Technology isn’t just built for your convenience. If used correctly, it can improve your daily life functions. For people with mobility challenges, iPhone’s accessibility features can improve their quality of life. That’s why I appreciate his Michael’s question about how to use voice services on an iPhone.
“I’m blind and I’m looking for an app that I can use on my iPhone so I can verbally ask a search engine a question and get a verbal answer.” Michael, Manassas, Virginia
Several iPhone features are available, including Siri, VoiceOver, and Spoken Content. Together, they allow you to verbally search the web and get verbal responses without downloading any additional apps. If these native features don’t suit your requirements, two apps that work with voice commands have emerged to the top.
We hope you already have the audio content feature set up so you can read this article aloud. If your device doesn’t have that setting yet, see this article. How to read articles on your mobile phone Step-by-step guidance will be provided.
iPhone side button (apple)
How to use Siri to help you search the web
Siri is a great tool to help you with almost any task you can do manually on your iPhone. To use Siri to search the web and provide verbal feedback and answers, follow these steps:
For iPhone 8 and earlier:
- Press and hold. home button (Usually located at the bottom center of your iPhone)
- Please say something like “Search the web to learn how to use Siri to search the web.”
- Siri displays a list of search results from the web. Tap a result to open it in Safari.
- If you want Siri to read your search results aloud, you can say “Read” or “Read again” after Siri displays the search results.
For iPhone X and later:
- Press and hold. side button (usually located on the right side of your iPhone) or say “Hey, Siri” to launch Siri.
- Say something like, “Search the web for information on how to use Siri to search the web.”
- Siri displays a list of search results from the web. Tap a result to open it in Safari.
- If you want Siri to read your search results aloud, you can say “Read” or “Read again” after Siri displays the search results.
If your search has a large number of results and you need additional help tapping on them, check out how to set up VoiceOver below. It notifies you of what you tap on the iPhone screen, so you can verbalize Siri’s results.
More information: How to use SIRI without saying “hey”
How to take Siri to the next level with VoiceOver
This raises the following question: Once Siri presents you with search results, how do you select and use the aforementioned read-aloud feature? This is another iPhone accessibility feature. “Voice over” will appear.
A great feature of this feature is that as you move your finger over the various options on the screen, the options are read out loud. So, for example, even if Siri displays search results based on a verbal question, it may be difficult to select the articles that Siri reads.
For people who are visually impaired or blind, it doesn’t make sense to display search results that they can’t interact with once they search. But VoiceOver reads aloud what you’re swiping, so you can hear the title of an article or any other action you want to take on your iPhone. Then double tap to select the option you want.
How to turn on VoiceOver on iPhone
- go to you iPhone home screen
- Tap setting
- Scroll down and tap accessibility
- Tap voice over
![VoiceOver on iPhone](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/05/1200/675/2-How-to-unlock-special-features-on-your-iPhone-to-improve-voice-search-voiceoversetup.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to turn on VoiceOver on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Tap. toggle To the right of the VoiceOver option
- You will see a grayed out button. green If it’s on.
![iPhone narration settings](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/05/1200/675/3-How-to-unlock-special-features-on-your-iPhone-to-improve-voice-search-voiceoversetup2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to turn on VoiceOver on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
For example, if you place your finger over the Accessibility button or option while VoiceOver is on, iPhone announces “Accessibility Back Button” to let you know that’s the option you’re touching. Then tap twice.[設定]Return to menu.
It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, using your iPhone becomes much easier. Visually impaired users can also blend voice-activated and tactile functionality.
![A woman using an iPhone](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/05/1200/675/4-How-to-unlock-special-features-on-your-iPhone-to-improve-voice-search-woman-speaking-to-mobile-phone.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Woman using VoiceOver on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More information: 8 iPhone accessibility tips to make your life easier
How to navigate verbally using Alexa
You can also use the Alexa app and your Alexa device to unlock voice-activated support when using your iPhone or other smart device. To take advantage of these features, go to your device settings in the Alexa app and enable them. “Alexa’s hands-free mode.”
Similar to Siri on iPhone X and later, when you have an app open and using it, you can say “Alexa” and Alexa will respond to your voice. Learn more about Alexa features here. 4 common things Alexa can do better than you.
Read more: Is Alexa secretly listening to your private conversations?
How to navigate verbally using Google Assistant
You can also use the Google Assistant app to unlock voice-activated support when using your iPhone or other smart device. Once you’ve downloaded the app and configured it to your preferences and specifications, there are three ways to interact with Google Assistant.
1. Tap . microphone icon
2. Type your question or command.
3. If valid, say: “Hey Siri, Hey Google” With this feature, Siri opens the Google Assistant app upon request, and Google Assistant responds.
If you already have a Google Account and use many of its apps, you can use Google Assistant to help you navigate them. However, it’s important to note that it’s not as deeply integrated into the iOS system as Siri.
More information: Unforgettable Mother’s Day gifts in 2024
Cart important points
Advances in iPhone functionality allow people with visual impairments and other mobility disabilities to get the most out of the technology. The ability to respond to Siri’s verbal commands (with the click of a button or a verbal request) and the accessibility features that help you verbally navigate your phone and Siri’s responses make it easy for all users to use their iPhone. You can take full advantage of its features.
Email us at What additional features would you like to see in future smartphone updates to improve accessibility? Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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