The TalkBack feature on Android smartphones is an excellent tool designed to assist blind and visually impaired users. However, many users accidentally activate it and find it inconvenient to use. Once activated, TalkBack modifies how your phone operates by providing spoken feedback for every action and altering touch gestures.
If you are struggling to turn off TalkBack on your Android device, this detailed guide will help you understand how to disable it effectively. Whether you’re using a Samsung or Google Pixel device, this step-by-step tutorial will resolve your issue.
What Is TalkBack on Android Phones?
TalkBack is an accessibility service introduced by Google to make Android smartphones more inclusive for users with visual impairments. When activated, TalkBack provides spoken feedback for every action performed on the device. For instance, when you touch an icon or navigate a menu, the device reads out the action, allowing users with visual impairments to operate their phones independently.
How Does TalkBack Get Activated Accidentally?
While TalkBack is immensely beneficial for its target audience, it can be activated accidentally due to its shortcut feature. By default, most Android phones enable or disable TalkBack when both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons are pressed and held together for 3 seconds. This shortcut often gets triggered unintentionally, leading users to wonder why their device suddenly starts speaking and behaving differently.
Methods to Disable TalkBack on Android Smartphones
1. Using the Shortcut Method (Without Settings)
If TalkBack is accidentally activated, you can use the same shortcut to disable it.
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- A small notification will appear on the screen confirming that TalkBack has been turned off.
- You will also hear a voice prompt indicating that TalkBack has been deactivated.
This is the quickest way to disable TalkBack without navigating the device settings.
2. Disabling TalkBack from Settings
If the shortcut method doesn’t work or isn’t feasible, you can disable TalkBack through the settings menu:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down and select Accessibility (this may be under “Additional Settings” on some devices).
- Locate and tap on TalkBack.
- Toggle off the TalkBack option to disable it.
- Your device will now function as normal.
How to Turn Off TalkBack Completely
While you can disable TalkBack using the methods above, you cannot permanently remove it as it is an inbuilt Android feature. The TalkBack shortcut can also not be disabled or removed from the Volume buttons.
Special Cases
Turning Off TalkBack on Samsung Devices
Samsung customizes its Android interface with One UI, renaming TalkBack as Voice Assistant. If you’re using a Samsung device, follow these steps to disable Voice Assistant:
- Swipe down with two fingers to access the notification panel.
- Tap on the Settings icon (it will be highlighted), then double-tap to open.
- Scroll down using two fingers and select Accessibility.
- Tap on Screen Reader, then double-tap to open.
- Toggle off the Voice Assistant option and confirm by double-tapping “OK”.
Disabling TalkBack on the Lock Screen
If your phone is locked and TalkBack is active, you cannot navigate the lock screen in the usual way. Use the shortcut method (press and hold the Volume Up and Down buttons for 3 seconds) to disable TalkBack and regain normal control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Can’t I Remove TalkBack from My Android Phone?
TalkBack is integrated into the Android operating system as an essential accessibility feature. It cannot be uninstalled or removed using ADB commands or other methods.
2. Why Is TalkBack Renamed as Voice Assistant on Samsung Phones?
Samsung customizes Android features and interfaces with One UI. To make the feature more user-friendly, Samsung renamed TalkBack as Voice Assistant.
3. Can I Disable the TalkBack Shortcut?
Unfortunately, the shortcut to activate and deactivate TalkBack cannot be disabled or removed. However, you can avoid accidental activation by being mindful of the Volume button usage.
4. Does the iPhone Have a TalkBack Feature?
No, iPhones do not have TalkBack. Apple provides a similar feature called VoiceOver, designed to serve the same purpose.
5. Does TalkBack Work on Google Pixel Phones?
Yes, Google Pixel phones come with TalkBack pre-installed as part of the Android operating system. The steps to disable TalkBack on Pixel devices are the same as described above.
6. Can I Use ADB Commands to Uninstall TalkBack?
No, TalkBack is a system-level feature, not a standalone app. As such, ADB commands cannot remove or disable it.
Conclusion
The TalkBack feature is a valuable tool for accessibility but can become a hassle if activated unintentionally. By using the shortcut or navigating the settings menu, you can quickly turn off TalkBack on your Android device. Remember, while you cannot remove TalkBack entirely, understanding how to disable it ensures a smoother user experience.
So I’ve run into the situation where, from the phones setup start screen, I enable talkback by either double tap or home button 3 times. But can’t turn it on or off by volume keys, nor can I open global context menu or local context menu with any of the mentioned gestures. What is going on
Hi Dustin,
Which handset you are using or faced the issue mentioned?
Samsung j7 perx
sm-j727p
Android ver. 7.0
Csc: BST
It should work on Samsung too. What notification you are getting while pressing the button?
It’s a
J7 Perx(SM-J727P) 2016
Android ver. 7.0
Are you getting any notifications while doing that?
I get not a single notification. I do get a sound almost like an unavailable option being selected. And I know I can do it just fine on all my other handsets including my other j7 perx if you want me to you can personally email me, and I can send you a video of it
Hi Dustin,
Can you see the Voice Assistance option under the accessibility on your handset?
That means having to go into the menu and I can’t do that because I’m still in the process of setting up my phone.
On Samsung, due to customization, you may find the option Voice Assistant under the Screen Reader option.
yes , i found a way in advanced settings to remove the icon from the bottom of my main screen. took a minute to find it, but it is possible.
i can t even find it again now to tell you….but i removed it..i kept hitting it and turning it on…very annoying
Black Screen… Can See A Little Bit of The Top and Bottom. Can Unlock The Lock And Get Stuck, Blank. – Moto G XT1031
It might be tough to do without a display.
For those whose volume buttons many not enable/disable Talkback, if you have Google Assistant on, you can tell the phone “Hey Google, turn off Talkback,” and it will do so.
Great, Thank you for sharing.