How to Set Up Switch Control in macOS 13

Switch Control in macOS 13 Ventura is a built-in accessibility feature designed for individuals with motor or physical disabilities. It allows users to fully navigate, enter text, and control their Mac using adaptive switches, keyboard keys, game controllers, or facial gestures. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to enable Switch Control, pair external switch devices, customize scanning behaviors, and configure switch actions for everyday navigation.

Step 1: Open Switch Control Settings

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
  2. In the sidebar, scroll down and click Accessibility.
  3. Under the Motor category in the right pane, select Switch Control.

Step 2: Add and Assign Your Switches

Before activating the system, configure the physical or virtual inputs you will use:

  1. In the Switch Control menu, click the Switches tab.
  2. Click the Add (+) button to assign a new switch.
  3. Choose the switch type:
    • Hardware: An external accessibility switch connected via USB or Bluetooth.
    • Keyboard: Any key on your existing keyboard.
    • Pointer: Mouse clicks or specialized trackball inputs.
  4. Press or activate the chosen switch when prompted.
  5. Name the switch and assign an action (e.g., Select Item, Move to Next Item, or Stop Scanning).

Step 3: Configure Scanning and Timing

To control how the focus moves across on-screen elements:

  1. Select the Navigation tab within Switch Control settings.
  2. Choose your preferred Scanning style:
    • Auto scanning: Automatically moves the highlight across items at a set interval until a switch is pressed.
    • Manual scanning: Requires one switch to move the highlight and another to select it.
    • Single switch step scanning: Moves between items and activates them based on specific hold-time behaviors.
  3. Adjust the Auto scanning time slider to define how many seconds the scanner pauses on each item.

Step 4: Turn On Switch Control

  1. Return to the main Switch Control settings page.
  2. Toggle the switch next to Switch Control to the On position.
  3. The Switch Control Home Panel will appear on the screen, showing scanning options for apps, the dock, menus, and system controls.

To quickly toggle the feature on or off in the future, press Option + Command + F5 to open the Accessibility Shortcuts menu and select Switch Control.