iOS: How to Set up Assistive Access on iPhone

The other day, my 90 year old dad was having trouble using his iPhone.  There were too many icons on the screen, and he gets easily confused when he sees a bunch of items on the screen.

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About a year ago, I read an article about Apple coming out with an easier way to use the iPhone by limiting the amount of icons on the screen, and enlarging them so that persons with visual impairments can use the iPhone easier and with less icons.

Then I came across a notice that Apple had implemented the Assistive Access in iOS 17.  I decided to try it with my dad.  He loves it.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access.
2. Select Set up Assistive Access.
3. Read the information and then tap Continue.
4. Verify your Apple ID and Password.
5. Choose the layout of the screen you’d like to have (Rows or Grids).
6. Choose which app(s) you’d like to appear on the screen.
7. Verify the device’s passcode.  You’ll need to come up with one to secure access to this section.
8. This passcode is different then the one you use for the actual device.
9. Read the information on how to exit Assistive Access incase you ever need too.
10. Start Assistive Access by tapping the “Start using Assistive Access” button.
11. The iPhone will reset and go into that mode. 
12. That’s it. 

Here’s how to disable it:

• Triple click the right-side button (press it 3 times).
• The device will reset and go into the normal home screen.
• That’s it. 

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Dan Uff

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