Voice Access: Control Android by Speaking
Voice Access lets you control every part of your Android phone using spoken commands — open apps, tap buttons, scroll, and type without touching the screen.
4 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Install or enable Voice Access
On most Android phones, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access and toggle it on. If you do not see it there, open the Google Play Store, search for "Voice Access," and install the free app from Google. After installing, go back to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access to enable it.
Quick Tip
On some phones, Voice Access appears under Settings > Accessibility > Installed Services or Downloaded Apps.
Step 2. Turn Voice Access on and off quickly
Once enabled, you can activate Voice Access by saying "Hey Google, Voice Access" if Google Assistant is set up, or by tapping the Voice Access notification in your notification bar. Many phones let you add a Voice Access shortcut to your Accessibility menu — check Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Button.
Step 3. Navigate using numbered labels
When Voice Access is active, numbers appear next to every button and interactive item on your screen. Say the number of the item you want to tap. For example, say "3" to tap the item labeled 3. You can also say the name of an item — for example, "Tap Contacts" or "Open Settings."
Quick Tip
Say "Show labels" if the labels are not visible, and "Hide labels" to remove them from view.
Step 4. Type text using your voice
Tap into a text field, or say "Tap [field name]." Once the cursor is in the field, say "Type [your text]." For example, say "Type Good morning" to enter those words. You can also say "Delete" to remove the last word, or "Clear field" to erase everything.
Step 5. Use common navigation commands
Say "Go back" to go to the previous screen. Say "Go home" to return to the home screen. Say "Scroll down" or "Scroll up" to move through a page. Say "Open [app name]" to launch an app. Say "Stop listening" to pause Voice Access and resume normal use.
Warning
Voice Access listens continuously while active. Pause it when having private conversations by saying "Stop listening" or tapping the Voice Access notification.
Voice Access is a free app from Google that lets you control your entire Android phone using spoken commands. You can open apps, tap buttons, scroll through pages, and type text — all without touching the screen.
It works by labeling every button and interactive element on your screen with a number. You speak the number (or the label text) to interact with that item. For example, you might say "1" to tap the first item, or "Tap Messages" to open the Messages app.
Voice Access is especially useful for people who have difficulty using a touchscreen due to arthritis, tremors, an injury, or other conditions. It is also helpful when your hands are occupied and you need to do something on your phone.
Voice Access requires an internet connection for some features, though basic navigation works offline. The app is free and available in the Google Play Store, and on many Android phones it can be found in the Accessibility settings already.
Unlike Google Assistant (which answers questions), Voice Access controls the actual interface of your phone. Every menu, every text field, every button can be reached by speaking.
To get the most out of Voice Access, spend some time practicing with it when you are not in a hurry. The numbered labels system is the fastest way to tap exactly what you want, and the voice typing feature works well for short messages.
Official sources
- Google Help Center — support.google.com
- Android Help — support.google.com
- Google Account help — support.google.com
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