iPod nano (6th generation and later): How to use VoiceOver

VoiceOver describes aloud what appears onscreen, so that you can use iPod nano (6th generation) without seeing it.

VoiceOver speaks in the language you specify in Accessibility settings on the iPod. VoiceOver is available in many languages, but not all.

VoiceOver tells you about each element on the screen when you select it. When you select an element, it's enclosed by a black rectangle, and VoiceOver speaks the name or describes the item. The enclosing rectangle is called the VoiceOver cursor. If you select text, VoiceOver reads it. If you select a control (such as a button or switch), VoiceOver may tell you the action of the item or provide instructions (for example, "double-tap to open").

To set up VoiceOver

  1. From the Home screen, tap Settings > General.

  2. Tap Accessibility > VoiceOver.

  3. Tap the On/Off switch to turn VoiceOver On.

    VoiceOver changes the gestures used to control iPod
  4. In the dialog that appears, tap OK to confirm your selection.

If you do nothing for 15 seconds, the dialog disappears, and VoiceOver is turned Off. You hear an announcement that VoiceOver is off.

When you turn on VoiceOver, you use a different set of gestures to control iPod nano. If you change your mind and want to turn off VoiceOver, double-tap with two fingers to move the switch to Off. If you’ve navigated away from the Settings screen, you’ll need to use VoiceOver gestures to return to the setting and turn it off.

To turn off VoiceOver on iPod nano using VoiceOver gestures

From the Home Screen, swipe right or left with two fingers until you see or hear "Page 2 of 2" on iPod nano (7th generation) or "Settings" on iPod (6th generation).

If the icons have been rearranged, or if there are more than four Home screens, you may hear something different.

  1. Slide one finger around the screen until you hear Settings.

  2. Double-tap to open Settings.

  3. Slide your finger up or down the screen until you see or hear General, then double- tap.

  4. Slide your finger up or down the screen until you see or hear Accessibility, then double-tap.

  5. Slide your finger up or down the screen until you see or hear VoiceOver, then double-tap.

  6. Double-tap when you hear "VoiceOver switch button on."

  7. You'll hear "VoiceOver off" to confirm the setting. Now you can use standard gestures to control iPod nano.

Note: You can also turn off VoiceOver by resetting your iPod.

VoiceOver Gestures

When VoiceOver is turned on, you use the following gestures to control iPod nano.

To

Do This

Read the screen starting at the top

Flick up with two fingers.

Read the screen from the current selection

Flick down with two fingers.

Pause or continue speech

Tap the screen with one finger.

Select the item in the VoiceOver cursor

Tap the screen with one finger.

Activate the item in the VoiceOver cursor

Double-tap with one finger.

Scroll left one page

Swipe right with two fingers.

Scroll right one page

Swipe left with two fingers.

Scroll up one screen in a list or menu

Flick down with one finger.

Scroll down one screen in a list or menu

Flick up with one finger.

Start or stop the current action

Tap with two fingers.

Increase or decrease the value of a selected control

Flick up or down with one finger.

Return to Home

Double-tap with one finger and hold.

Learn more

Find additional VoiceOver information.

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