Getting Started with VoiceOver for iOS

VoiceOver is Apple screen reader for watchOS, iOS, iPodOS, iPadOS, macOS. tvOS, visionOS.

In this article, will go over VooiceOver for iOS, iPodOS, and iPadOS.

Turn on VoiceOver

An easy way to turn on or off VoiceOver is to ask Siri, “Toggle VoiceOver.”

If your device is running an older iOS, Accessibility settings are found in General.

VoiceOver alters the gestures you use to interact with the device.

*Magic Tap is used to play and pause media.

VoiceOver also alters the way you navigate your device between apps and various screens such as accessing Control or Notification Center.

Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen on the navigation bar with one finger deliberately until you feel the first vibration and confirming sound effect to go home.
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen on the navigation bar with one finger until you feel the second vibration and confirming sound effect to access the App Switcher.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen until you feel the first vibration and confirming sound effect to open Control Center.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen until you feel the second vibration and confirming sound effect to open Notification Center.
Rotate two fingers clockwise on the screen to move to the next rotor* and counter-clockwise to move to the previous rotor*.
Double-tap with two fingers on opposite sides of the display to enable Braille Screen Input*.

*The Rotor is the VoiceOver menu of modes.

*Braille Screen Input is a VoiceOver feature to allow the user to type using braille instead of the normal touchscreen keyboard.

Learn how to customize your VoiceOver's voice: VoiceOver Speech - Languages and Voices >

Learn how to customize the VoiceOver gestures: Customize the VoiceOver Gestures >

Learn about the Rotor and how to customize it: The VoiceOver Rotor >

Last updated: March 17, 2025

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