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How to Use VoiceOver on iPhone

Tap through the steps to see how to use VoiceOver.

  1. Go to Accessibility in Settings

    Open the Settings app, tap 'Accessibility,' then tap 'VoiceOver' under the Vision section.

  2. Turn on VoiceOver

    Flip the VoiceOver toggle at the top on. As soon as it's on, spoken feedback begins and the way you interact with the screen changes completely.

  3. Learn the basic gestures

    Once VoiceOver is on, a single tap selects and reads an item aloud, while a double tap now activates it (taking over the role a single tap used to play). Dragging one finger across the screen reads items in order, and a three-finger swipe scrolls the screen.

  4. Adjust speaking rate and voice

    In the VoiceOver settings screen, use the 'Speaking Rate' slider to adjust speed, and choose your preferred voice or language under the 'Voices' menu.

  5. Turn it off quickly with Siri

    If VoiceOver's controls feel hard to navigate and you need to turn it off fast, just say 'Hey Siri, turn off VoiceOver' to disable it instantly.

  6. Set it as an Accessibility Shortcut

    Adding VoiceOver under Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut lets you triple-click the side button (or Home button) to turn it on or off anytime.

What to know before you turn it on

The moment VoiceOver is enabled, how you interact with the entire screen changes, which can catch first-time users off guard. Remembering the one rule -- single tap to select, double tap to activate -- is usually enough to get comfortable with basic navigation quickly.

Pair it with automations for an even smoother experience

If you also want to automate repetitive tasks, it's worth exploring how a shortcuts or automation app on your phone can trigger actions automatically, working alongside VoiceOver rather than requiring extra manual steps each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

I turned on VoiceOver and now I can't figure out how to turn it off.

Say 'Hey Siri, turn off VoiceOver' and it switches off immediately without any manual navigation. Setting up the triple-click Accessibility Shortcut in advance makes it even faster to toggle next time.

Can I still see the screen while using VoiceOver?

Yes, the screen displays normally, and if you'd prefer, you can turn on Screen Curtain in the settings to make the display appear off entirely and operate the phone using only spoken feedback.