How to detect text around you and have it read out loud using Magnifier on iPad

If you’re blind or have low vision, you can use the Magnifier app to aim your iPad camera at nearby text and have it spoken out loud. You can even point your finger at the specific text you want spoken.

Text in the field of view of your camera is detected and read out loud, and you can add the Detection Mode button if you don’t see it. Point and Speak isn’t available in all languages, though.

Here’s how to detect text around you using Magnifier on iPad.

Important: Detection Mode should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where you may be harmed or injured, or for navigation. Text Detection and Point and Speak aren’t available in all languages.

Detect text in the camera frame and have it read out loud

Point your iPad camera at text, and the Magnifier app can detect text in the field of view and have it read out loud.

1. Open the Magnifier app on your iPad.
2. Tap the Detection Mode button to start Detection Mode.

   If you don’t see the Detection Mode button, you can add it. See Customize controls.

3. Touch and hold the Detection Mode button and then make sure Text is selected.
4. Position iPad so the rear camera can detect text around you.

   If you don’t hear sound or speech feedback, make sure Silent mode isn’t on. See Adjust the volume.

5. To temporarily pause detection, double-tap the screen with two fingers. Double-tap again with two fingers to resume detection. To stop Detection Mode, tap the Detection Mode button.

Point your finger at text to have it spoken

With the Magnifier app, you can point your finger at text near you, and your iPad speaks it out loud. That’s especially helpful with objects that have text labels, like dials, buttons, or keypads on household appliances or ATMs, or a digital screen at a grocery store self-checkout.

1. Open the Magnifier app on your iPad.
2. Tap the Detection Mode button to start Detection Mode.

   If you don’t see the Detection Mode button, you can add it. See Customize controls.

3. Touch and hold the Detection Mode button. Make sure Point & Speak is selected.
4. Position iPad so the rear camera can detect the text. Then point your finger to identify which text to read.

   If you don’t hear sound or speech feedback, make sure Silent mode isn’t on. See Adjust the volume.

5. To temporarily pause detection, double-tap the screen with two fingers. Double-tap again with two fingers to resume detection. To stop Detection Mode, tap the Detection Mode button.

Customize settings for Text Detection or Point & Speak

1. Open the Magnifier app on your iPad.
2. Tap the Settings button, then tap Detect. To detect text in other languages, turn on Detect Languages.
3. Tap Text or Point & Speak, then customize any of the following:
   • Detection Feedback: Turn on any combination of Labels and Speech. For Point & Speak, you can also turn on Sound feedback.
   • Location: For Point & Speak, tap Under (to read text under your fingertip) or Above (to read text directly above your finger).
   • Automatic Flashlight: When your environment is too dark to detect text, have Magnifier turn the flashlight on for 10 seconds.

     Note: This option is available on iPad models with True Tone Flash.

   • Border and Color: For Point & Speak, outline the text you’re pointing to in a color of your choice.
4. To return to the live Magnifier lens, tap the Back button, tap it again, and then tap the Done button.

Text Detection and Point & Speak both work with VoiceOver. To get started, check out our guide, Turn on and practice VoiceOver.

See also

• Magnify or get information about things around you with Magnifier on iPad
• Accessibility features for vision on iPad