I recently purchased an external hardware timer that connects to my iPhone using a USB-C adapter. The problem is that, when I plug it in, VoiceOver immediately goes silent. With sighted assistance, I've determined that iOS is asking me whether the device is a headphone or another device, and we have selected other device. Still, no VoiceOver output, as if all sounds are being routed through the USB-C and into this device that has no way to play sounds.
I've poked around in Sounds & Haptics. Under headphone safety, I can tell iOS to forget all USB devices. But that's no help. What I would expect is a list of USB devices and the ability to specify whether they're headphones or not, but I've been unable to find such a list.
Alternatively, is there a way to direct VoiceOver to always send its output over the built-in speaker rather than through the USB port?
Bonus: I actually do have a wired headset that I sometimes use with this iPhone, and when I'm using those, I really do want VoiceOver to go over USB-C to the headphones. But VoiceOver should not try to play sounds and speech through my hardware timer.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Comments
Check Bluetooth settings
Oh nice, so you now have an external talking clock without a speaker.
In all seriousness though have you checked Bluetooth settings? I once had a lightning earbud show itself there. Weird, I know.
Seriously though, iOS's stopwatch/timer is fine in the Clock app if you really need one.
Workaround
Here's my workaround.
1. Plug in the timer using the USB-C adapter. VoiceOver immediately goes quiet, rendering my iPhone completely unusable.
2. Turn on my Aftershokz Bluetooth headset. VoiceOver can be heard through the headset.
Important: Turn on headset after connecting the timer.
It is absolutely baffling that plugging in the timer causes iOS to display a dialog asking if it's a headphone, while already assuming it's a headphone and routing VoiceOver speech and sounds to the device.
Could it have anything to do with the following setting?
Settings>Accessibility>VoiceOver>Audio>Send to HDMI