Stock Android Smartphone

How to find and use the accessibility features on Stock Android Smartphone

Accessibility Settings

Finding the Accessibility Menu

1. Open the ‘Settings’ application on your device. 
2. Select ‘Accessibility’ (you may have to scroll to the bottom of the settings menu to find this option).

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Vision-Related

1. Select to Speak

1.1. Enabling Select to Speak

‘Select to Speak’ is a built-in accessibility feature of Android that enables you to select any text and have it read aloud

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Select to Speak’.
4. Tap on the toggle to enable ‘Select to Speak’ shortcut.
   Note: A prompt will appear asking you to allow Select to Speak to have full control of your device.
5. Tap ‘Allow’ to proceed.
6. Choose a shortcut for ‘Select to Speak’ from the two options presented and tap ‘Save’.
7. To enable ‘Select to Speak’, perform the shortcut selected and the controls for the screen reader will appear.
8. Tap on the arrow to the left of the red circle stop button to expand the controls:
   • Minus: Slows down the speed of the screen reader
   • Rewind: Reads out the previous item on the screen
   • Play: Reads everything on the screen
   • Forward: Reads out the next item on the screen
   • Plus: Increases the speed of the screen reader

1.2. Navigating Select to Speak

When Select to Speak is on, you can tap specific items on your screen to hear them read aloud:

• Tap a specific item, like text or image
• Drag your finger across the screen to select multiple items
• Tap the play button to hear everything on the screen

1.3. Text-to-Speech output

The ‘Settings’ menu can be used to change the following settings for text-to-speech:

• Text-to-speech settings: Change the preferred engine, language, speech rate and pitch for text-to-speech output.
• Read in background: ‘Select to Speak’ will continue reading when you move to other screen or apps.
• Read text on images: Tap on text within photos or the Camera viewfinder to hear the text read aloud.
• Help and Feedback: Search for helpful resources for accessibility features.

2. TalkBack

TalkBack provides spoken feedback so that you can use your device without looking at the screen.

2.1. Enabling Talkback

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Talkback’.
4. Tap on the toggle ‘Use TalkBack’.
   Note: A prompt will appear asking to allow TalkBack to have full control of the phone.
5. A new menu will appear taking you through the tutorial for ‘TalkBack’.
6. Once enabled, you can choose to enable the ‘TalkBack’ shortcut and select which actions you can use to start using ‘TalkBack’ directly.
7. Feel free to explore more advanced audio and control settings by selecting ‘Settings’ from the ‘TalkBack’ menu.

2.2. Navigating Talkback

1. Place a finger on the screen.
2. Slowly drag the finger across the screen. As the finger moves, the ‘TalkBack’ screen reader will announce icons, buttons, text, and other items it encounters.
3. Pause for a few seconds and ‘TalkBack’ will suggest actions that may be applicable such as replying to a message, opening a link in a new browser and more.
4. To engage with something on the screen, double-tap anywhere on the screen to select it.

2.3. Finger Gestures

Finger gestures allow users to navigate their mobile devices using ‘TalkBack’. For the most part, these gestures are largely customisable, and they can be customised to suit personal preferences by:

1. Opening Accessibility settings.
2. Finding ‘TalkBack’ then selecting ‘Settings’.
3. Select ‘Customise gestures’.

There may be some gestures that are not customisable, and there may be other gestures that are not assigned to any particular action.

Some versions may have an option to ‘Practise gestures’. Select this option in the ‘Customise gestures’ menu to practise using user-created customisations.

To reset customisations back to the factory defaults, select ‘Reset gesture settings’ and click ‘Reset’ or ‘Confirm’.

A list of finger gestures is available under the ‘Shortcuts’ section of the instruction guide.

3. Display Settings

3.1. Font Size

Make the text on screen smaller or larger.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Font Size’.
4. Customise the font size by sliding the cursor along the slider bar.
5. The preview at the top of the screen shows what the font will look like.

