To turn off Assistive Touch on an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, and toggle the switch to the off position. This will disable the feature and remove the on-screen touch button.
After turning off Assistive Touch, the virtual button that appears on the screen will disappear. The iPhone will return to its default state, where physical buttons control all functionality.
Introduction
If you’re an iPhone user, you’re probably familiar with the plethora of features that Apple has incorporated to make its devices as user-friendly as possible. One such feature is Assistive Touch, which creates a virtual button on your screen, providing a helpful alternative to the physical buttons on your device. It’s particularly useful for individuals with motor skill impairments or when a physical button is broken or unresponsive.
However, if you find the feature more of an annoyance than a help, or simply prefer the traditional button use, you might want to turn it off. This article is for anyone who wants to learn how to disable the Assistive Touch feature on their iPhone easily.
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn off Assistive Touch on an iPhone
The following steps will guide you through turning off Assistive Touch on your iPhone.
Step 1
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
The Settings app is where you control all the functions and features of your iPhone.
Step 2
Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
Accessibility is where you’ll find all the options for modifying how you interact with your iPhone.
Step 3
Tap on Touch under the Physical and Motor section.
The Touch settings allow you to customize how you use the touch screen and other touch-related features.
Step 4
Tap on AssistiveTouch at the top of the screen.
AssistiveTouch settings are where you can turn the feature on or off and customize its functions.
Step 5
Toggle the AssistiveTouch switch to the off position.
Turning off the switch will disable the AssistiveTouch feature and remove the on-screen button.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased screen space | With Assistive Touch turned off, you’ll regain full use of your screen without the virtual button taking up space. |
| Decreased accidental activation | Sometimes, the Assistive Touch button can get in the way and be pressed accidentally, which won’t happen once it’s turned off. |
| More traditional iPhone experience | If you prefer using the physical buttons, turning off Assistive Touch will give you the classic iPhone experience you’re used to. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Less accessibility | For those who rely on Assistive Touch due to physical limitations, turning it off may make the iPhone harder to use. |
| Risk of wear and tear | Regular use of physical buttons can lead to wear and tear, which Assistive Touch can help avoid. |
| No quick access to features | Assistive Touch provides shortcuts to various functions, which will not be available with it turned off. |
Additional Information
When considering turning off Assistive Touch, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and how you use your iPhone. Some users find the feature essential for everyday use, while others may find it unnecessary. If you’re unsure about disabling it permanently, you can always turn it back on by following the same steps but toggling the switch to the on position.
Additionally, if you decide you want the feature available but don’t want it onscreen all the time, you can set it to activate only when you use the triple-click shortcut on the side button. This way, you get the best of both worlds—a clean screen and accessibility features when you need them.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Touch.
- Tap on AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle the AssistiveTouch switch off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assistive Touch on an iPhone?
Assistive Touch is an accessibility feature that creates a virtual button on the iPhone screen, allowing users to perform actions without using physical buttons.
Can I turn Assistive Touch back on after disabling it?
Yes, you can turn Assistive Touch back on at any time by following the steps above and toggling the switch to the on position.
Will turning off Assistive Touch affect other accessibility settings?
No, turning off Assistive Touch will not affect other accessibility settings on your iPhone.
Can I customize the Assistive Touch menu?
Yes, when Assistive Touch is enabled, you can customize the menu to include the shortcuts you use most.
Is Assistive Touch available on all iPhones?
Assistive Touch is available on most iPhones running iOS 5 or later.
Conclusion
Turning off Assistive Touch on an iPhone is a simple process that can be beneficial for users who prefer a more traditional iPhone experience or who don’t require the feature for accessibility reasons. While Assistive Touch is incredibly useful for many, it’s not essential for everyone. By following the step-by-step guide provided, you can easily disable the feature and enjoy an unobstructed screen.
However, it’s important to recognize that the feature is there to help and can be reactivated at any time should you find the need for it. Whether you keep Assistive Touch on or off, the iPhone remains a versatile device capable of accommodating the needs of a wide range of users.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.