I have just migrated my iPhone from iOS 18 to iOs 26. When I was using iOS18 I reported a problem to Apple regarding text navigation while using an external keyboard. If I used an external keyboard to navigate text in apps such as Textastic or Runestone voiceover remains silent. Using an external keyboard with native apps such as Safari or Mail it works as expected. This problem persists using iOS 26. Now I'm starting to wonder if I have an incorrect setting.
I haven't noticed any discussion about this issue. How is this working for others?
By Frankd, 9 November, 2025
Forum
iOS and iPadOS
Comments
does it switch to quicknav mode? VO reset?
hi, i use external keyboards a lot and had some issues too.
when you move into the field in which you type and edjit text, do you hear the two tone sound that indicates that ios VO has switched to quicknav? if unsure press both the left and right arrow at the same time - this toggles quicknav on and off each time you press the combination - note- no need to press the VO key at the same time! just the 2 arrow keys at the same time.
in 2. in ios 26 in the settings - accessibility - voiceover area right at the bottom there is a reset option. it will reset all your voiceover settings but it did really help me solve an issue i had with my ipad and external keyboard that i could not solve otherwise.
3. also consider that in that app you may have some mode turned on like screen recognition that may be affecting the interaction. you can toggle that via the rotor unless you removed it.
4. if you are using braille screen input and it turns on automatically in a text field - then press esc - escape once to turn it off.
i hope it sorts itself out. i am always really bugged when i can't use my external keyboard.