Switch Access

Control your Android device hands-free using switches or your front-facing camera. This feature, Switch Access, enables selection, scrolling, text entry, and more, offering an alternative to touchscreen interaction for users with limited mobility.

Getting Started:

1. Access your device's Settings app.
2. Navigate to Accessibility > Switch Access.

Setting Up a Switch:

Switch Access systematically highlights screen items until a selection is made. Choose from various switch types:

• Physical Switches: Connect USB or Bluetooth switches (buttons, keyboards) or utilize built-in switches like volume buttons.
• Camera Switches: Use facial gestures such as opening your mouth, smiling, raising eyebrows, or looking left, right, or up.

Scanning Your Device:

Select your preferred scanning method:

• Linear Scanning: Sequential item selection.
• Row-Column Scanning: Row-by-row selection, followed by item selection within the chosen row.
• Point Scanning: Use moving lines to pinpoint a location, then select.
• Group Selection: Assign switches to color-coded groups of items. Refine the selection by progressively narrowing the group size.

Using the Menus:

Once an item is selected, a menu appears, offering actions like select, scroll, copy, paste, and more. A top-level menu provides additional device controls (notifications, home screen, volume, etc.).

Camera Switch Navigation:

Utilize facial gestures detected by your front camera to navigate apps and make selections. Customize gesture sensitivity and duration for optimal performance.

Recording Shortcuts:

Record and assign touch gestures (pinch, zoom, scroll, swipe, double-tap, etc.) to switches or menu options. Automate complex actions with a single switch press (e.g., a two-swipe left gesture to turn two ebook pages).

Permissions:

This accessibility service requires permission to observe actions, retrieve window content, and monitor typed text.