This post will walk you through activating the iOS 15 feature that will make it easier for you to perform difficult actions and gestures on your new iPhone. Read on to learn how to enable AssistiveTouch on iPhone 13 with the iOS 15.4 platform.
iOS 15 AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is an iPhone feature that allows you to control iOS apps without using the hardware buttons. This feature is primarily designed to help iPhone users with motor skill impairments able to make the most out of their hefty device.
When enabled, AssistiveTouch makes the device perform multiple actions or completely control your device with a single tap.
Once AssistiveTouch is activated, you will see a dark square with a white circle appearing on the iPhone screen. This is the AssistiveTouch shortcut control to access the main menu.
The AssistiveTouch icon appears on the Home screen and any other screen you launch, making it accessible to you anytime. All you have to do is tap on the Assistive Touch icon to launch the menu where you can find and use multiple features.
You can also drag the AssistiveTouch shortcut icon around the screen so you can place it in a safe area where it won’t hinder the normal screen activities.
If you’re new to iOS and need some input on how to activate and use AssistiveTouch on your recently procured iPhone 13 device, you can refer to the outlined procedures below.
Steps to Enable Assistive Touch on iPhone 13
The following steps are also applicable when activating AssistiveTouch feature on other Apple iPhone models that are running on the iOS 15.4 platform.
Actual screens and menu items may vary between device models and wireless carriers so the user interface on every device may have some slight differences. Nonetheless, all key features and options are present.
Feel free to start whenever you’re all set to configure your new iOS device.
Step 1: Go to the Home screen and then tap Settings to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: In the Settings menu, find and then select Accessibility. Another menu opens, highlighting all preloaded accessibility features in iOS 15.
Step 3: Scroll to the Physical and Motor section and then tap Touch to continue.
Step 4: On the succeeding menu, you will see AssistiveTouch among other available features. Tap Assistive Touch.
Step 5: In the AssistiveTouch menu, toggle to turn the AssistiveTouch switch ON.
When the switch turns green, it means that AssistiveTouch is already enabled and all set for use on your iPhone.
The AssistiveTouch control will also appear on the screen.
Activating AssistiveTouch through Siri
Aside from the Settings menu, you can also use Apple’s very own voice assistant (Siri) to enable AssistiveTouch on your iPhone. To get this done, you will need to set up Siri on your iPhone beforehand.
Once Siri is all set, just say something like “Hey, Siri. Turn on AssistiveTouch” and your phone should promptly execute your voice input command. Just be sure to speak clearly to your iPhone so that Siri will be able to perform the correct action.
Using AssistiveTouch Controls in iOS 15.4
The default controls available on the AssistiveTouch menu include notifications, device, control center, Siri, Home and custom.
Tapping on each of these controls will open a designated menu containing relevant features you can use and manage.
For example, tapping on the Notifications control from the AssistiveTouch menu opens the Notification center. Indeed, it’s a lot quicker than swiping down from the top and tapping to open or view the desired notification.
Should you wish to add custom gestures like zooming, simply tap Custom from the AssistiveTouch window then follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to finish adding the gesture.
- To create custom gestures, just head over to Settings-> Accessibility-> Touch-> AssistiveTouch menu. To set custom actions, tap the option to Create New Gesture.
- On the recording screen, perform your gesture like touch-and-hold or two-finger rotation gesture.
- After creating your preferred custom gesture, name the gesture and then tap Save.
The recently created custom gesture will immediately become available for use.
- To use it, simply tap the AssistiveTouch menu button/control, tap Custom and select your preferred gesture.
When you see the blue circles representing the gesture, just drag them to the left or right side or any preferred screen location and then release.
The default controls or buttons in the AssistiveTouch menu can also be altered according to your preferences.
Custom Actions are also available for you to interact directly using the AssistiveTouch icon without having to open the menu.
All you have to do is customize each action for AssistiveTouch like adjust single-tap, double-tap and long press.
Having trouble using AssistiveTouch on your iPhone 13?
If you’re having some issues with the iOS 15 AssistiveTouch like when it doesn’t work for some reason, just restart the phone. Oftentimes, random software glitches may cause conflicts with the iOS accessibility features resulting in minor flaws.
And that’s how to activate and manage Assistive Touch on the latest Apple iPhone 13 series and other Apple devices running in iOS version 15.4.
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