Have you ever been working on your Mac and suddenly a blue box appears around the screen or around certain elements like icons or text? It can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to get rid of it. But don’t worry, it’s actually a simple fix. This blue box is a feature called "VoiceOver," an accessibility feature designed to help visually impaired users. Let’s dive into how to remove this blue box from your Mac.
Step by Step Tutorial: Removing the Blue Box on Your Mac
Before we begin the steps to remove the blue box, let’s understand what we’re trying to accomplish. We want to disable the VoiceOver feature which has been accidentally turned on. This will remove the blue box and return your screen to its normal state.
Step 1: Access VoiceOver Utility
Press Command + F5 to open the VoiceOver Utility.
This keyboard shortcut is a toggle switch that can turn on or off the VoiceOver feature. If the blue box appears, it means VoiceOver is currently enabled.
Step 2: Navigate to the VoiceOver Utility Window
Use your keyboard to navigate to the "VoiceOver Utility" window that appears.
If you’re unable to see the window, try pressing Command + F5 again or search for "VoiceOver Utility" in Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar).
Step 3: Turn Off VoiceOver
Uncheck the "Enable VoiceOver" box in the utility window.
By unchecking this box, you are telling your Mac to turn off the VoiceOver feature which, in turn, removes the blue box from your screen.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the blue box should disappear from your Mac screen. Your screen will look just as it did before the box appeared.
Tips for Managing the Blue Box on Your Mac
- If you’re using a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you can also turn VoiceOver on or off by holding down the Command key and triple-tapping the Touch ID button.
- If the blue box keeps reappearing, check to see if there is a key stuck on your keyboard, as this could be triggering the VoiceOver shortcut.
- Customize the VoiceOver feature to work better for you by visiting System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver and tweaking the settings.
- Keep in mind that turning off VoiceOver will also stop the spoken feedback that some users may rely on, so only turn it off if you’re certain you don’t need the audio cues.
- Remember that VoiceOver is a valuable tool for users with visual impairments, so if you share your Mac with someone who uses this feature, make sure to consult with them before making changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VoiceOver?
VoiceOver is an accessibility feature on Mac computers that provides auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and is designed for users who are blind or have low vision.
Can VoiceOver be activated accidentally?
Yes, pressing Command + F5 can accidentally activate VoiceOver. This can also happen if you have the VoiceOver shortcut enabled on your Touch Bar or if there’s a key stuck on your keyboard.
Will turning off VoiceOver affect other accessibility features?
No, turning off VoiceOver will not affect other accessibility features on your Mac. Each feature is controlled separately within the Accessibility settings.
Can I use VoiceOver with other applications on my Mac?
Yes, VoiceOver works with most applications on your Mac, providing spoken feedback as you navigate through different apps.
Is there a way to prevent VoiceOver from turning on accidentally?
You can remove the keyboard shortcut for VoiceOver by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver and unchecking "Enable the VoiceOver shortcut."
Summary
- Press Command + F5 to open VoiceOver Utility.
- Navigate to the VoiceOver Utility window.
- Uncheck the "Enable VoiceOver" box.
Conclusion
The blue box on your Mac can be a source of confusion, but now you know it’s simply the VoiceOver feature in action. Whether you’re visually impaired and use the feature regularly, or it’s been enabled by accident, it’s easy to turn off with just a few steps. Remember, accessibility features like VoiceOver are essential for many users, so always consider the needs of others if you share your computer. If the blue box keeps appearing, make sure to check for stuck keys or adjust your settings to prevent it from being enabled accidentally. With this knowledge, you can now confidently manage the blue box feature on your Mac and enjoy a seamless computing experience.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.