iPadOS 18 introduced a futuristic accessibility feature known as Eye Tracking. Utilising the front-facing TrueDepth camera and on-device machine learning, this feature allows users to navigate the iPad interface, select apps, and simulate touch gestures entirely by tracking the movement of their eyes across the screen.
While Eye Tracking is a transformative technology for users with physical disabilities, it is not intended for everyday casual use. If you enabled it out of curiosity, you likely discovered that it can be highly sensitive, causing the pointer to jump erratically or register accidental clicks when you simply glance at a different part of the display. If you want to return to standard touch navigation, you must completely disable the Eye Tracking system.
Why Disable the Eye Tracking Feature?
If you do not strictly require eye-based navigation, leaving the feature enabled presents several drawbacks:
- Erratic Navigation: Eye Tracking requires precise calibration. Without it, the on-screen pointer will constantly drift and jitter, making standard touch interaction frustrating.
- Accidental Selections: Dwell Control (which simulates a click when you stare at an item) can easily trigger unwanted actions while you are simply reading text or watching a video.
- Camera Usage: The feature requires the TrueDepth camera system to be constantly active and scanning your face, which can significantly accelerate battery drain on your iPad.
How to Turn Off ‘Eye Tracking’ on iPadOS 18
Eye Tracking is a core accessibility function, meaning it is buried within the Accessibility menus rather than the standard display or camera settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Scroll down the left-hand sidebar and tap on Accessibility.
- In the right-hand pane, scroll down to the Physical and Motor section.
- Tap on Eye Tracking.
- Toggle the switch for Eye Tracking to the Off position.
As soon as you disable the switch, the on-screen eye pointer will vanish, and the TrueDepth camera will power down. Your iPad will immediately revert to standard multi-touch navigation, and you will no longer have to worry about accidental dwell clicks.