Assistive Access is a new feature to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, it lets you set up a simplified version of iOS and iPadOS on your iPhone and iPad. This is a great feature to set up for those with grandparents, individuals with cognitive disabilities, or young children.

What Is Assistive Access?

Assistive Access is a new accessibility feature introduced in iPadOS 17 and iOS 17. It is designed to make your iPad and iPhone more user-friendly. This feature provides a simplified and streamlined interface that makes navigation, comprehension, and usability more intuitive. Assistive Access optimises essential apps and experiences, featuring larger on-screen items, fewer distractions, and easier navigation.

The primary goal of Assistive Access is to enable users the ability to interact with their devices more independently and effectively. By making iPhone and iPad more inclusive, Apple can make your devices easier for anyone to use.

Why Use Assistive Access?

There are several reasons to use Assistive Access. It gives the user increased independence, makes iOS or iPadOS easier to use yet still customisable and keeps your device secure and private.

Easier To Use

Assistive Access simplifies the interface, making it easier for users with disabilities or older people navigate their iPhone or iPad. This reduces frustration and can help users be more independent, allowing users to perform tasks on their own.

Customisable & Reduces Distractions

Assistive Access on iPad and iPhone still allow for customisation. Users can adjust settings to match their needs and preferences, ensuing a personalised experience. Enabling Assistive Access can also help reduce distractions and help users stay focused.

Still Secure & Private

Using Assistive Access still allows for the ability to set up a unique passcode and enable Face ID or Touch ID on the iPhone or iPad. These ensure that your data is keep secure and private.

Benefits Of Assistive Access

Assistive Access is designed to benefit a wide range of users, but in particular, those with disabilities. Caregivers and family members of individuals will also find Assistive Access helpful, as it enables them to set up and customise the device to better suit the needs of their loved ones.

Additionally, educators and other professionals can find these accessibility settings useful as creating a simple interface can create a more accessible and supportive environment for students. Assistive Access is also useful in aged care homes, where elderly residents can benefit from the simplified version of iOS and iPadOS.

Young children receiving their first iPhone or iPad will also benefit, providing a safe and manageable introduction to digital devices.

Set Up Assistive Access On iPhone

Setting up Assistive Access on your iPhone or iPad is easy and helps make your device more user-friendly. Follow these steps below to get started.

Step 1: Access Accessibility Settings

• Go back to the Settings main menu.
• Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

Step 3: Enable Assistive Access

• In the Accessibility menu, scroll down and tap on Assistive Access.
• Toggle the switch to enable Assistive Access.

Step 4: Customise Assistive Access

• Choose between a Grid or Row layout for apps.
• Select the essential apps you want to include in Assistive Access.
• Customise the appearance and features of these apps to match the user’s preferences.

Step 5: Set Up Security

• Verify your device passcode.
• Create a unique Assistive Access passcode for entering and exiting Assistive Access.
• Optionally, set up Face ID or Touch ID for added convenience and security.

Step 6: Finalise Setup

• Review your settings and customisations.
• Tap Done to finalise the setup.

How To Set Up Assistive Access On iPad

Step 1: Verify Apple ID

• Open the Settings app on your iPad.
• Tap on [Your Name] at the top to access your Apple ID settings.
• Ensure your Apple ID is verified. If not, follow the prompts to verify it.

Step 2: Access Accessibility Settings

• Go back to the Settings main menu.
• Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

Step 3: Enable Assistive Access

• In the Accessibility menu, scroll down and tap on Assistive Access.
• Toggle the switch to enable Assistive Access.

Step 4: Customise Assistive Access

• Choose between a Grid or Row layout for apps.
• Select the essential apps you want to include in Assistive Access.
• Customise the appearance and features of these apps to match the user’s preferences.

Step 5: Set Up Security

• Verify your device passcode.
• Create a unique Assistive Access passcode for entering and exiting Assistive Access.
• Optionally, set up Face ID or Touch ID for added convenience and security.

Step 6: Finalise Setup

• Review your settings and customisations.
• Tap Done to finalise the setup.

Using Assistive Access On Your Device

• Accessing Apps: Selected apps appear in a simplified interface, either in a grid or row layout. Tap an app to open it.
• Navigating Within Apps: Apps have larger on-screen items and streamlined navigation. Use gestures and taps to navigate.
• Exiting Assistive Access: Triple-click the side button (or home button on older models) and enter the Assistive Access passcode.

Need More Help?

The introduction of Assistive Access in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 offers a more intuitive, customisable, and secure way for people to interact with their devices. By simplifying the experience whilst keeping your iPhone or iPad secure, Assistive Access empowers users to navigate their devices with greater ease and independence. Need help setting up Assistive Access or want to get an iPad that works with these accessibility settings? Reach out to us today.