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How to Use Vocal Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad | Apple Support

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How to Use Vocal Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad | Apple Support

How to Use Vocal Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad | Apple Support

Starting with iOS 18, Apple introduces a groundbreaking accessibility feature called Vocal Shortcuts. This feature lets you assign a custom word, phrase, or sound to trigger an action on your iPhone or iPadβ€”perfect for users with moderate to severe atypical speech who can consistently vocalize specific utterances.

Here’s how to set up and use Vocal Shortcuts.


πŸ”§ What Are Vocal Shortcuts?

Vocal Shortcuts allow you to:

  • Trigger an action by saying a custom vocal command

  • Use alternative utterances or non-standard speech patterns

  • Execute both Siri requests and predefined iOS actions


πŸ“² How to Set Up Vocal Shortcuts

Step 1: Access Settings

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility

  • Tap Vocal Shortcuts

Step 2: Start Setup

  • Tap Set Up Vocal Shortcuts

  • Tap Continue

Step 3: Choose an Action

  • If available, select Siri Request to perform a voice assistant task

  • Alternatively, scroll or use the Search field to find a system action

    • Example used in video: Scroll Down

Step 4: Create Your Vocal Trigger

  • Enter a word or phrase that you want to associate with the action

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to repeat it three times

    • This helps your device recognize your unique speech pattern

Step 5: Confirm

  • Tap Continue to save the shortcut

Your iPhone will now listen for that specific utterance and perform the assigned action when it hears it.


πŸŽ™οΈ Example in Action

Once set up, you can simply say the vocal shortcut:

User: Scroll down
πŸ“± iPhone: [Automatically scrolls down]

This feature is especially useful for those who find it challenging to use touch gestures consistently but can speak reliably.


Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18 is a game-changing accessibility tool that empowers users with speech variability to control their devices more effectively and independently.


Explore more cutting-edge accessibility tips and technology insights at Xreviu.com
Written by: Apple Support
Author profile: https://www.youtube.com/@applesupport


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vocal shortcuts, ios 18 accessibility, iphone speech control, ipad accessibility, atypical speech, custom voice commands, apple support, assistive technology, voice gesture, speech recognition, tech guide, xreviu