VoiceOver
Built-in Apple screen reader for macOS and iOS.
Use to test
Impairments this tool can test for:
How to install
On macOS:
- press Command + F5 to toggle VoiceOver on or off
- alternatively, triple-tap the Touch ID button (top row, far right on keyboard) and select VoiceOver from accessibility shortcuts
On iOS:
- go to Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver and toggle VoiceOver on
- ask Siri to "turn on VoiceOver"
- from the Control Centre, select the accessibility button and choose VoiceOver
How to use
The quickest way to start testing with VoiceOver is to tab through your content using the Tab key (Shift + Tab to move backwards) and listen to the information VoiceOver provides.
This helps you understand how accessible your service is for screen reader users.
When navigating, VoiceOver should announce the type of control in focus (for example, a link or button) and its accessible name, providing enough context for users to understand its purpose.
Common keyboard shortcuts (macOS):
- VO + Right Arrow: read next item
- VO + Command + H: next heading
- VO + Command + L: next link
Note: VO refers to holding Control and Option together.
Watch a training video demonstrating how to use VoiceOver.
On iOS
Navigate by swiping right to move forward, left to move backward, and double-tap to activate the selected item. VoiceOver will announce the name and type of each element in focus.
What results could look like
As you navigate, listen for clear, descriptive announcements for each element. For example, links should have meaningful names, and buttons should describe their action. If VoiceOver announces generic or unclear information, this may indicate an accessibility issue.
What to do next
You need to check or verify that the accessibility issues the tool finds are issues, rather than false positives or false assurances.
If an issue is genuine, speak to your developer or design team to consider, then implement, a fix.
You can read guidance for how to manage and prioritise issues.