Use VoiceOver on Apple Watch
VoiceOver helps you use your Apple Watch even if you can’t see the display. Use simple gestures to move around the screen and listen as VoiceOver speaks each item you select.
Turn VoiceOver on or off
Open the Settings app
on your Apple Watch.Go to Accessibility > VoiceOver, then turn on VoiceOver.
To turn VoiceOver off, double-tap the VoiceOver button.
Siri: “Turn VoiceOver on” or “Turn VoiceOver off.”
You can also use your iPhone to turn on VoiceOver for your Apple Watch—open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, go to Accessibility, then tap the VoiceOver option. Or, use the Accessibility Shortcut.
Use VoiceOver for setup
VoiceOver can help you set up your Apple Watch—triple-click the Digital Crown during setup. For step-by-step instructions, see Set up Apple Watch using VoiceOver.
VoiceOver gestures
Use these gestures to control your Apple Watch with VoiceOver.
Note: VoiceOver supports the Always On Display. Tap the dimmed display and VoiceOver focuses on the element under your finger.
Explore the screen: Move your finger around on the display and listen as the name of each item you touch is spoken. You can also tap with one finger to select an item, or swipe left or right with one finger to select an adjacent item. Swipe left or right, up or down with two fingers to see other pages.
Go back: If you’ve gone down a path you didn’t expect, do a two-finger scrub: use two fingers to trace a “z” shape on the display.
Act on an item: With VoiceOver on, use a double tap instead of a single tap to open an app, switch an option, or perform any action that would normally be done with a tap. Select an app icon, list item, or option switch by tapping it or swiping to it, then double-tap to perform its action. For example, to turn VoiceOver off, select the VoiceOver button, then double-tap anywhere on the display.
Perform additional actions: Some items offer several actions—listen for “actions available” when you select an item. Swipe up or down to choose an action, then double-tap to perform it.
Pause reading: To have VoiceOver stop reading, tap the display with two fingers. Tap again with two fingers to resume.
Adjust VoiceOver volume: Double-tap and hold with two fingers, then slide up or down. Or, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, then go to Accessibility > VoiceOver and drag the slider.
Use the VoiceOver rotor
You can use the rotor to change VoiceOver settings and jump from one item to the next on the screen. On Apple Watch, you can use the rotor to choose Words, Characters, Actions, Headings, Volume, and Speaking Rate.
When VoiceOver is turned on, rotate two fingers on your screen as if you’re turning a dial. VoiceOver speaks the rotor setting. Keep rotating your fingers to hear more settings. Stop rotating your fingers when you hear the setting you want.
Use these gestures with the rotor.
Action | Gesture |
Choose a rotor setting | Rotate two fingers |
Move to the previous item or increase (depending on the rotor setting) | Swipe up |
Move to the next item or decrease (depending on the rotor setting) | Swipe down |
Adjust VoiceOver settings
You can adjust VoiceOver behaviors from your Apple Watch. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, go to Accessibility > VoiceOver, then do any of the following:
Turn off VoiceOver
Adjust the speaking rate
Adjust VoiceOver volume
Set Speech options
Tap Speech, then choose options for voice, pitch, and rotor languages.
Turn Haptics on or off
Set Braille options
Tap Braille, then choose options for Braille output, Braille input, word wrap, alert display duration, and Braille tables.
Set Keyboards options (for Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch Series 8)
Pair a Bluetooth keyboard to Apple Watch, tap Keyboards, then choose options for phonetic feedback, typing feedback, modifier keys, keyboard interaction time, and devices.
Turn off VoiceOver hints
Navigate with the Digital Crown
Choose to hear the name of the highlighted item when you raise your wrist
Turn on Screen Curtain, which turns off the display for privacy when using VoiceOver
Speak seconds
Configure Hand Gestures
You can find these same options on your iPhone. Open the Apple Watch app, tap My Watch, then go to Accessibility > VoiceOver.
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