Guide to Voice Access

Voice Access uses speech recognition to perform tactful interactions on the device through actionable items on-screen labeled with numbers.

If you're not sure which Tablet you're using, visit What Fire Tablet Do I Have?.

You can activate Voice Access anytime from the Settings menu on your Fire HD 8 (12th Generation, 2022) or Fire HD 10 (13th Generation, 2023). Within Settings > Accessibility > Interaction Controls then select Voice Access. Every selectable item shows a label with a number and can be activated by speaking that number.

Voice Access responds to specific verb-based commands such as "Tap," "Go," "Scroll." For instance, if you say "Tap <number>" while in numbers overlay, the item is activated.

You can use Voice Access and Alexa together as each offers distinct strengths. You can accomplish some workflows most efficiently by using both Alexa and Voice Access. For example, "Alexa, open Silk browser" could open the web browser from any screen of Fire tablet, then you can use Voice Access to interact with a specific part of a web page by saying something like "Tap 10."

Voice Access isn't compatible with Switch Access and the settings page may crash if both features are activated at the same time.

To learn more about the specific commands that Voice Access understands, see the complete guide on Voice Access Help on your device.

Note: Voice Access is only available when your device language is set to English. You can change your device language by going to Settings > Device Options > Keyboard & Language > Language. Background noise can interfere with voice recognition.
Voice Access Basics:
  • Say "Unlock Screen" to turn on the screen. Say "Resume Voice Access" before if necessary.
  • Speak commands to perform actions typically done by touching the screen. Say "Swipe Left 10" to scroll a roll of content that shows a "10" label.
  • Media audio playing from Fire tablet won’t interfere with Voice Access, but sounds in the environment may. Say "Pause Voice Access" when not actively using your device to prevent commands from sounds in the room. Say "Resume Voice Access" when you’re ready to start using your device again.
  • To type by voice, select a text field. Once the on-screen keyboard is visible, say "Start Dictation" When done, say "Stop Dictation" or wait a few seconds for dictation to end. You can also type each character using "Tap {#)" commands.
  • If you or other people in the room are speaking, allow a brief pause before speaking a command.
  • Use Alexa as a shortcut to start playing media, such as "Alexa, play The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
  • If another app uses the microphone, Voice Access auto pauses so that your speech doesn’t perform commands. Say "Resume Voice Access" to resume controlling your device.
  • If a "Scroll" command doesn’t perform the desired action, try a "Swipe" command.
  • Use "Show Grid" if an item you want to interact with isn’t showing a number label.