How to Turn On VoiceOver During macOS 13 Setup

Setting up a Mac running macOS 13 (Ventura) is fully accessible out of the box using Apple's built-in VoiceOver screen reader. This guide covers the exact keystrokes and methods needed to activate VoiceOver immediately at the initial Setup Assistant screen, along with the fundamental navigation commands required to independently complete your Mac configuration.

How to Activate VoiceOver at the Setup Screen

When you power on a new Mac or turn on a Mac after a clean installation of macOS 13, wait for the startup chime and allow the computer a few moments to load the initial setup screen. You can activate VoiceOver at any point during this process using one of the following methods:

  1. Standard Keyboard Shortcut: Press Command + F5.
  2. MacBook / Apple Silicon Shortcut: On keyboards where function keys control hardware settings by default, press Fn + Command + F5.
  3. Touch ID Shortcut: On MacBooks or Magic Keyboards equipped with Touch ID, quickly press the Touch ID button (Power button) three times.

Once triggered, VoiceOver will speak automatically, announcing that the screen reader is on and reading the initial Setup Assistant window.

Essential Navigation Commands for Setup

To navigate the macOS 13 Setup Assistant using VoiceOver, use the standard VoiceOver modifier keys (referred to as VO), which are the Control and Option keys pressed together:

  • Move to the next item: Press VO + Right Arrow.
  • Move to the previous item: Press VO + Left Arrow.
  • Activate a button (such as "Continue"): Press VO + Spacebar.
  • Interact with an area (such as a Wi-Fi list or language menu): Press VO + Shift + Down Arrow.
  • Stop interacting with an area: Press VO + Shift + Up Arrow.
  • Read the current item again: Press VO + F5.

Steps to Complete the Setup

  1. Select Language and Country: Use VO + Right Arrow to locate your language and region, interact with the list using VO + Shift + Down Arrow, make your selection, and press VO + Spacebar on the "Continue" button.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi: When prompted, navigate to your network name, interact with the list to select it, enter the password when prompted, and press Return.
  3. Configure Accessibility Options: macOS 13 includes an "Accessibility" pane early in setup where you can customize display, motor, and hearing settings alongside VoiceOver.
  4. Sign in with Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID credentials to enable iCloud services, or choose to set this up later.
  5. Create a User Account: Fill in your full name, account name, and password using standard text fields.

VoiceOver remains enabled throughout the entire process and will automatically stay active when you reach the macOS 13 desktop.