How to Enable AssistiveTouch on iPhone 13 (iOS 15.4)
AssistiveTouch is a great feature that makes it easier to use your iPhone — especially if you have trouble with physical buttons or gestures. Once turned on, a floating on-screen button gives you quick access to volume controls, screenshots, Siri, and more. Here’s how to turn it on and customize it on your iPhone 13.
What is AssistiveTouch?
AssistiveTouch adds a virtual button to your iPhone screen that gives you access to key system controls like:
- Lock screen
- Volume up/down
- Screenshot
- Home
- Siri
- Gestures (like pinch or rotate)
You can move the AssistiveTouch button anywhere on the screen, and tap it to open a customizable menu of options.
How to Turn On AssistiveTouch
- Open Settings
Go to your Home Screen, then tap the Settings app. - Go to Accessibility
Scroll down and tap Accessibility. - Tap Touch
Under the Physical and Motor section, tap Touch. - Select AssistiveTouch
Tap AssistiveTouch, then toggle the switch ON.
You’ll now see a circular button appear on your screen — this is your AssistiveTouch shortcut.
Turn On AssistiveTouch Using Siri
If Siri is enabled, you can say:
“Hey Siri, turn on AssistiveTouch”
and it’ll instantly activate without needing to dig through menus.
How to Use the AssistiveTouch Menu
Tap the floating button and you’ll see quick-access icons for:
- Home – go back to your home screen
- Siri – activate Apple’s voice assistant
- Control Center – access volume, brightness, and more
- Notifications – open the notification shade
- Device – lock the screen, rotate display, change volume, etc.
You can also customize these options to suit your needs.
Create Custom Gestures and Actions
To make AssistiveTouch even more powerful:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Tap Create New Gesture.
- Perform a gesture (like two-finger pinch or a custom swipe) on the screen.
- Tap Stop, name the gesture, then Save.
To use your new gesture:
- Tap the AssistiveTouch menu
- Tap Custom, then select your gesture
You can also assign specific actions to Single-Tap, Double-Tap, or Long Press of the AssistiveTouch button.
Having Problems With AssistiveTouch?
- Try restarting your iPhone — this can clear out temporary glitches.
- Make sure iOS is updated to the latest version under Settings > General > Software Update.
- Recheck your settings in the Accessibility menu if the button disappears.