Why are Command shortcut, Icons, names, labels, etc showing up on my screen?!

I just recently purchased my very first Mac Air 13" 2025 laptop. I have been really loving it, I've never had such an amazing machine like this before. It's been working just beautifully. Tonight while I was using it, all of a sudden all these command shortcuts; Icons and menu items names, labels, etc keep popping up while I am right in the middle of using my laptop! I am wondering if I accidentally hit a key or something. It is really annoying! (see my attached pics) I've been trying to figure out what caused this! I noticed when I turn off Voice Command (Start and Stop Listening) , this disables it. But that means that I have to turn off Voice Command, which I actually like using sometimes. Up until tonight I have not had this issue. The only thing that seems to disable all these icons, words, etc from appearing is when I turn off Voice Command. Almost like they are system shortcut commands suddenly showing up. Any help appreciated! Thank you if someone can help me figure out how to disable this, why it's happening, and how I can disable it without turning off my Voice Command? Thank you! :)

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Nov 23, 2025 10:34 PM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 23, 2025 11:20 PM in response to TheLittles

Omg!! @ TheLittles - THANK YOU so much for your very easy, simple help to resolve this!! It worked!! I went to the links you included, and followed Apple Support guidance/directions.

I turned Voice Control back on, then I simply said: “Hide names” and “Hide numbers”. They all disappeared! It’s back to normal now and I can still use Voice Command without all that stuff showing up on my screen! Thank you so much!! Woot! 🙏🤓💕🤘

Nov 23, 2025 10:58 PM in response to blessdchik73

Why are Command shortcut, Icons, names, labels, etc showing up on my screen?!: […]I am wondering if I accidentally hit a key or something. It is really annoying! (see my attached pics) I've been trying to figure out what caused this! I noticed when I turn off Voice Command (Start and Stop Listening) , this disables it. But that means that I have to turn off Voice Command, which I actually like using sometimes.[…]

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Thank you for the screenshot.


Voice Control is the Culprit:

You may have intermittently turned it on, or mingled with its settings.

Go Here: Turn Voice Control On or Off on Mac - Apple Support


See how it is Used it’s Laid Out:

Go Here: Use Voice Control Commands to Interact with your Mac - Apple Support

Why are Command shortcut, Icons, names, labels, etc showing up on my screen?!

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