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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to control VoiceOver using the rotor on iPad

by Dave Johnson

You can use the onscreen VoiceOver rotor to change how VoiceOver works. You can adjust the VoiceOver volume or speaking rate, move from one item to the next on the screen, and select special input methods.

VoiceOver speaks each rotor setting as you rotate your fingers, and the available settings depend on what you’re doing. You can also add or reorder rotor settings, and with an Apple external keyboard, use the rotor to adjust settings like typing echo.

The rotor control with the dial pointing to the Speaking Rate setting.

When you use an Apple external keyboard to control VoiceOver, use the rotor to adjust settings such as volume, speech rate, use of pitch or phonetics, typing echo, and reading of punctuation.

Use the VoiceOver rotor

  1. When VoiceOver is turned on, rotate two fingers on your screen as if you’re turning a dial. If you prefer to use one finger on each hand, simultaneously drag up with one finger and drag down with the other.

    VoiceOver speaks the rotor setting. Keep rotating your fingers to hear more settings. Stop rotating your fingers when you hear the setting you want.

  2. Swipe your finger up or down on the screen to use the setting.

    The available rotor settings and their effects depend on what you’re doing. For example, if you choose Headings when you’re browsing a webpage, swipe down or up to move the VoiceOver cursor to the next or previous heading.

Customize the VoiceOver rotor

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap VoiceOver.
  2. Do any of the following:
    • Add or reorder the rotor settings: Tap Rotor. Then choose the settings you want, or drag the Reorder button to reorder settings.
    • Add another language: See Change the speaking voice.
    • Have VoiceOver confirm rotor actions: Tap Verbosity, then turn on Speak Confirmation.

See also

Tags: accessibility, VoiceOver
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How to change your VoiceOver settings on iPad

by Chris Smith

You can customize the settings for VoiceOver, such as the audio options, language, voice, speaking rate, and verbosity.

You can adjust the volume of VoiceOver speech and sounds, temporarily reduce the volume of other audio while VoiceOver is speaking, and change the speaking voice. Your iPad’s volume buttons control the volume of VoiceOver speech, too, along with all other iPad audio.

Here’s how to change your VoiceOver settings on iPad.

Adjust the volume of VoiceOver speech and sounds

  • To increase or decrease your iPad’s volume, including the volume of VoiceOver speech and sounds, as well as all other iPad audio, press the volume buttons on iPad.
  • To temporarily reduce the volume of other iPad audio while VoiceOver is speaking, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Audio, tap Audio Ducking, then select When Speaking. Drag the Ducking Amount slider to set how much the volume decreases for other iPad audio—like media and calls—when VoiceOver is speaking.
  • To set other audio options, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Audio, then set options such as the following:
    • Sounds: Adjust and preview sound effects.
    • Send to HDMI: Route audio to externally connected devices, such as an instrument amplifier or a DJ mixer.

Set the VoiceOver language

  • Change the primary language: VoiceOver uses the same language you choose for your iPad. To choose a different primary language, go to Settings > General > Language & Region, then tap Add Language.
  • Switch languages using the rotor: Use the rotor to switch to a voice for another language.
  • Automatically switch languages: VoiceOver can detect text in another language and automatically switch to a voice for that language. Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Speech, then turn on Detect Languages.

Note: VoiceOver isn’t available in all languages.

Change the speaking voice

Change the VoiceOver speaking voice, or add another voice, then use the rotor to move between voices as needed.

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap VoiceOver.
  2. Tap Speech, then do one of the following:
    • Change the primary voice: Tap the name of the current primary voice, then tap Voice.
    • Add another voice: Tap Add Rotor Voice.
  3. Choose a voice. To choose an enhanced voice, tap the Download button first.

Adjust the speaking voice

Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then do any of the following:

  • Adjust the speaking rate: Drag the Speaking Rate slider.
  • Adjust the pitch: Tap Speech, tap a voice, then drag the slider. You can also turn on Pitch Change to have VoiceOver use a higher pitch when speaking the first item of a group (such as a list or table) and a lower pitch when speaking the last item of a group.
  • Specify the pronunciation of certain words: Tap Speech > Pronunciations, tap the Add button, enter a phrase, then dictate or spell out how you want the phrase to be pronounced.