3.2. Display Size

Make the items on your screen smaller or larger. Some apps on your screen may change position.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Display Size’.
4. Customise the display size by sliding the cursor along the slider bar.
5. The preview at the top of the screen shows what the display size will look like.

3.3. Dark Theme

Dark mode is a feature that limits the light emitted by phones. In addition to reducing battery life, it also helps with readability by applying a dark background to all apps and screens. This feature may be of assistance, especially for the visually impaired.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select the toggle for ‘Dark theme’.
4. Once enabled, the dark theme should now be applied to the phone.

3.4. Magnification

Zoom in quickly on the screen to display content more clearly.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Magnification’.
4. Tap on the toggle to enable the ‘Magnification shortcut’.
5. Choose a shortcut for ‘Magnification’ from the two options presented and tap ‘Save’.
6. To zoom in:
   • Use shortcut to start magnification.
   • Tap the screen.
   • Drag 2 fingers to move around screen.
   • Pinch with 2 fingers to adjust zoom.
   • Use shortcut to stop magnification.
7. To zoom in temporarily:
   • Use shortcut to start magnification.
   • Touch and hold anywhere on the screen.
   • Drag finger to move around screen.
   • Lift finger to stop magnification.

3.5. Colour Correction

Colour correction allows you to adjust how colours are displayed on your device.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Colour correction’.
4. Choose between the different colour correction modes and tap on the toggle to use ‘Colour correction’.
5. Choose a shortcut for ‘Colour correction’ from the two options presented and tap ‘Save’.

3.6. Colour Inversion

Colour inversion turns light screens dark.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Colour inversion’.
4. Tap on the toggle to enable ‘Colour inversion’.
5. Choose a shortcut for ‘Colour inversion’ from the two options presented and tap ‘Save’.

3.7. Large Mouse Pointer

‘Large mouse pointer’ option can be used to enlarge the cursor.

Note: A mouse needs to be connected to the device before using this feature.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select the toggle for ‘Large mouse pointer’.
4. If a mouse is already connected to your phone, the cursor should now be enlarged.

3.8. Remove Animations

Disables animations make it easier on the eyes for people sensitive to visual effects.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select the toggle for ‘Remove animations’.
4. Animations such as opening and shrinking apps have been removed.

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Hearing-Related

1. Live caption

Automatically adds captions to any videos or audio playing on your phone

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Live caption’.
4. Tap on ‘Use Live Caption’ to use this feature.
5. From the menu above, you can also change the following settings:
   • Hide profanity: Replaces profanity with an asterisk symbol.
   • Show sound labels: Include sounds like laughter, applause and music.
   • Live Caption in volume control: Adjust live caption volume using the volume keys.

2. Mono audio

Mono audio merges and sends the same sound to both the left and right speaker or earbuds for listening with one ear.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select the toggle for ‘Mono audio’.
4. Once enabled, sounds from the device should now be coming out of one speaker.

3. Audio Balance

Allows you to configure the audio output from the left and right speakers in a stereo or two-channel sound system.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, adjust the slider for ‘Audio balance’.

4. Caption preferences

Change settings for captions. Note that not all applications support these caption preferences.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Caption preferences’.
4. Tap on the toggle for ‘Show captions’ to enable captions.
5. From the menu above, you can also change the following settings:
   • Caption size and style: Change the size of captions from very small to very large and colour preference of captions.
   • More options: Change language settings for captions.

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General and Mobility-Related

1. Swipe to split

‘Swipe to split’ helps you enter split-screen mode quickly. This permission commands the system to enter split-screen mode when you slide your finger back and forth on the screen.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Swipe to split’.
4. Tap on the toggle to use ‘Swipe to split’.
   Note: A prompt will appear asking you to allow ‘Swipe to split’ to have full control of your device.
5. Tap ‘Allow’ to enable ‘Swipe to split’.
6. Tap on the toggle to enable ‘Swipe to split’ shortcut.

