BASIC CHEAT SHEET
VoiceOver ยท iPhone
Touch and external-keyboard basics are both included. Detailed braille operation is outside scope.
Touch
| Task | Command | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Previous or next item | Swipe left / swipe right | Moves sequentially through accessible items. |
| Explore by position | Drag one finger | Speaks items beneath the finger. |
| Activate selected item | Double-tap | Performs the default action. |
| Pause or continue speech | Two-finger tap | Controls current speech. |
| Choose a rotor option | Rotate two fingers | Then swipe up or down to use it. |
| Go back or dismiss | Two-finger scrub | Draw a quick Z shape. |
External keyboard
| Task | Command | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Open VoiceOver Help | VO-K | Escape closes help. |
| Previous or next item | VO-Left Arrow / VO-Right Arrow | Moves the selected VoiceOver item. |
| Activate item | VO-Space | Performs the default action. |
| Read from current position | VO-A | Begins continuous reading. |
| Pause or resume reading | Control | Controls current reading. |
| Return to previous screen | Escape | Returns when the current context supports it. |
Practical notes for this platform
- State whether touch or an external keyboard was used.
- Do not confuse visual proximity with swipe order.
- Record the active rotor option when it affects the result.
- Repeat critical app transitions and verify where VoiceOver focus lands.
Platform-neutral testing pointers
Before testing
- Record device, operating system, browser or app, screen reader, and versions.
- Use a combination relevant to the product's supported environments.
- Learn the basic commands before judging the interface.
Test a representative task
- Identify where you are and the purpose of the current view.
- Discover content and controls through the screen reader.
- Check names, roles, states, values, order, and relationships.
- Operate controls and trigger a meaningful change.
- Cause or locate an error, then recover.
- Complete the task and find a route back.
Document
- Exact starting point and actions used
- Expected announcement or behaviour
- Actual announcement or behaviour
- Impact on the user's task
- Whether the result was reproduced
A beginner completing this check does not prove efficiency for regular users, compatibility across every combination, or that user research is unnecessary.
Primary sources
- Apple: Use VoiceOver gestures on iPhone
- Apple: Use VoiceOver with an external keyboard
- Apple: Turn on and practice VoiceOver
Editorial model reviewed 18 July 2026. Command sheets must be rechecked when Apple changes platform guidance.