[NFBMO] Bits & Bytes of Tech #9: Screen-Reader Pass-Through: When You Actually Need It

[Gary Wunder]

I am a bit confused about these instructions. When I double tap and hold, am I supposed to already be at the place that needs a regular tap? If VoiceOver immediately reverts to its normal mode, how do I actually look for the place that needs to be tapped? Thanks.

 

From: NFBMO <nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Seyoon Choi via NFBMO
Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 10:00 AM
To: nfbmo at nfbnet.org; missouriaffiliateleaders at nfbnet.org
Cc: Seyoon Choi <schoi at nfbmo.org>
Subject: [NFBMO] Bits & Bytes of Tech #9: Screen-Reader Pass-Through: When You Actually Need It

 



This month we’re spotlighting one of those underrated power tricks on mobile: screen-reader pass-through gestures. These let you momentarily turn off VoiceOver or TalkBack’s touch layer so your taps go straight to the app — exactly how the developer intended.

Why does this matter?
Some apps use custom gestures or controls that screen readers can’t interpret. Think:

1.	Games
2.	Maps
3.	Photo or document scanners
4.	Apps with weird sliders or “swipe zones”
5.	Buttons that only respond to direct touch, not flicking




Pass-through lets you interact with those tricky spots without turning the screen reader off completely.

 

How to do it:

1.	VoiceOver on iOS: Double-tap and hold with one finger, keep holding until you hear “Direct Touch” or feel the change. Lift your finger when done; VoiceOver goes back to normal.





1.	TalkBack on Android: Swipe down then right for the global menu, then choose “Pass through” or “Allow direct touch” (varies by version).

1.	Do what you need, then exit to return to TalkBack control.




TL;DR:
Pass-through is your friend anytime an app’s controls don’t play nicely with your screen reader.

 

 

Seyoon Choi, MSW, Second Vice President
Chair | Technology Committee

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

schoi at nfbmo.org <mailto:schoi at nfbmo.org> 
(314) 650-8306

 

 

  _____  

 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

 

 <https://nfbmo.org/> 

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