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.
- Press and hold the Home button (older phones)
OR
Press and hold the Side button (newer phones) - 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
- Place two fingers on the screen.
- Twist like turning a dial.
- Listen for options such as:
- Words
- Characters
- Headings
- Links
- 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:
- Turn on Siri
- Turn on VoiceOver
- Flick right
- Flick left
- Double-tap
- Three-finger swipe
- Rotor
- 4 finger double tap teaches child “VoiceOver help mode”
Confidence comes from mastering movement first.
Other iPhone Lessons
- Complete iPhone Access Guide for Blind and Low Vision
- Drop Pins and Navigate with Maps: iPhone and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind
- iPhone: Set Up Face ID, Touch ID, and Passcode with VoiceOver
- iPhone-Setting Up Email Using Siri & VoiceOver
- Using VoiceOver to Learn What You Can Do in an App
- iPhone Setup: Turning On Siri and VoiceOver
- Aira Glasses Navigation: How Blind Travelers Navigate Safely and Independently
- Blind Users Retrace Indoor Routes with Clew
- Indoor Navigation for Blind Users: Using Seeing AI with iPhone
- Look Around APP: Outdoor iPhone Navigation for Blind People: 7 & 8
- Drop a Pin with iPhone- Google Maps and VoiceOver Navigation for the Blind
- Indoor Navigation for Blind Travelers Using iPhone Apps 1
How Blind People Drop a Pin to Share Location on iPhone