Designed primarily for people with visual impairments, VoiceOver is a notable Accessibility feature. When the motion-based screen reader is enabled, you’ll get audio descriptions of what’s on your screen. It keeps you in sync with what’s on the screen, from who’s calling to battery level. So you can use your device even if you don’t see the screen. To provide additional privacy to the screen when the screen reader is active, Apple offers a feature called “Screen Curtain”. If you’re wondering what Screen Curtain is and how it’s used on iPhone and Apple Watch, you’re in the right place to get started.
How to Enable and Use Screen Curtain on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
If you are already familiar with the basics, you can go straight to the quick steps to use this Accessibility feature on your iDevice.
What is Screen Curtain?
As the name suggests, Screen Curtain is designed to protect the privacy of the screen from prying eyes. Turns off the screen so no one can see what the gesture screen reader is up to.
Screen Curtain ensures that nothing is visible on the screen, allowing you to use your device just by listening to VoiceOver. When you’re in public places like the airport or bus station, this privacy feature can have a definite role to play.
Using Screen Curtain on iPhone and iPad
After enabling VoiceOver on your iOS/iPadOS, you can easily activate the Screen Curtain with a quick gesture. Note that the gesture changes slightly when zoom is enabled.
With Accessibility -> Zoom on: To activate Screen Curtain on your iPhone or iPad, simply tap the screen four times with three fingers. You can use the same gesture (four-tap the screen with three fingers) to disable it.
When Accessibility > Zoom is turned off: To disable Screen Curtain on your iOS or iPadOS device, simply triple-tap the screen with three fingers. Use the same gesture to close.
Note:
- When using a Bluetooth keyboard, you need to use the shortcut Control + Option + Shift + S to turn Screen Curtain on/off.
Enable Screen Curtain on Apple Watch
Unfortunately watchOS does not offer a quick gesture to enable/disable Screen Curtain on Apple Watch. Therefore, you will have to go to Settings to enable it.
- Start Settings app On your Apple Watch.
2. Now, tap on Accessibility.
3. Next, tap on it. VoiceOver.
4. Next, turn on the switch right next to it Screen Curtain.
Enable Screen Curtain Using the Watch App on iPhone
You can also turn on Screen Curtain using the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Hungry watch app on your iPhone.
2. Now, make sure My Watch tab is selected, and then tap . Accessibility.
3. Next, tap on VoiceOver.
4. Finally, turn on the toggle right next to it. Screen Curtain.
Use Screen Curtain to Protect Your Privacy on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
This much! Now that you know how this privacy feature works, make the most of it to protect your privacy. Be sure to use it to hide what the screen-based reader is doing, especially when you are surrounded by people. It has a wide range of useful features such as Accessibility, Magnifier, color filters and the newly added Back Tap. Which is your favorite and why? It would be great to get your feedback in the comments below.