TalkBack is an Android accessibility feature designed to help people with visual impairments interact with their phones. When it is enabled, your Android device reads items on the screen aloud and changes the way you select, scroll through, and interact with apps.
That can be extremely helpful when you need it, but it can also feel confusing if TalkBack was turned on accidentally. You may notice that tapping an icon only highlights it instead of opening it, while a double-tap is required to select something. Scrolling also works differently.
Whether you’re using a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, or another Android phone, it is very easy to turn off TalkBack.
Let’s learn how.
How to Turn Off TalkBack on Android? [A Comprehensive Guide]
Turning off TalkBack on Android is usually straightforward once you know how TalkBack navigation works. Start by trying the Volume Up + Volume Down shortcut. If that doesn’t work, open Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack, select the TalkBack switch, and confirm that you want to turn it off. Follow these steps:
- To turn off TalkBack quickly, press and hold both Volume Up and Volume Down buttons for a few seconds if the TalkBack shortcut is enabled.
- If that shortcut does not work, open Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack using TalkBack navigation.
- Select the TalkBack switch and confirm that you want to turn it off.
- You can also use Google Assistant and say, “Turn off TalkBack,” if Google Assistant is available on your device.
- If TalkBack keeps turning on accidentally, disable its accessibility shortcut in the TalkBack settings.
Step 1: Try the TalkBack Volume Shortcut
The easiest method is to use the TalkBack accessibility shortcut, provided it has been enabled on your Android phone.
Press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for several seconds. On many modern Android devices, this shortcut toggles TalkBack off. You may hear a voice announcement confirming that TalkBack has been disabled.
If nothing happens, don’t worry. The shortcut may not be configured on your phone, or your manufacturer may use a different accessibility shortcut. In that case, move on to the Settings method below.
This is usually the best first method because you do not need to navigate through several menus while TalkBack is active.
Step 2: Open the Android Settings App
If the volume shortcut does not work, open the Settings app manually.
With TalkBack enabled, tap the Settings icon once. TalkBack should announce that you have selected Settings. Now double-tap anywhere on the selected Settings icon to open it.
If you cannot find Settings on your Home screen, swipe through your apps using two fingers. TalkBack uses special gestures, so a normal one-finger swipe may select individual items rather than move through the screen in the way you’re expecting.
Once Settings opens, you are ready to find the accessibility controls.
Step 3: Go to Accessibility Settings
Inside Settings, find the Accessibility option. Depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, you may find it under a section such as Accessibility, Additional Settings, or System Settings.
Tap Accessibility once to highlight it, then double-tap to open it.
On a Samsung Galaxy, for example, accessibility settings are generally available directly from the main Settings menu. On other Android devices, the exact location can differ slightly.
If you’re having trouble locating the option, use the Settings search box. Select the search field, double-tap it, and search for TalkBack or Accessibility.
Step 4: Open TalkBack Settings
After opening Accessibility, look for TalkBack. On some phones, it may appear under Screen readers or a similarly named section.
Select TalkBack with one tap and then double-tap to open it.
You should now see information about the TalkBack feature along with an On/Off switch. Because TalkBack is currently active, the switch should indicate that the feature is turned on.
Take your time here. If you’re unfamiliar with TalkBack, remember that one tap selects an option and two taps activate it.
Step 5: Turn Off the TalkBack Switch
Select the TalkBack switch and double-tap it to change the setting.
Android may display a confirmation message asking whether you want to stop TalkBack. Select the appropriate Turn Off or Stop option, then double-tap it.
Once TalkBack is disabled, your phone should return to its normal touchscreen behavior. You should no longer hear spoken descriptions of items as you move around the interface.
You can now tap icons normally, scroll with one finger, and open apps with a single tap.
Step 6: Use Google Assistant if Available
There is another convenient option if Google Assistant is configured on your Android device.
Activate Google Assistant using your normal method, such as saying “Hey Google”, and then say “Turn off TalkBack.”
If your Android version and Assistant configuration support the command, Google Assistant may disable the accessibility feature for you.
This method can be especially useful when TalkBack makes touchscreen navigation difficult. However, voice commands and Assistant behavior can vary between Android versions and manufacturers, so don’t be concerned if this method isn’t available on your phone.
Step 7: Disable the TalkBack Shortcut to Prevent Accidental Activation
If TalkBack was accidentally enabled in the first place, you may want to prevent it from happening again.
Go back to Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack and look for the TalkBack shortcut or Accessibility shortcut option. The wording can vary depending on your device.
Open the shortcut settings and disable the shortcut if you don’t regularly use TalkBack.
This is particularly useful if you accidentally activated TalkBack using the Volume Up + Volume Down shortcut. Disabling the shortcut means that pressing those buttons together will no longer unexpectedly turn TalkBack on or off.
My Tips
If TalkBack is active, don’t panic if your phone suddenly seems difficult to control. The most important thing to remember is single-tap to select, double-tap to activate, and two-finger gestures for many scrolling actions.
If the screen is being read aloud continuously, listen for the name of the item currently selected. This can help you understand where you are in the interface.
You should also avoid repeatedly tapping random areas of the screen. With TalkBack enabled, every tap can change the selected item, making navigation more confusing.
If the Volume Up + Volume Down shortcut doesn’t work, use the Settings method instead. Android manufacturers can customize accessibility controls, so the available shortcut options aren’t identical on every device.
Finally, if you’re helping someone who relies on TalkBack, don’t permanently disable it without asking. TalkBack is an important accessibility tool, and turning it off may make the phone harder for that person to use.
FAQs
Why can’t I open an app with one tap when TalkBack is enabled?
That’s normal TalkBack behavior. When TalkBack is enabled, a single tap generally selects an item and reads it aloud. To activate the selected item, double-tap the screen.
How do I turn off TalkBack without going into Settings?
If the TalkBack shortcut is enabled, press and hold Volume Up and Volume Down together for several seconds. You can also try using Google Assistant and asking it to turn off TalkBack.
Why is my Android phone talking when I touch the screen?
You probably have TalkBack or another screen reader enabled. TalkBack provides spoken feedback when you select items, navigate menus, and interact with the phone.
Can I turn TalkBack back on later?
Yes. You can return to Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack and enable it whenever you need it. You can also configure an accessibility shortcut if you want faster access.
Are TalkBack settings the same on every Android phone?
No. Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other manufacturers can organize accessibility settings differently. The feature itself works similarly, but menu names and locations can vary by Android version and device.