How To Turn On Audio Description

Audio description is a fantastic accessibility feature that provides spoken narration of key visual elements in films and TV shows, such as actions, characters, costumes, and scene changes. This is different from a screen reader, which helps you navigate your device by reading text and buttons aloud. This article will show you how to turn it on for both entertainment and device navigation on a variety of popular devices and services.

iPhones and iPads

For Films and TV

While watching a film or TV programme, tap the screen to bring up the playback controls. Then:

1. Tap the Audio & Subtitles button (it often looks like a speech bubble or a keyboard).
2. In the list of audio tracks, select the option that has (Audio Description) in the name, for example, “English (Audio Description)”.
3. The film will now play with audio description.

Or, turn it on in device settings.

• Go to Settings.
• Select Accessibility.
• Under the “Vision” section, tap Audio Description and turn the feature on.

For Device Navigation (VoiceOver)

If you need help with device navigation, Apple’s built-in screen reader is called VoiceOver.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Accessibility.
3. Under the “Vision” section, tap VoiceOver and turn the feature on.

Alternatively, use Siri. Simply say “Hey Siri, turn VoiceOver on”. Likewise, to turn it off, say “Hey Siri, turn VoiceOver off”.

For more help, visit Apple Support.

MacBooks

For Films and TV

When an audio-described version of a video is available, you will find the audio track labelled with (Audio Description) in the media player’s sound or language settings.

Or:

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top left corner.
2. Choose System Settings.
3. Select Accessibility from the sidebar.
4. Under the “Vision” section, click Audio Description in the main window and turn it on.

For Device Navigation (VoiceOver)

To turn on the VoiceOver screen reader for navigation:

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top left corner.
2. Choose System Settings.
3. Select Accessibility from the sidebar.
4. Under the “Vision” section, click VoiceOver in the main window and turn it on.

Android Phones and Tablets

For Films and TV

Within most streaming apps, you can turn on it from the playback menu. Look for the Audio & Subtitles option and choose a track with (Audio Description) in its name.

For Device Navigation (TalkBack)

Android’s screen reader is called TalkBack. You can activate it through your device settings.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Accessibility.
3. Tap TalkBack and turn the feature on.

For more help, visit Google Support.

Windows PC

For Films and TV

The steps for how to turn on audio description for films and TV on a Windows PC are the same as on other devices. Look for an audio track labelled with (Audio Description) in the player’s menu.

For Device Navigation (Narrator)

Windows has a built-in screen reader called Narrator.

1. The fastest way to turn it on is by pressing the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter.
2. Alternatively, go to the Start Menu, then Settings, select Accessibility, and then find Narrator to turn it on.

For more help, visit Microsoft’s Complete Guide to Narrator.

TV

The steps for turning it on on a TV can vary by manufacturer and model. However, these two methods are the most common.

• Dedicated Button: Check your TV remote for a button labelled AD or Audio Description. Pressing this button will usually toggle the feature on or off.
• TV Menu: If your remote doesn’t have a button, go to your TV’s main menu. Look for Settings, Sound, or Accessibility and then find the Audio Description option to switch it on.

For more specific instructions for your TV, use this Google Search and customise it with your make and model TV.

Popular Streaming Services

Netflix

1. Start playing the programme you want to watch.
2. Open the Audio & Subtitles menu, usually at the bottom under the timeline.
3. Select an audio track that has (Audio Description) in the title. Once you set this, Netflix will automatically play it on other shows that have it.

For more help, visit Netflix Help Centre.

BBC iPlayer

1. Start playing your chosen programme.
2. Look for the Subtitles and settings button, which will open a list of accessibility options.
3. Toggle the Audio Description button to the “on” position.

You can also find all audio-described content by browsing the “Audio Described” category on the home screen.

For more help, visit BBC iPlayer Help.

Disney+

1. While a film or TV show is playing, select the Audio & Subtitles icon, which is usually in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
2. From the audio track list, choose an option with (Audio Description) in the title.

For more help, visit Disney+ Help Centre.

Prime Video

The settings and setup on Prime Video are the same as Netfilx and Disney+.

For more help, visit Amazon Help Centre.

Note: If you turn on Audio Description on your phone or tablet, videos and films that have an audio description, will have this turned on automatically on these streaming services.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been a helpful resource for you. With audio description turned on, you can enjoy a richer and more inclusive entertainment experience, whether you are watching on a TV, a smartphone, or a laptop. Don’t forget that these features are a key part of making technology more accessible to everyone. If you have any further questions about this or any other topics, feel free to ask!

If you liked this “How to” guide, check out our other guide on Setting Up Alexa.

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