    Note: You can dictate only if you turned on Enable Dictation in Settings > General > Keyboard.

Set how much VoiceOver tells you

Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Verbosity, then do any of the following:

  • Change how VoiceOver speaks punctuation: Tap Punctuation, then choose a group. You can also create new groups—for example, a programming group in which “[” is spoken as “left bracket.”
  • Change how VoiceOver reads notifications: Tap System Notifications. By default, VoiceOver reads notifications, including incoming text messages, as they occur—even if iPad is locked. Unacknowledged notifications are repeated when you unlock iPad.
  • Choose additional options: Have VoiceOver speak hints, uppercase letters, embedded links, and more. VoiceOver can even confirm rotor actions and tell you when the flashlight is turned on.

Customize VoiceOver settings for an activity

Say you’re programming. Customize a group of VoiceOver settings for that activity, and the settings for speech, audio, verbosity, typing, navigation, and braille kick in automatically when you open certain apps or adjust the rotor.

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, tap VoiceOver, and then tap Activities.
  2. Choose an existing activity or tap Add Activity.
  3. Adjust the settings and then below Automatic Switching, do any of the following:
    • Apply the settings for certain apps: Tap Apps and then select the ones you want this setting to apply to.
    • Apply the settings for certain contexts: Tap Context, then select one or more contexts, such as Word Processing, Messaging, or Console.

Use flat or grouped navigation

Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Navigation Style, then choose one of the following:

  • Flat: VoiceOver moves sequentially through each item on the screen when you use the move next and previous commands.
  • Grouped: VoiceOver moves through items and groups of items on the screen. To move into a group, use a two-finger swipe right. To move out of a group, use a two-finger swipe left.

Set a delay between touching the screen and selecting an item

You can control the amount of time between when you touch the screen and when VoiceOver selects the item you’ve touched. Increasing this value may help reduce accidental touches.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, tap Delay before Selection, then tap the Increment button or the Decrement button to increase or decrease the delay.

Adjust VoiceOver visuals

Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then turn on any of the following:

  • Large Cursor: If you have difficulty seeing the outline around the selected item, you can enlarge and thicken the outline.
  • Caption Panel: The text spoken by VoiceOver is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Use Quick Settings to adjust VoiceOver from anywhere

When VoiceOver is turned on, you can access Quick Settings by doing a two-finger quadruple tap.

To customize Quick Settings, do the following:

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, tap VoiceOver, and then tap Quick Settings.
  2. Choose the settings you want, or drag the Reorder button to reorder settings.

Reset VoiceOver settings

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Accessibility, then tap VoiceOver.
  3. Tap Reset VoiceOver Settings. (You may need to scroll down.)

Reset VoiceOver Commands

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Accessibility, then tap VoiceOver, then tap Commands.
  3. Tap Reset VoiceOver Commands.

See also

Tags: accessibility, VoiceOver
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How to get cycling directions in Maps on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

You can get detailed cycling directions including routes on bike paths, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. You can preview the elevation for your ride, check how busy a road is, and choose a route that best avoids hills.

Siri can give you cycling directions, too, like directions home. And you can set Maps to avoid hills or busy roads before you go.

Here’s how to get cycling directions in Maps on iPad.

Note: Cycling directions and turn-by-turn spoken directions on Wi-Fi + Cellular models aren’t available in all countries or regions. Features for Wi-Fi + Cellular models require a cellular data plan and Cellular Data turned on in Settings > Apps > Maps.

A map showing several cycling routes, each listed with a Steps button.

Get cycling directions

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter an address in the search field and then tap the directions button.
  3. Tap Go or Steps for the route you want to take.

Siri: You can also ask Siri something like, “Give me cycling directions home.” Learn how to use Siri.

