4Viewers

iOS and Android mobile and tablet apps

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

I have a visual impairment

For users who have visual impairments, VoiceOver will read content on the screen and also provide a highly visible focus indicator which may be useful if you have limited vision. There are also features to adjust the colour and contrast of the screen and high contrast keyboards available. Presently the screen size of the app cannot be zoomed with standard gestures although there is a magnifier window within the accessibility settings that works with the app and text size can also be increased.

For users with visual impairments, Talkback will read content on the screen and also provide a highly visible focus indicator which may be useful if you have limited vision. There are also features to adjust the colour and contrast of the screen and high contrast keyboards available. Presently the screen size of the app cannot be zoomed with standard gestures although there is a magnifier window within the accessibility settings that works with the app and text size can also be increased.

Audio description is not currently available on the mobile app.

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.

It is not currently possible to watch a programme on the channel4.com mobile site. However, you will be given the option to open or download the app. If you already have the app installed, choosing this option will open the app and enable you to catch-up or stream a programme. If you choose to download the app, you will be redirected to the apple store.

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.

Audio description is currently supported on the All4.com website, a number of Android mobile and tablet apps. iPhone and iPad now support AD on streaming content. Where available there will be an AD button displayed on the player.

We are looking to roll this service out on to more of our platforms as soon as possible.

I have difficulty hearing

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.

Any signed content on All 4 will carry the [BSL] icon. We also screen 1 x signed programme weekly on Film4 - for further details please have a look at the BSL Zone website (Opens in new window)

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

Subtitles are currently supported on the All4.com website, the iPhone and iPad app (for streaming), the Android app, YouView, Samsung, PS4, Amazon Fire and Freeview Play.

I have difficultly reading or understanding content

All 4 programmes have content that is short and simple to understand. Content on All 4 website and native iOS/Android apps have information that is broken up into smaller bitesize pieces to ensure that users can digest the information more easily. Wherever possible, content has been presented in a list format, rather than in overly long paragraphs of information; this style of presentation is often easier for users to absorb.

All4.com website has meaningful headings and subheadings that introduces content correctly, which minimises the likelihood of users becoming confused. To achieve this, the headings are relevant to the content they introduce, acronyms and abbreviations have been expanded in their first instance of use on a page, and spacing between paragraphs have been carefully considered in order to aid in readability of the page.

I have a mobility impairment or dexterity issues

The All 4 app allows bluetooth switch access to Android 5.0 and later for mobility impaired users. The All 4 Android app is also developed so that content can be accessed with ease. Android Switch Access works best with the Google Chrome browser. The All 4 android app has been developed so that iconography/buttons are of sufficient size to select.

Switch Control lets you control your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using a single switch or multiple switches linked to you iOS device. This accessibility feature allows people with motor difficulties to operate their iOS device with the aid of a 'switch' device connected via Bluetooth to the iPhone/iPad. The All 4 iOS app has also been developed so that iconography/buttons are of sufficient size to select.

Screen sensitivity settings can be adjusted within the accessibility settings of your device which can help users with limited mobility or have difficulty making controlled or precise touch gestures. This can help users on both iOS and Android devices.

The site can be navigated using switches for individuals with who may have limited dexterity or a mobility impairment. Switch Control lets you control your Android Phone/tablet or iOS mobile/tablet using a single switch or multiple switches, which will allow various commands to be undertaken including scanning multiple selectable items on a web page or app, with the ability to select a particular element that is clickable. For more information on switch capability please go to the following links on the Apple or Google websites: iOS Switch Control or view Switch Access for Android

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.

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.

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.

The All 4 player on channel4.com is keyboard and screen reader accessible, and works with JAWS 15 or greater, as well as NVDA. It is recommended to use Jaws 18 and above with Chrome or NVDA with Firefox. 

As well as controls to operate the video, the player may also contain one or more screens such as age confirmation or login to view restricted content. Please follow the provided details and instructions to complete these steps.

Navigating through screens and using the controls:

TAB – cycles forward through screen options and control buttons

SHIFT + TAB - cycles backward through screen options and control buttons

SPACEBAR or ENTER – activate control / button / link NB: If using JAWS you will need to ensure that the Virtual PC Cursor is switched off (Insert + Z).

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.

It is not currently possible to watch programmes with subtitles or audio description when casting media on Google Cast. You will need to disconnect from Google Cast and watch locally on your computer or mobile, if supported.

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.

It is not currently possible to watch a programme on the All4.com mobile site. However, you will be directed to a link which reads as 'How to watch'. Choosing this link will direct you to links where you can download the All 4 app in order to catch-up or stream a programme.

All 4 programmes have content that is short and simple to understand. Content on All 4 website and native iOS/Android apps have information that is broken up into smaller bitesize pieces to ensure that users can digest the information more easily. Wherever possible, content has been presented in a list format, rather than in overly long paragraphs of information; this style of presentation is often easier for users to absorb.

All4.com website has meaningful headings and subheadings that introduces content correctly, which minimises the likelihood of users becoming confused. To achieve this, the headings are relevant to the content they introduce, acronyms and abbreviations have been expanded in their first instance of use on a page, and spacing between paragraphs have been carefully considered in order to aid in readability of the page.