MacOS includes a built in screen reader called VoiceOver, an accessibly assistance for vision impairment. Sometime it can be accidentally enabled through a short cut, there are multiple ways to turn off VoiceOver depending on device.
Why is my Mac talking? Why is my iPhone talking?
VoiceOver is a screen-reading technology developed by Apple for individuals with visual impairments. It is designed to make Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple Watches, and more, accessible to users who are blind or have low vision. VoiceOver provides spoken feedback to users, allowing them to interact with their devices, navigate the user interface, and use various apps and features without relying on visual cues.
When VoiceOver is enabled, the device’s screen content is converted into spoken text that is read aloud to the user. Users can use gestures, such as swiping, tapping, and pinching, to navigate through the interface, select elements, and interact with apps. VoiceOver also provides auditory feedback for actions like typing on the keyboard, selecting buttons, and navigating menus.
VoiceOver is a vital accessibility feature that helps individuals with visual impairments use Apple products independently and efficiently. It plays a crucial role in making technology more inclusive and ensuring that people with varying abilities can fully participate in the digital world.
VoiceOver is supported on the following Apple devices:
iPhone: All iPhone models, including iPhone SE, iPhone 6s and later models.
iPad: All iPad models, including iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
iPod touch: VoiceOver is available on iPod touch devices.
Mac: VoiceOver is available on macOS computers, including MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro.
Apple Watch: VoiceOver is available on all Apple Watch models.
Apple TV: Some Apple TV models also support VoiceOver for users with visual impairments to navigate the interface.
How do I turn off VoiceOver?
To turn off VoiceOver on an Apple device, you can follow these general steps:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
Triple-click the Home button or the Side button (on devices without a Home button) quickly. This shortcut can be set up in the Accessibility settings.
If you have a device with Face ID, you can also disable VoiceOver by using the “Hey Siri, turn off VoiceOver” command.
If you know the exact location of the settings icon on the screen, you can tap it to open the Settings app, then navigate to “Accessibility” > “VoiceOver” and toggle it off.
Mac:
Press the Command + F5 keys simultaneously. This keyboard shortcut can be customized in the Accessibility settings.
Alternatively, you can go to the Apple menu > “System Preferences” > “Accessibility” > “VoiceOver” and uncheck the “Enable VoiceOver” option.
Apple Watch:
Press and hold the Side button until the Power Off slider appears.
Then, press and hold the Digital Crown and Side button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears, indicating that VoiceOver has been turned off.
Apple TV:
Using the Siri Remote:
Press and hold the Menu button and the Volume Down (-) button simultaneously for a few seconds until VoiceOver is turned off.
Using the Apple TV Remote app on iOS:
Open the Apple TV Remote app on your iOS device.
Select the Apple TV you want to control.
Swipe down to reveal the navigation menu.
Tap on the VoiceOver button to toggle it off.
Using the Apple TV Settings:
Navigate to the “Settings” app on your Apple TV’s home screen.
Scroll down and select “Accessibility.”
Choose “VoiceOver.”
Toggle off the “VoiceOver” switch.
Remember that if you are using VoiceOver and you’re not familiar with the gestures or commands required to disable it, it might be a bit challenging. If you find it difficult to turn off VoiceOver, Denver Mac Repair can help.
How do I know if VoiceOver is turned on?
To determine if VoiceOver is active on your Apple device, you can use a few different methods depending on the device you’re using. Here’s how you can check if VoiceOver is currently enabled:
On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
Listen for VoiceOver Announcement: When you turn on VoiceOver, the device will typically announce “VoiceOver is on” or something similar. If you hear spoken feedback for various actions and interactions on your device, it’s likely that VoiceOver is active.
Triple-Click Shortcut (if enabled): If you’ve set up the triple-click shortcut for VoiceOver, you can quickly triple-click the Home button or the Side button (on devices without a Home button). If VoiceOver is on, this action may activate the VoiceOver menu or provide a spoken announcement.
On Mac:
Listen for VoiceOver Announcement: Similar to iOS devices, when you activate VoiceOver on a Mac, it will announce “VoiceOver on” or something similar. You’ll hear spoken feedback as you interact with elements on the screen.
Check System Preferences: You can go to the Apple menu > “System Preferences” > “Accessibility” > “VoiceOver.” If the “Enable VoiceOver” option is checked, then VoiceOver is active.
On Apple Watch:
Listen for VoiceOver Announcement: When VoiceOver is enabled or disabled on an Apple Watch, it typically provides an auditory confirmation, such as “VoiceOver is on” or “VoiceOver is off.”
Check Accessibility Settings: On your Apple Watch, open the “Settings” app. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.” If “VoiceOver” is toggled on, then VoiceOver is active.
On Apple TV:
Listen for VoiceOver Announcements: If VoiceOver is active, you will hear spoken feedback as you navigate the Apple TV interface. VoiceOver will announce the names of menu options, apps, and other elements as you move through the menus. You may also hear descriptions of on-screen actions and selections.
Look for Visual Indicators: VoiceOver activation may also be indicated by a highlighted item or focus box around elements on the screen as you navigate. Some icons or text may be highlighted or outlined to show that they are currently selected or in focus.
Check the Apple TV Settings: Navigate to the “Settings” app on your Apple TV’s home screen. Scroll down and select “Accessibility.” Choose “VoiceOver.” If VoiceOver is enabled, you will see the “VoiceOver” switch in the “VoiceOver” settings page turned on (green).
If you suspect that VoiceOver might be active but you’re unsure, you can use the appropriate gestures or shortcuts mentioned above to either turn off VoiceOver or navigate the VoiceOver menu to confirm its status.
