How to use Switch Control on iPad to select items, perform actions, and more

You can use Switch Control on iPad to select items, perform actions, and more. You can use item mode to select items and perform actions, or use the gliding cursor, head tracking, or eye tracking to control the cursor on the screen.

Once you set up and turn on Switch Control, select items on the screen by doing any of the following:

• Item mode: The cursor sequentially highlights items or groups of items. This is the default method when you first turn on Switch Control and whenever the Scanner menu appears.
• Gliding cursor: You select a point on the screen using scanning crosshairs. This method is useful when you need to select a specific point, such as in Maps, or on a screen with many items.
• Head tracking: On supported models, you can move your head (detected by the front-facing camera) to control the cursor on the screen.
• Eye tracking: You can move your eyes (detected by the front-facing camera) to control the cursor on the screen.

When the cursor is on the item you want, the Scanner menu opens to show the available actions such as tap, scroll, control the volume, and more.

Use item mode to select items and perform actions

1. Depending on the scanning style you’re using, do one of the following:
   • If using Auto Scanning: Watch or listen as groups of items are sequentially highlighted.
   • If using Manual Scanning: Activate your Move to Next Item switch to navigate through the groups of items on the screen.
   • If using Single Switch Step Scanning: Activate your Move to Next Item switch to navigate through the groups of items on the screen.
2. When the group you want is highlighted, do one of the following:
   • If using Auto Scanning: Activate your Select Item switch.
   • If using Manual Scanning: Activate your Select Item switch.
   • If using Single Switch Step Scanning: Wait until the current group is automatically selected.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to scan and select an item within the group.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to scan and choose an action in the Scanner menu. The dots at the bottom of the menu provide more options.

You can dismiss the Scanner menu without choosing an action by activating your Select Item switch while the original item is highlighted and the menu’s icons are all dimmed.

Use the Gliding Cursor to select a point

Switch Control starts in item mode by default, though you’re free to use the Gliding Cursor instead.

1. Do either of the following:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Switch Control Mode, then select Gliding Cursor.
   • Use item mode to select any item, then choose Gliding Cursor (in the Scanner menu).

     Note: If you change Switch Control Mode settings while Switch Control is turned on, you’ll need to restart Switch Control to apply your changes.

2. To position the vertical crosshair, activate your Select Item switch when the wide vertical band is over the item you want.
3. Activate your Select Item switch again when the fine vertical line is over the item.
4. To position the horizontal crosshair, activate your Select Item switch when the wide horizontal band is over the item you want.
5. Activate your Select Item switch again when the fine horizontal line is over the item.
6. In the Scanner menu, select the action you want and then activate your Select Item switch.

To return to item mode, open the Scanner menu, then choose Item Mode.

Set up Head Tracking

If your iPad has Face ID, moving your head can control a cursor on the screen. Facial expressions like a smile or raised eyebrows can trigger actions you assign, too.

If you’d like to set up Head Tracking, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Switches, then make sure you’ve set up switches.
• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Head Tracking, turn on Head Tracking, then set any of these options:
  • Assign actions to facial expressions: Each expression can perform a different action and require a different degree of expressiveness.
  • Choose how the pointer tracks your head movement: Tap Tracking Mode. Then choose With Face, When Facing Screen Edges, or Relative to Head.
  • Adjust the pointer speed: Tap the Decrement button or the Increment button.

Use Head Tracking

1. Do either of the following:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Switch Control Mode, then select Head Tracking.
   • Use item mode to select any item, then choose Head Tracking (in the Scanner menu).

     Note: If you change Switch Control Mode settings while Switch Control is turned on, you’ll need to restart Switch Control to apply your changes.

2. Move your head to position the cursor on the location you want and then activate it using your Select Item switch or facial expression.
3. In the Scanner menu, select the action you want. Activate your Select Item switch or facial expression.

To return to item mode, open the Scanner menu, then choose Item Mode.

Set up Eye Tracking

Your eyes can control a cursor on the screen as you move them. With Dwell Control, you can perform actions by keeping your gaze steady for a set amount of time.

Here’s how to set up Eye Tracking:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Switches, then make sure you’ve set up switches.
• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Eye Tracking, turn on Face Guidance.
• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Eye Tracking > Dwell Control, choose a switch action, then set any of these Dwell Options:
  • Dwell Timeout: Tap the Decrement button or the Increment button.
  • Movement Tolerance: Drag the slider to set the distance you can move while dwelling on an item.

Use Eye Tracking

1. Do either of the following:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control > Switch Control Mode, then select Eye Tracking.
   • Use item mode to select any item, then choose Eye Tracking (in the Scanner menu).

     Note: If you change Switch Control Mode settings while Switch Control is turned on, you’ll need to restart Switch Control to apply your changes.

2. Move your eyes to position the cursor on the location you want. Activate it using your Select Item switch.
3. In the Scanner menu, select the action you want and then activate your Select Item switch.

See also

• Intro to Switch Control on iPad
• Set up and turn on Switch Control on iPad
• Accessibility features for mobility on iPad