A simple workaround for lost clear back button — and other common gesture workarounds
by Anthony Corona
One of the frustrations many blind and low-vision iPhone users encounter is when an app does not clearly present a Back button. Facebook is one of the most common examples. You may open a post, a profile, or a notification, and suddenly there is no obvious way to return to the previous screen.
After a little bit of frustration, I remembered the scrub gesture, which is performing a small Z shape, preferably in the center of the screen. This gesture is built into VoiceOver and often performs the same function as a Back or Escape button.
But then I realized something even more useful. VoiceOver allows you to change which gesture performs certain actions. That means you can assign a gesture you like to perform the Undo function, which in many apps behaves exactly like a Back button.
Before we talk about customizing gestures, here is a quick tutorial on the scrub gesture.
The Scrub Gesture, also known as the Z Gesture
The scrub gesture performs the Escape or Back function in many apps.
Using two fingers, preferably in the center of the screen, make a small Z shape. When performed correctly, VoiceOver will move you back to the previous screen. In many apps this works exactly the same as pressing a Back button.
A simple way to practice the Z gesture
Using your forefinger and middle finger together, place them gently in the center of the screen. Now quickly swipe slightly to the right, then diagonally down toward the left, and then quickly back toward the right again. This creates a small Z motion.
The gesture does not have to be big or dramatic. In fact, most users find it works better if the motion is small and done in the center of the screen.
Once you get used to it, the scrub gesture becomes one of the fastest ways to escape a screen or go back in an app.
However, if the scrub gesture feels awkward or inconsistent, you can assign your own gesture to perform the same function.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Customize VoiceOver Gestures
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Swipe right until you hear Accessibility, then double tap.
3. Swipe right until you hear VoiceOver, then double tap.
4. Swipe right until you hear Commands, then double tap.
5. Swipe right until you hear Touch Gestures, then double tap.
You will now find a list of gestures organized by the number of fingers used. VoiceOver will announce gestures such as:
- Two-finger swipe left
- Three-finger swipe up
- Four-finger swipe down
- And many more.
Each of these gestures can be assigned to a specific VoiceOver command.
6. Swipe through the list until you find a gesture that you either do not use or one that is currently unassigned. For example, many people choose four-finger swipe down because it is rarely used in daily navigation.
7. Double tap on the gesture you want to customize.
8. A list of VoiceOver commands will appear.
9. Swipe through the list until you hear Undo.
10. Double tap Undo to assign it to that gesture.
Once this is set, performing that gesture will trigger the Undo command.
In many apps, Undo functions exactly like the Back button.
How This Helps With the Facebook Back Button Problem
If you open a post, profile, or comment thread in Facebook and cannot find a Back button, simply perform the gesture you assigned to Undo.
For example, if you assigned four-finger swipe down, swipe down with four fingers.
In many cases, Facebook will return you to the previous screen exactly the same as if you had pressed Back.
Use Case Scenarios
Returning from a Facebook post: You open a post from your feed. You read the comments. There is no obvious Back button. Perform your custom Undo gesture and VoiceOver will return you to the feed.
Navigating deep into profiles or groups: You open a profile. Then a photo. Then the comments. Instead of searching for the Back button each time, simply use your gesture to step back through the screens.
Recovering from navigation confusion: Sometimes an app jumps to a new screen or pop-up, and you are not sure how you got there. Your custom Undo gesture can quickly return you to the previous view.
Additional VoiceOver Gesture Tips
Here are a few other gestures and customization ideas that can make everyday navigation easier.
Copy the last spoken text
VoiceOver includes a little-known gesture that can be helpful when copying content. Tap the screen with three fingers four times quickly. This copies the last phrase spoken by VoiceOver to the clipboard. This can be useful when trying to grab a line of text from social media or a webpage. Many VoiceOver users rely on this trick when sharing quotes or copying pieces of text.
Choosing the Best Gesture to Customize
Choose a gesture you rarely use so it does not interfere with everyday navigation. Common choices include:
- Four-finger swipe down
- Four-finger swipe left
- Four-finger swipe right
Avoid gestures already heavily used by VoiceOver, such as:
- Two-finger double tap
- Three-finger swipe up
- Three-finger swipe down
If a gesture conflicts with something you use regularly, simply return to the Touch Gestures menu and assign a different one.
Why This Matters
VoiceOver gestures are one of the most powerful accessibility tools on the iPhone. Many users never explore the customization options, but they allow you to tailor the device to your own workflow.
Assigning gestures to commands like Undo can make navigating poorly designed apps significantly easier and can save a lot of time and frustration.
For more Sunday Edition Tech Spotlights and accessibility tips, please visit www.anthonycorona.com.
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