iPhone Setup: Turning On Siri and VoiceOver

iPhone Setup: Turning  on Siri and Voice Over
iPhone Setup: Turning on Siri and Voice Over

Lesson:

Step 1: Turn On Siri Using the Home or Side Button

If the phone is locked: Here’s how you can begin the process for iPhone Setup: Turning On Siri and VoiceOver.

  1. Press and hold the Home button (older phones)
    OR
    Press and hold the Side button (newer phones)
  2. When you hear the Siri tone, say clearly:

“Turn on Siri.”

If Siri is already enabled, continue.


Step 2: Use Siri to Turn On VoiceOver

Once Siri responds, say:

“Turn on VoiceOver.”

The phone will say:

“VoiceOver on.”

Now the screen is accessible.


Now the Lesson Can Begin

Once VoiceOver is on, the learner can use gestures.


Basic VoiceOver Navigation

Move Forward

Flick right with one finger.

Move Backward

Flick left with one finger.

Activate Item

Double-tap anywhere on the screen.

Stop Speech

Two-finger tap.

Go Back

Two-finger scrub (draw a Z).


Moving Around the Home Screen

Move Between Apps

Flick right or left.

Open an App

Double-tap.

Move Between Pages

Three-finger swipe left or right.


Using the Rotor

  1. Place two fingers on the screen.
  2. Twist like turning a dial.
  3. Listen for options such as:
    • Words
    • Characters
    • Headings
    • Links
  4. Flick up or down to move within that selection.

The rotor allows precise navigation.

Change rotor based on need, based on App


Using Siri After VoiceOver Is On

Siri continues to work alongside VoiceOver.

Activate Siri:

  • Say “Hey Siri”
    OR
  • Hold Side button

Examples:

“Open Maps.”
“Call Mom.”
“Send a text.”
“What’s around me?”
“Turn Bluetooth on.”

VoiceOver confirms each action.


Critical Teaching Order

Teach in this order:

  1. Turn on Siri
  2. Turn on VoiceOver
  3. Flick right
  4. Flick left
  5. Double-tap
  6. Three-finger swipe
  7. Rotor
  8. 4 finger double tap teaches child “VoiceOver help mode”

Confidence comes from mastering movement first.


Go to All iPhone Lessons

Drop Pins and Navigate with Maps: iPhone and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind