4Viewers

iOS and Android mobile and tablet apps

The following FAQs are related to the accessibility on iOS and Android device apps

I Have A Visual Impairment

VoiceOver is a free screen reading software package which is built-in to iOS devices including IPad, IPhone, IPod touch and apple TV. It is designed to assist people with little or no sight to navigate the content of the screen. Setting up VoiceOver on an IOS device

Take the following steps to activate VoiceOver on your apple device;

  1. Go to settings;
  2. Choose general settings;
  3. Then choose Accessibility settings;
  4. Select VoiceOver and tap the screen to Switch VoiceOver on. Note: it is possible to activate VoiceOver by using Siri by pressing the home button and giving the instruction 'Switch VoiceOver on'.

When VoiceOver has been switched on, it is possible to make changes to the speed of VoiceOver. This can be done by taking the following steps;

  1. Choose rate
  2. Swipe up towards the speaker or downwards towards the home screen to change the rate of VoiceOver. You will hear the information in the form of percentages for example, 60 per cent.

TalkBack screen reader gives you spoken feedback and notifications. Each manufacturer may have different shortcuts when enabling TalkBack for visually impaired users. Also, on newer Samsung devices this may be known as Voice Assistant. Check on the phone manufacturer web pages for instructions on specific instructions, as this may vary depending on manufacturer type and version.

Turn on TalkBack in your device Settings

The steps below require sighted assistance in order to enable TalkBack within your Android device.

    Open your device's Settings app. Open Accessibility, then TalkBack. Turn on TalkBack. In the confirmation dialog, tap OK.

You can also enable TalkBack when you turn on your Android device for the very first time. Again, you can check with your phone manufacturer on how to do this. On many devices you can also enable TalkBack by holding down the two volume controls.

Audio description is currently available on some content on the Android app, represented by an 'AD' icon within the playback menu. This will allow audio feedback for visually impaired users giving extra description of what is happening on screen, sometimes during the dialogue. Select the logo to enable audio description.

iPhone and iPad now support AD on streaming content. Where available, there will be an AD button displayed on the player.

For a listing of programming with Audio Description on our site click on this link.

I Have Difficulty Hearing

When content has subtitles available, they will have an 'S' icon present in the playback menu. Subtitles can be activated from the playback menu by selecting the icon or from within accessibility settings within your device. Android users cannot currently customise the appearance of subtitles.

For users who have hearing loss, most of our recent content will have subtitles available, if subtitles are available, there will be a 's' icon on the video. Subtitles can be enabled via the accessibility settings or via the playback menu within the app. iOS subtitles will not currently work if there are no subtitles present on the video. Subtitles styles can be adjusted or customised from the accessibility settings menu. Advertisement content is not currently subtitled.

For users that listen via an earpiece, the audio balance can be adjusted or switched to mono from within the accessibility settings.

If you have hearing loss, most of our recent content will have subtitles available, if subtitles are available, there will be a 'S' icon on the video. Subtitles can be enabled via the accessibility settings or via the playback menu within the app. Google subtitles will not currently work if there are no subtitles present on the video. Subtitles cannot be adjusted or customised from the accessibility settings menu. Advertisement content is not currently subtitled. For users that listen via an earpiece, the audio balance can be adjusted or switched to mono from within the accessibility settings.

Subtitled content be found across our platforms. If subtitles are available an "S" button will be visible on the video player bar. Click on the "S" and the subtitles will load and display.

Subtitles are currently supported on the channel4.com website, the iPhone/iPad app (for streaming), a number of Android mobile and tablet apps (for downloads and streaming), YouView, PS4, Amazon Fire, Freeview Play, Samsung devices and on our content available on Sky.

We take accessibility seriously and whilst we aim to subtitle as much content as possible, unfortunately, not everything on  demand will carry subtitles. In particular, this could be some of our older content that was subtitled live on our linear services or where the version of a programme differs to the one originally broadcast.

Additional accessibility information - iOS and Android mobile and tablet apps

iOS devices have a number of built in accessibility features within the settings menu. To access these settings, go to settings, general and select accessibility.

Android devices have a number of built in accessibility features within the settings menu. To access these settings, go to the settings area and select accessibility.

Channel 4 have created an simpler experience, designed to better enable users with Learning disabilities and other conditions such as dementia or short-term memory to more easily understand and navigate the content across all devices which carry the Channel 4 app. 

To achieve this, Channel 4 have created links that are clear, ensuring they stand out and are easily interpreted. Text is larger than normal on headings, in order to provide an easier navigational experience. Additionally, iconography has been used to further aid easy recognition of certain key features. Imagery has also been provided in relation to programmes in order to enable users to more easily identify particular programmes and/or channels that they may view on a regular basis. 

If you have reduced mobility, the app and the video player are fully accessible to switch users, switch settings can be adjusted within the accessibility settings.

Channel 4 takes its commitment to online accessibility very seriously. Our policy is to ensure this website meets recognised international standards for accessibility to ensure it is accessible to all. We are fully committed to ensuring this website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) to AA standard to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded from accessing information and services. To this end, we work closely with the Digital Accessibility Centre (opens in a new window) to ensure the accessibility of all Channel 4 websites, including detailed testing by disabled people using a range of assistive devices such as screen readers. Whilst Channel 4 strive to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website.

Access Services: We are committed to providing subtitles on as much of our streamed programming as possible. We are also looking into the providing more programmes with audio description on streamed content in the future.

Accessibility challenges: As an innovative company working in broadcasting we are always looking at new ways to enhance and develop our websites. As part of this we will ensure we think about the accessibility of any new technology we use. There may be some instances where we display video players, advertisements and third party applications that are out of our control and therefore Channel 4 cannot guarantee accessibility of these. Where possible we work with our partners to rectify these issues with the aim of enhancing the experience of all our users.

Feedback: If you would like to comment about the accessibility of this site please use the Contact Us Form

Subtitles are currently supported on the channel4.com website, the iPhone and iPad app (for streaming), the Android app, YouView, Samsung Tizen (mid-2015 and above), PS4, Amazon Fire and Freeview Play.