2. Features

The accessibility menu provides a large on-screen menu to control your phone. You can lock your phone, control volume and brightness, take screenshots and more.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Accessibility menu’. 
4. Tap on the toggle to enable ‘Accessibility menu shortcut’. 
   Note: A prompt will appear asking you to allow the ‘Accessibility menu’ to have full control of your device.
5. Tap ‘Allow’ to enable ‘Accessibility menu’.
6. Choose a shortcut for ‘Accessibility menu’ from the two options presented and tap ‘Save’.
7. Tap on the ‘Settings’ menu to enable large buttons for the ‘Accessibility menu’ buttons.

3. Switch Access

‘Switch access’ lets you interact with your Android device using one or more switches instead of the touchscreen. ‘Switch Access’ can be helpful if you can’t interact directly with your device. Use switches to select items, scroll, type and more.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Switch access’.
4. Tap on the ‘Use Switch access’ toggle to enable the feature.
   Note: A prompt will appear asking you to allow ‘Switch access’ to have full control of your device.
5. Tap ‘Allow’ to enable ‘Switch access’.
6. A new window will appear to take you through the Switch Access Setup Guide. Tap ‘Next and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your external switch.
7. Tap on the ‘Switch access shortcut’ toggle to enable the feature.
   Note: Another prompt will appear asking you to allow ‘Switch access’ to have full control of your device.
8. Tap ‘Allow’ to enable ‘Switch access shortcut’.
9. Feel free to explore more advanced audio and control settings by selecting ‘Settings’ from the ‘Switch access’ menu.

4. Auto-click (Dwell Timing)

‘Auto-click’ works with a connected mouse. You can set the mouse cursor to click automatically when the cursor stops moving for a certain amount of time.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Auto-click (dwell timing).
4. Choose between preset timings or create a custom timing for auto-click.

5. Power Button Ends Call

Enables the power button to end a call when pressed.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, tap the toggle for ‘Power button ends call’.
4. When in a call, the power button can now be used to end the call.

6. Auto-rotate Screen

Allows your device’s screen orientation to automatically adjust.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, tap the toggle for ‘Auto-rotate screen’.
4. When using certain applications, the device should now automatically rotate depending on how you are holding your device.

7. Touch and Hold Delay

Allows you to set the recognition time for tapping and holding the screen. Applications sometimes require you to press your finger on the screen and hold it to trigger another action.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Touch & hold delay’.
4. Choose between short, medium and long.

8. Time to Take Action (Accessibility Timeout)

Choose for how long to show messages that ask you to take action but are only visible temporarily. Not all applications support this setting.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Time to take action (accessibility timeout)’.
4. Choose between the pre-set timeout settings.

9. Vibration and Haptic Strength

Allows you to enable or disable vibration and touch feedback.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘Vibration and haptic strength’.
4. Tap on each menu to choose between enabling ring vibration, notification vibration and touch feedback.

10. System Navigation

Allows you to choose between different navigation modes for your device.

1. Tap on the ‘Settings’ application.
2. Select the ‘Accessibility’ menu.
3. From the ‘Accessibility’ menu, select ‘System navigation’.
4. Choose between either the ‘Gesture navigation’ or the ‘3-button navigation’.
5. For more information on how to use ‘Gesture navigation’ tap on ‘See how it works’.

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Shortcuts

The following finger gestures can be used when TalkBack is enabled on your Android device.

• Unlock device: Two finger swipe up
• Identify items: Move finger around the screen or tap and hold on an area
• Select item: Last heard item is selected
• Open item: Double tap
• Navigate to next item: Swipe left to right
• Navigate to previous item: Swipe right to left
• Pause: Cover screen

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Additional Resources

For additional information on the accessibility features offered by Android, visit their website using the following link: https://www.android.com/intl/en_au/accessibility/

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