Avoid hills or busy roads

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter an address in the search field and tap Directions or the Travel Mode button.
  3. Tap Options (below the destination), make your choices (below Avoid) and then tap the Done button.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to get walking directions in Maps on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

You can get detailed walking directions to your destination. You can preview the elevation for your walk and choose a route that best avoids hills, stairs, and busy roads.

You can even find out the length of thousands of trails in parks across the U.S., preview elevation information, and see photos. Siri can give you walking directions home, as well, if you ask.

Here’s how to get walking directions in Maps on iPad.

Note: Turn-by-turn spoken directions and immersive walking instructions aren’t available in all countries or regions. Features for Wi-Fi + Cellular models require a cellular data plan and Cellular Data turned on in Settings > Apps > Maps.

A map with two walking routes, each listed with a Steps button.

Get walking directions

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter an address in the search field and then tap the directions button.
  3. Tap Go or Steps for the route you want to take.

Siri: You can also ask Siri something like, “Give me walking directions home.” Learn how to use Siri.

For thousands of trails in parks across the U.S., you can find out their length, preview elevation information, see photos, and more. See Browse and save hikes.

Avoid hills, busy roads, or stairs

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get walking directions, as above.
  3. Tap Options (below Directions), make your choices (below Avoid) and then tap the Done button.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to set up Maps on iPad

by Chris Smith

You can find your location on a map and switch to different map views for different details, from Explore and Driving to Transit and Satellite. On supported models and select cities, Maps provides enhanced detail for elevation, roads, trees, buildings, and landmarks.

To find your location and give you directions, iPad must be connected to the internet, with Location Services turned on. If Location Services or Precise Location is off, Maps shows you how to turn it on.

Note: Not all features are available in all regions or countries.

WARNING: For important information about navigation and avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information.

Allow Maps to use your location

iPad needs an internet connection, with Location Services on, to find your location and provide accurate directions.

If Maps alerts you that Location Services or Precise Location isn’t on, you can turn it on by following the onscreen instructions, or turn these on in Settings.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security and tap Location Services. Turn on Location Services.
  3. To find your location and provide accurate directions, scroll down and tap Maps. Turn on Precise Location. Your iPad must also be connected to the internet.
  4. To get useful location-related information in Maps, tap the Back button, tap System Services, tap Significant Locations & Routes, and turn on Significant Locations & Routes. See Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services.

When using features on Wi-Fi + Cellular models, cellular data rates may apply. See View or change cellular data settings.

Show your current location

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Tracking Off button.

    Your position is marked in the middle of the map. The top of the map is north.

  3. Do any of the following:

    • Show your heading instead of north at the top: Tap the Tracking On button.
    • Resume showing north at the top: Tap the Tracking On With Heading button or the Compass button.

For directions from your current location to another, read our article, Get directions.

Switch to a different map view

Check the button at the lower right of a map to see if the current map is in satellite view or for exploring, driving, or riding transit. You can change the map type anytime.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Map Modes button at the top right.
  3. Choose another map type, then tap the Close button.

Maps gives you driving, cycling, walking, or transit directions, plus traffic and weather info.

Note: Apple is committed to keeping personal information about your location safe and private. Read more about Apple’s commitment: go to the Settings app, tap Apps, tap Maps, then tap About Apple Maps & Privacy. You can also clear your location history or delete recent directions.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to use Maps on iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can get travel directions using the Maps app, the Maps widget, Siri, or other devices. You can also get them on your Mac before you leave.

Maps can speak turn-by-turn directions as you travel, whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, and Siri can get directions for you so you stay focused on the road. To get directions, iPad must be connected to the internet, with Location Services turned on.

Important: To get directions, iPad must be connected to the internet, and Location Services must be turned on. On Wi-Fi + Cellular models, cellular data rates may apply. See View or change cellular data settings.

