Embedded Files
Voice Control is a setting on the iPad that allows students to control the iPad using voice instructions.
Using Voice Control, students can open apps, pick things on the screen, do gestures (like swiping and pinching), and even type by talking.
Voice Control can support students to:
reduce fine motor demands
build independence
increase focus and attention
enhance vocabulary skills
To set up Voice Control on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Tap each image below to learn more, and zoom in to get a closer look.
Go to "Settings".
Tap "Accessibility".
Tap "Voice Control".
Tap "Set Up Voice Control".
Tap "Continue".
When Voice Control is set up, a blue Voice Control icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen to show that Voice Control is turned on.
Tap "Done".
In the Voice Control accessibility menu, options can be set for Language, Commands, Vocabulary, as well as to Show Confirmation, Play Sound and Show Hints. Voice Control can also be set to Overlay on top of items on the screen.
To turn Voice Control on or off using the Control Center on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
Touch and hold anywhere below the Control Center icons.
Tap "+ Add a Control".
Touch the Search bar to open up the Keyboard to type "Voice Control".
Tap the "Voice Control" icon to add it to the Control Center.
Tap anywhere on the screen to finish editing the Control Center.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to enter the Control Center. Tap the "Voice Control" icon to turn it on or off. When the icon is highlighted in white, Voice Control is turned on, when the icon is not highlighted, Voice Control is turned off.
Tap anywhere on the screen to exit the Control Center. If the Voice Control icon was highlighted in white when exiting the Control Center, a blue Voice Control icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen to show that Voice Control is turned on and ready for use.
To use Voice Control on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Once Voice Control is turned on, a blue Voice Control icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen.
Begin speaking a command such as, "Open Control Center", "Go Home", or "Turn up the volume".
Say, "Show Commands", to go to the menu of example commands or to "Create a New Command".
When not sure of the name for something displayed on the screen, say, "Show names," or "Show numbers," to then select an item to interact with.
Say, "Show Grid" to place a number on top of the screen and then select a numbered area to interact with specific parts of the screen.
When writing text in a document, text box, or note, touch where you would like to type, then say, "Dictation mode" to dictate word by word.
When writing text in a document, text box, or note, touch where you would like to type, then say, "Spelling mode" to spell words with individual letters.
Say, "Command mode", to stop from accidentally typing commands as text and only respond to commands.
Step-by-step instructions according to the iPad's Operating System:
LINKS TO EXTERNAL RESOURCES
LINKS TO EXTERNAL RESOURCES
The website links provided below are operated by organizations outside of the TDSB. These organizations are solely responsible for the operation and information found on their sites. In providing these links, it does not imply any endorsement of the organization or information found on the website. Any comments or inquiries regarding the linked websites should be directed to the organization operating the website.
With Voice Control, students in the TDSB can:
communicate with group members during a collaborative project. Quickly open apps, share documents, and communicate with team members during group projects.
read and research for History or Geography. Students can scroll through articles, highlight important sections, and take notes, making the research process more efficient.
present to the class. Flip through slides without needing to touch the iPad.
dictate essays, answers to questions, or notes. Students can use dictation to share their ideas and complete writing tasks with ease.
change pages, or look up information. Hands-free access to research tools makes learning faster and easier.
Last Updated June 16, 2025
Report abuse