Use a screen reader with the Google Home app

The Google Home app is compatible with accessibility options like TalkBack for Android and VoiceOver for iOS devices. Both are screen reading services that describe out loud what you touch, select and activate. You can use touch exploration and gestures to navigate your device without visual input.

Learn more about Android accessibility features.

Turn on TalkBack for Android

TalkBack is a Google screen reader service that’s included on your Android device. If you don’t have TalkBack installed on your device, you can download TalkBack in Google Play.

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Accessibility  Installed services  turn on Talkback.
3. In the confirmation dialogue, tap OK.

Once you enable TalkBack, spoken feedback starts immediately. As you navigate your device, TalkBack describes your actions and alerts you of notifications.

Learn how to navigate your device using TalkBack gestures.

TalkBack instructions example

To change your Wi-Fi network name in the Google Home app:

1. With TalkBack on, select the Google Home app, then double-tap to open it.
2. Swipe right to get all the items on the screen.
3. Select the Wi-Fi , then double-tap to open.
4. Select Settings , then double-tap to open.
5. Select your network name, then double-tap to open the keyboard.
6. Enter a new network name.
7. Once you’ve changed your network name, select and double tap Save.

Learn more about using TalkBack.

Turn on VoiceOver for iOS

VoiceOver is a screen reader service that’s included in your iOS device. To turn it on see below:

1. On your iPhone or iPad open your phone's settings.
2. Tap Accessibility  VoiceOver.
3. Turn on VoiceOver.

With VoiceOver, one touch will highlight an item and tell you what it is. To select an item, touch it once to highlight, then double tap. Swipe down or up with two fingers to get all the items on the screen.

VoiceOver instructions example

To change your Wi-Fi network name in the Google Home app:

1. Double-tap the Google Home app to open it.
2. VoiceOver will automatically tell you the first item on the screen, which is the navigation button. Swipe right until you reach Wi-Fi . Double-tap to open it.
3.  Select Settings , then double-tap to open.
4. Select your network name, then double-tap to open the keyboard.
5. Enter a new network name.
6. Once you’ve changed your network name, select and double tap Save.

Learn more about using VoiceOver.