Get directions

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter a location in the search field. You can search for any of the following, for example:
    • An intersection (“8th and Market”)
    • An area (“Greenwich Village”)
    • A landmark (“Guggenheim”)
    • A zip code (“60622”)
    • A business (“movies,” “restaurants San Francisco CA,” “Apple Inc New York”)
    • A request or question (“Find cafes with free Wi-Fi”)
  3. Tap Directions or the Travel Mode button (driving, walking, transit, or cycling).
  4. Do one of the following:
    • If your starting point is My Location: Tap Go for the route you want to take. As you travel along your route, Maps speaks turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
    • If your starting point is another location: Tap Steps for the route you want to take.

An iPad showing a map with several driving route options to the same destination. Each route shows the estimated time and distance, and a Steps button to see detailed directions. Color coding on each route indicates traffic conditions.

Use the Maps widget

If you add the Maps widget, you can get directions to a likely destination right from the Home Screen or Today View.

Use Siri to get directions

Using Siri to get directions helps you keep focused on the road, and turn-by-turn spoken directions let you follow driving, cycling, and walking directions without even glancing at your iPad.

Siri: Ask Siri something like, “Find a charging station.” Learn how to use Siri.

Send directions from your Mac to your iPad

Plan your route on your Mac before a big trip or a day of cycling, and share the details to your iPad. Both your Mac and your iPad need to be signed in to the same Apple Account.

  1. Go to the Maps app on your Mac.
  2. Create a route for your trip.
  3. Choose File > Share > Send to [your device].

Handoff can send directions from iPad to Mac, too. Read our article, Hand off tasks between iPad and your other devices.

Siri: You can use Siri to get directions and stay focused on the road. For example, ask Siri something like, “Find a charging station” or “Give me directions home.” See Use Siri to get directions.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to get transit directions in Maps on iPad

by Emily Long

You can get detailed transit directions to your destination, including departure times, connections, and fares.

Fares are listed for suggested routes in some countries and regions. By default, they reflect the cost with a transit card, though you can see the cash fare instead. You can also plan for a future departure or arrival time, and Siri can give you transit directions, too.

Here’s how to get transit directions in Maps on iPad.

Note: Public transportation information isn’t available in all countries or regions.

A map showing a transit route. A route card on the left shows Go buttons for several options for the route.

Get transit directions

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold anywhere on the map or enter an address in the search field and then tap the directions button.

    If your preferred travel mode isn’t Transit, tap the directions button, then tap the Travel Mode button.

  3. Tap Go or Steps for the route you want to take.
  4. To see only the schedules of your preferred transit method, tap Options (below Directions) and then turn off any type you don’t want to use.

Siri: You can also ask Siri something like, “Give me transit directions to the Ferry Building.” Learn how to use Siri.

Plan for a future departure or arrival time

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get transit directions, as above.
  3. Tap Options (below Directions), tap Leave at or Arrive by, select a time and date, and then tap the Done button.

Show cash or transit card fares

Suggested routes list fares in some countries and regions. By default, fares reflect the cost of using a transit card, though you can see the cash fare instead.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get transit directions, as above.
  3. Tap Options (below Directions), tap Cash Fares, and then tap the Done button.
  4. To redisplay the fares when using transit cards again, tap Cash Fares, tap Transit Card Fares, and then tap the Done button.

Get schedules for local transit

You can get one-tap access to the departure times for stops and stations near you.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Swipe up on the search field, swipe right on the icons below Places, and then tap the Add button.
  3. Tap Nearby Transit to add it to your Places.
  4. Below Places, tap Transit and tap a nearby stop to see schedules and delays.

    Tip: Touch and hold a line, then tap Pin to put it at the top of the list.

See major transit lines

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. With a map showing, tap the Map Modes button, which appears as the Exploring Map Mode button, the Driving Map Mode button, the Transit Map Mode button, or the Satellite Map Mode button on the right.
  3. Select Transit and then tap the Close button.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to view a route overview or a list of turns in Maps on iPad

by Emily Long

While following driving, cycling, transit, and walking directions, you can get an overview of your route and a list of upcoming turns.

On an iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular, you’re able to zoom out and see the whole route onscreen from start to finish, or see the directions in a list instead. You can also share a route with someone in the Maps app, and return to turn-by-turn directions anytime.

