What Is iPhone Switch Control and How to Use It

Our smartphones have long evolved beyond their usefulness for nothing but texting, making calls and listening to music. Now they are an extension of our lives on our computers. Compared to older phones, iPhones and their counterparts have also become more accessible to people with physical challenges.

An often overlooked feature on the iPhone is Switch Control, making it easier for users to navigate their devices. But what exactly is Switch Control, and how do you use it? We will take a look.

What is iPhone Switch Control

iPhone Switch Control is a feature that allows users to control their devices using an external switch. It was introduced with iOS 14 and is also available on iPad and iPod Touch. Check out our guide if you are having trouble updating your iPhone to iOS 14,

Apple introduced Switch Control to help users who couldn’t use their hands as easily as others get the most out of their devices. You can use the tool to perform several essential functions on your screen, including typing and clicking tabs and buttons.

When using Switch Control, you can scan sections on your screen before choosing your next steps. You can choose to sweep an area or use point sweep.

To use Switch Control on your iPhone, you need to pair an external switch with your device.

How to use iPhone switch control

When using Switch Control on your iPhone, you need to activate the function first. To do this, follow these instructions.

Step 1: Go to your iPhone settings and scroll down to Accessibility.

2nd step: Under Physics and Engine, click Switch Control.

Step 3: At the top of the screen, activate the Switch Control button so that it appears in green.

How to add a new switch to your iPhone

One of the great things about Switch Control is that if you want, you can use multiple switches to control your iPhone.

To add new switches while using this feature, you will need to follow the steps below.

Step 1: Go back to your iPhone’s settings before navigating to accessibility and switch controls. The steps for this are the same as in the previous section.

2nd step: Select the tab called Switches. This is the first under Switch Control.

Step 3: Select Add New Switch.

Step 4: In the next window, you will see four choices of sources. Go through each of them and customize it according to your needs.

After choosing the options, your selections should immediately apply to your iPhone.

How to create new gestures

You might find it easier to use Switch Control on your iPhone by creating gestures. Doing it is relatively straightforward; all you need to do is follow the steps below.

Step 1: In Switch Control, scroll down and select Saved Gestures.

2nd step: In the next window, choose Create a new gesture.

Step 3: Create your gesture by tapping or sliding. When you’re done, tap Save.

What if the iPhone switch control was grayed out

If you have tried using Switch Control on your iPhone but are unable to do so, you might notice that it is greyed out on your phone. This is probably because you have enabled touch assistance at the same time.

On your iPhone, you cannot use Switch Control and AssistiveTouch at the same time. You will therefore have to deactivate the latter. To do this, follow the following steps.

Step 1: Go to your iPhone settings and go back to Accessibility.

2nd step: Find the Touch tab and click on it.

Step 3: At the top of your screen, you will see an option called Assistive Touch. Go for it.

Step 4: Toggle the AssistiveTouch button at the top so that it’s off instead of green.

Once you’ve disabled AssistiveTouch, try going back into Switch Control and see if it will work now.

A new way to use your iPhone

In more recent iOS updates, Apple has made its devices easier to use for those who have difficulty performing basic actions with its devices. One of the best examples is Switch Control, which helps users manage their iPhones much better than it would have been possible otherwise.

The methods mentioned above should get you started using Switch Control on your iPhone.