How to Set Up Accessibility Shortcuts and Use Siri for Easier iPhone Navigation

Your iPhone has built-in features that can make it much easier to use, especially if you find small buttons hard to tap or text difficult to read. The best part? You don’t need to call tech support or ask your grandkids for help. This guide will show you how to set up shortcuts and use Siri to make your iPhone work better for you.

Section 1: Turn On and Customize Accessibility Shortcuts

What is the Accessibility Shortcut?

The accessibility shortcut is like having a magic button on your phone. When you triple-click the side button (or home button on older iPhones), it instantly turns on helpful features. Think of it as your quick way to make your phone easier to see, hear, or use.

How to Set It Up

Step 1: Find the Settings app on your home screen (it looks like a gray gear).

Step 2: Scroll down and tap “Accessibility.”

Step 3: Scroll to the bottom and tap “Accessibility Shortcut.”

Step 4: Choose which features you want available with your triple-click. Here are the most helpful ones:

• VoiceOver: Your phone will read everything out loud to you
• Zoom: Makes everything on your screen bigger
• Magnifier: Turns your phone into a magnifying glass
• AssistiveTouch: Adds a floating button that’s easier to tap than small icons

Step 5: Tap “Done” when you’re finished.

Now, whenever you triple-click your side button, you’ll see a menu with your chosen features. Just tap the one you want to use.

Section 2: Using Siri for Everyday Tasks

How to Wake Up Siri

You can talk to Siri in three ways:

• Say “Hey Siri” (if you’ve set this up)
• Press and hold the side button
• Press and hold the home button (on older iPhones)

Simple Things Siri Can Do for You

Once Siri is listening (you’ll see colorful waves at the bottom of your screen), try these commands:

For Apps:

• “Open Messages”
• “Open Camera”
• “Open Calendar”

For Quick Actions:

• “Turn on the flashlight”
• “Turn off the flashlight”
• “What’s the weather today?”
• “What time is it?”

For Staying Connected:

• “Call [contact name]” (like “Call Susan”)
• “Text [contact name]” (Siri will ask what you want to say)
• “Read my last text message”

For Reminders:

• “Remind me to take my medicine at 9 PM”
• “Set a timer for 10 minutes”

Pro Tip: You can also use Siri to turn on accessibility features! Just say “Turn on VoiceOver” or “Turn on Zoom” and Siri will do it for you.

Section 3: Make It Easier with Back Tap

What is Back Tap?

Back Tap lets you double or triple tap the back of your phone to do things instantly. It’s like having secret buttons on the back of your iPhone.

How to Set It Up

Step 1: Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap

Step 2: Choose “Double Tap” or “Triple Tap”

Step 3: Pick what you want to happen when you tap the back of your phone

Useful Back Tap Ideas

• Open Camera: Great for quick photos
• Turn on Flashlight: Perfect when you need light fast
• Open Magnifier: Instantly turn your phone into a magnifying glass
• Take Screenshot: Capture what’s on your screen

Remember: You’re tapping the back of your phone, not the screen. Tap gently but firmly.

Section 4: Pro Tips from a Friendly Tech Expert

Make Text Bigger and Easier to Read

Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size. Drag the slider to make text bigger. If you need it even larger, go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Larger Text.

Add Magnifier to Your Control Center

Pull down from the top-right corner of your screen to see Control Center. If you don’t see a magnifying glass icon, go to Settings → Control Center and add “Magnifier.” Now you can access it anytime without going through menus.

Create Your Own Siri Shortcuts

In the Shortcuts app, you can teach Siri to do multiple things with one command. For example, you could create a “Bedtime” shortcut that turns on Do Not Disturb, sets your alarm, and turns off your lights.

Use Voice Control for Hands-Free Navigation

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control. Once it’s on, you can say things like “Open Settings” or “Go home” to navigate your phone without touching it.

Getting Started

Don’t try to set up everything at once. Pick just one or two features that sound most helpful to you today. Maybe start with making Siri easier to use, or try the triple-click shortcut with Magnifier.

Remember: These features are designed to make your life easier, not more complicated. If something doesn’t work the way you expect, try again or try a different feature.

At First Rate Tech, we make tech feel less overwhelming. Reach out if you need help getting set up or want to learn more ways to make your iPhone work better for you.