How to use Chrome with a screen reader
Jul 14, 2025 am 12:40 AMUsing Chrome screen reader, you must first start the reader and then open the browser and master the navigation shortcuts. 1. First, start a screen reader such as NVDA or VoiceOver to ensure that Chrome is accessible when it is turned on; 2. Use Tab and Shift Tab to switch between interactive elements, and H/Shift H jumps to titles to improve browsing efficiency; 3. Use built-in Chrome functions such as Ctrl F to find text, Ctrl plus scaling pages and reading mode to simplify content; 4. If you encounter web compatibility issues, you can try refreshing the page or using the link title list to bypass obstacles. Persisting in practice will make the operation more natural and smooth.
Using Chrome with a screen reader is straightforward once you get the hang of the basics. The key is understanding how to navigate efficiently and use the right tools together.

Turn on Your Screen Reader First
Before launching Chrome, make sure your screen reader is already running. Whether it's NVDA on Windows, VoiceOver on macOS, or another screen reader, starting it first ensures that Chrome is accessible from the moment it opens.
- If you're using NVDA, press
Ctrl Alt N
to start it. - On macOS, press
Cmd F5
to toggle VoiceOver on or off. - Always check that the screen reader announces the browser window when you open Chrome.
This small step makes a big difference — skipping it can lead to confusion or unresponsive behavior in some cases.

Basic Navigation Shortcuts in Chrome
Once you're in Chrome with your screen reader active, here are the most useful navigation keys:
-
Tab
: Move forward through interactive elements like links and form fields. -
Shift Tab
: Move backward. -
H
/Shift H
: Jump to the next or previous heading (great for structured content). -
Insert F7
(NVDA) orCmd Opt U
(VoiceOver): Open a list of links, headings, or form elements on the page.
Try navigating a familiar site like Google News or Wikipedia. Headings ( H
) will help you scan the page much faster than reading line by line.

Using Chrome's Built-in Features to Help
Chrome has a few built-in features that work well with screen readers:
- Find text : Press
Ctrl F
(orCmd F
) to search within a page. This helps you jump to specific sections quickly. - Zoom in/out : Use
Ctrl Plus
orMinus
to adjust page size. Some users find this easier to read even with a screen reader. - Reader Mode (available in some versions): Removes clutter from articles, making them easier to follow.
You don't need extra extensions unless you have a very specific need. Stick with the basics until you feel comfortable.
Watch Out for Web Page Quirks
Some websites don't work perfectly with screen readers right away. For example, dropdown menus might not announce their options clearly, or dynamic content may load without being announced.
If something isn't working as expected:
- Try reloading the page.
- Use the links or headings list shortcut to jump around.
- Avoid pages that rely heavily on mouse-only interactions if possible.
Most modern sites are improving accessibility, but it's still good to know how to troubleshoot common issues.
Basically that's it. With practice, using Chrome with a screen reader becomes second nature — just remember to start your screen reader first, learn a few shortcuts, and stay patient with tricky web pages.
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