VoiceOver.
Now you can triple-click the side (or home) button to turn it on or off.

4. Add to Control Centre (Optional)
Go to Settings > Control Centre and add Accessibility Shortcuts for quick access.

VoiceOver highlighted in red in control center

5. Create a VoiceOver Widget (Optional)

Use the Shortcuts app to create a custom widget that toggles VoiceOver with one tap.

These last two methods are especially helpful if you don’t need VoiceOver on all the time — for example, if the phone is shared for work and only one person relies on VoiceOver.

Basic VoiceOver Gestures

VoiceOver uses touch gestures instead of standard taps. Here are a few essential ones:

  • Swipe right – Move to next item

  • Swipe left – Move to previous item

  • Double-tap – Activate selected item

  • Two-finger swipe up – Read everything from the top

  • Two-finger swipe down – Read from the current item

  • Three-finger swipe up/down – Scroll the screen

  • Two-finger double-tap – Start or stop the current action (like answering a call or pausing music)

You can explore and change gestures in Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Commands.

Practice Mode

Apple even offers a built-in tutorial that lets users practice gestures without affecting anything on their phone.
It’s a brilliant way to learn the different motions safely — especially if you’re nervous about accidentally deleting something or sending an unwanted message.

To access it, go to:
Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > VoiceOver Practice

Using VoiceOver with Hearing Devices

Hearing loss doesn’t need to limit access to screen readers. When connected via Bluetooth, cochlear implants, hearing aids, or streamers can play VoiceOver audio directly into one or both ears.

This is especially useful in noisy environments — like on public transport — where clarity matters.

To ensure everything works smoothly:

  • Pair your hearing device via Bluetooth

  • Visit Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices to adjust routing

  • Enable Mono Audio if you hear better in one ear (under Audio/Visual settings)

Customising VoiceOver

VoiceOver isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can customise many settings to suit your preferences and needs:

  • Speech Rate – Slow it down or speed it up.

  • Voice Type – Choose your preferred accent or gender.

  • Verbosity – Control how much information VoiceOver reads out loud.

  • Rotor – Add controls for navigating by words, characters, headings, links, and more.

  • Typing Mode – Choose between:

    • Standard Typing (tap to select a key, then double-tap to type),

    • Touch Typing (lift your finger to type), or

    • Direct Touch (types immediately — for advanced users).
      You can change this under Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Typing Style.

  • Braille Display Settings – Fine-tune settings for connected braille devices.

  • Audio Ducking – Automatically lowers background audio when VoiceOver is speaking.

All of these can be found under:
Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver


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