Note: Features for Wi-Fi + Cellular models require a cellular data plan and Cellular Data turned on in Settings > Apps > Maps. See View or change your cellular data.

A map showing three options for routes and a detailed list of steps to get to a destination with the fewest turns.

Get an overview of your route

If you’ve got an iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular, zooming out shows your entire route onscreen, from the starting point to the destination.

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get directions.
  3. Tap the Overview Mode button.

To return to turn-by-turn directions, tap the Turn-by-Turn Mode button.

View a list of upcoming directions

Directions can also appear in a list on an iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get directions.
  3. Tap anywhere on the route card except the Go button.
  4. Scroll down to see more directions.
  5. When you’re finished, tap the Close button.

Share a route with someone

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Get directions.
  3. Tap anywhere on the route card except the Go button.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the card and tap Share. Then choose a way to share the route.
  5. Tap Done.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to use AirPods with iPad

by Kevin Hollington

After you pair AirPods (sold separately) with iPad, you can use AirPods to listen to audio playing on iPad, make and answer FaceTime calls, listen and respond to messages, and more. They also pair automatically with your other supported devices signed in to the same Apple Account.

Pair AirPods with your iPad

  1. On iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and then turn on Bluetooth.
  2. Go to the Home Screen on your iPad.
  3. Do one of the following:

    • AirPods (1, 2, and 3) and AirPods Pro: Open the case with your AirPods inside, then hold it next to your iPad.
    • AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case and then hold AirPods Max next to your iPad.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions, then tap Done.

    Note: If onscreen instructions for pairing your AirPods Max don’t appear, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then select your AirPods Max. If the status light doesn’t flash white on AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control button until it does.

AirPods pair automatically with all of your supported devices signed in to the same Apple Account, as long as they’re running iPadOS 13, iOS 10, watchOS 3, macOS 10.12, or later.

See also

Tag: AirPods
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How to use headphone audio-level features on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

You can set a maximum decibel level to ensure that headphone audio doesn’t become uncomfortable for you. iPad analyzes your headphone audio and reduces any sound above this level, and you can also check whether the current audio level is OK or loud with a headphone level meter.

AirPods, EarPods, and many other wired and wireless headphones work with Hearing in Control Center, and you can improve the accuracy of audio measurements for third-party Bluetooth headphones.

Reduce loud headphone sounds in Settings

  1. Open Settings, tap Sounds & Haptics, tap Headphone Safety, and then tap Reduce Loud Audio.
  2. Turn on Reduce Loud Sounds, then drag the slider.

Note: Once you’ve set up Screen Time for a family member, you can stop them from changing their Reduce Loud Sounds level. To do that, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Reduce Loud Sounds and select Don’t Allow.

Check your headphone level while you listen

Hearing in Control Center can check the current decibel level of headphones you’re using with iPad. It works with AirPods, EarPods, and many other wired and wireless headphones.

  1. Open Control Center. Then touch and hold in the Control Center area.
  2. Tap Add a Control and tap the Hearing Devices button.

    The audio level (in decibels) of your headphones is displayed on the Headphone Level meter.

Note: Scroll below the Headphone Level meter, and you can turn Live Listen on or off there, too. Read our guide, Use iPad as a remote microphone with Live Listen. You usually won’t use headphone level monitoring and Live Listen at the same time: The Headphone Level monitor is meant for listening to audio playback, and Live Listen is meant for listening to external sounds with the iPad microphone.

Improve the accuracy of audio measurements for third-party Bluetooth headphones

Classify your Bluetooth® devices as headphones, speakers, or other devices.

  1. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and then tap the information button next to the name of the device.
  2. Tap Device Type, then choose a classification.

Connecting AirPods, EarPods, or other compatible headphones to your iPad automatically sends the headphone audio levels to iPad. Apple or Beats headphones give the most accurate headphone audio measurements, while audio played through other headphones can be estimated based on your iPad’s volume.

See also

Tag: AirPods
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