Voice Access (Android) Basic Guide
Voice Access is available on all Android devices through the Google Play Store.
Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Search for Voice Access and download the app.
Once downloaded, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
After installing the app:
Enable Voice Access: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access.
Turn on the Voice Access toggle switch.
Follow the prompts to set Voice Access as an accessibility service.
You may also be prompted to allow Voice Access to access your microphone and give permission to use Google’s voice recognition.
Once Voice Access is enabled, you can control your device entirely by voice. You can perform actions like scrolling, selecting items, typing text, and more, just by speaking commands.
Activating Voice Access:
You can start Voice Access by saying "Ok Google", followed by a command.
Alternatively, you can tap the Voice Access button that appears on your screen or use a shortcut you have set up (e.g., pressing a button on your phone or a connected device).
Basic Commands:
"Open [app]": Opens the app you specify. For example, "Open YouTube" will open the YouTube app.
"Go back": Takes you back to the previous screen.
"Go home": Returns you to the home screen.
"Scroll up/down": Scrolls the page up or down.
"Tap [number]": Selects an item on the screen by speaking the number shown next to it (Voice Access will overlay numbers on tappable items).
You can use Voice Access to dictate text into any text field or app that supports typing.
"Type [word or phrase]": This command types out the word or phrase you dictate.
"Delete [word]": Deletes the specified word from the text.
"Replace [word] with [new word]": Replaces a word in your text with a new word.
"Undo": Reverses the last action (such as a deletion or typing).
You can navigate through your Android device by speaking navigation commands:
"Swipe left/right": Swipes left or right to navigate between screens or content.
"Scroll [direction]": Scrolls in the specified direction (up, down, left, or right).
"Select [item]": Selects an item or text you specify.
"Show notifications": Opens the notification shade to view your notifications.
"Turn up/down the volume": Adjusts your device’s volume.
You can personalize how Voice Access works by adjusting the settings:
Adjusting Voice Sensitivity: In the Voice Access settings, you can change the sensitivity to your voice to improve recognition.
Shortcuts: Create a shortcut for quickly activating Voice Access, such as a button on your screen or a physical button on your device.
Speak Clearly: Voice Access responds best to clear speech with natural pauses.
Use Short Commands: Using shorter, more concise commands improves accuracy.
Review Number Labels: When controlling apps or navigating menus, Voice Access will overlay numbers on items. Refer to these numbers for tapping or selecting items by voice (e.g., "Tap 3").
Voice Access is part of Android’s larger accessibility suite and works well with other accessibility tools:
Use with TalkBack: If you use TalkBack (Android’s screen reader), Voice Access can complement it for a fully hands-free experience.
Voice Access and Switch Access: You can also combine Voice Access with Switch Access, a feature that allows users with limited mobility to interact with their device using external switches.
Pause Voice Access: You can say "Turn off Voice Access" when you don't need it to stop voice control temporarily.
Help Menu: Say "Show help" at any time to access the Voice Access help menu and get a list of available commands.
If you need help with Voice Access, you can refer to the following resources:
Voice Access Help Center: Voice Access Support
Google Accessibility Blog: Learn more about updates, tips, and real-life user stories.
Here’s a helpful video tutorial for getting started with Voice Access:
This video explains how to use Voice Access to control your Android device hands-free.