Smartphone accessibility basics: using Siri and Zoom on iPhone

Your smartphone has built-in accessibility features that can make everyday tasks easier, particularly if you are blind or partially sighted.

We sat down with Nadia, Learning & Skills Coordinator at Galloways, to look at two useful iPhone features: Siri and Zoom.

In the videos below, Nadia takes you through how to set them up and use them.

Using Siri on your iPhone

Siri is Apple’s voice assistant. It allows you to complete everyday tasks using your voice, without having to navigate your screen or type.

You can use Siri to make phone calls, send messages, set timers, ask questions and more. Nadia explains that this can be particularly useful when finding contacts or using the on-screen keyboard is difficult.

How to set up Siri

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Apple Intelligence & Siri. Depending on your version of iOS, this may appear slightly differently.
3. Select Talk to Siri.
4. Follow the prompts to set up Siri with your voice.

You can also press and hold the side button on your iPhone to activate Siri.

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Using Zoom on your iPhone

Zoom is a built-in accessibility feature that temporarily magnifies your iPhone screen.

While increasing your text size can help, Nadia explains that larger text may not work in every app. Zoom allows you to magnify the screen across apps, webpages and settings when you need a closer look. DJI 20261001104548 0498 D

How to turn on Zoom

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Accessibility.
3. Select Zoom.
4. Switch Zoom on.
5. You can also set the Zoom region to Full Screen. DJI 20261001104548 0498 D

How to use Zoom

Once Zoom is switched on:

• Double-tap with three fingers to magnify the screen.
• Drag three fingers up, down, left or right to move around the magnified screen.
• Double-tap with three fingers again when you want to turn the magnification off. DJI 20261001104548 0498 D

Nadia also demonstrates how you can adjust the level of magnification. Double-tap with three fingers and, on the second tap, keep your fingers on the screen. Slide upwards to increase the magnification or downwards to decrease it. Your iPhone will remember the magnification level you choose. DJI 20261001104548 0498 D

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Need help with your technology?

At Galloways, we support people affected by sight loss to get more from everyday technology and discover accessibility features that can support greater independence.

If you’d like support with your smartphone, tablet or other technology, get in touch with Galloways to find out how we can help.