Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9A often face a situation when the screen begins to respond to touches in a non-standard way, and each action is accompanied by voice comments. This is not a device breakage, but the work of the TalkBack system service, designed for visually impaired users.
There are a number of ways to get it back, and sometimes you just need to do a combination of things to deactivate the mode, and other times you need to dive deeper into the menu or use third-party tools, and it's important to understand the mechanics of this feature so that you don't make it worse with unnecessary data dumps.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available methods for deactivating the voice assistant on your device.We will look at standard ways through settings, emergency keyboard combinations and radical measures in case the interface is completely blocked.You will learn to distinguish between availability modes and prevent them from accidentally turning on in the future.
What is TalkBack and Why it is included in Redmi 9A
TalkBack is part of the Android operating system, and is a screen reader that voices all user actions. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is integrated into the MIUI shell and activated either through settings or by randomly pressing the volume key combination. The main purpose of the tool is to help people with visual impairments navigate the interface.
A common cause of sudden switching on is so-called “pocket mode” or careless handling of the device in the bag. When the screen is locked but the sensor responds to pressure, a hidden hot key can work, and users often confuse TalkBack with a regular voice input or Google Assistant, although the principle of their work is radically different.
In voice mode, the logic of touch screen control changes. Single tap now only highlights the element and pronounces its name, but does not activate it. To launch the application or press a button, you need to double tap anywhere on the screen after highlighting the desired object, which creates the illusion of a touchscreen failure for an inexperienced user.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to immediately restart the phone or remove the battery if the device responds to touch.Forced reboot may not turn off the feature, as it is prescribed in the system availability settings, and is not a temporary failure.
Quick shutdown via key combination
The fastest way to deactivate intrusive voice acting on the Redmi 9A is to use physical volume control buttons. Modern versions of the MIUI shell have a default feature that allows you to control accessibility without logging in to the menu, which works even when the screen is partially unresponsive to complex gestures.
To implement this method, you need to simultaneously press both buttons for adjusting the sound (increase and decrease) and hold them for 3-5 seconds. The device must vibrate or emit an audible signal, after which the voice assistant will announce the deactivation of the mode. If simple clamping is not enough, the system can request confirmation.
Some firmware configurations require a series of quick taps. Try pressing volume buttons three times in a row at a fast pace. If the method works, you'll hear the phrase "TalkBack is off" or a similar notification, and then the screen will return to standard single-touch mode.
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If the button combination doesn’t work, check if there is a case that blocks the side keys or puts additional pressure on them.
Disconnection through availability settings
If the hotkeys don't work, you'll have to use the standard settings menu. Remember, the navigation in this mode has changed: to open an app or menu item, first tap it once (a green bezel will appear), and then quickly tap the screen anywhere twice. To scroll through the list, use two fingers at the same time.
The algorithm for the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is as follows:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon) using double touch.
- 🔍 Find the Advanced Settings section or Additional Features immediately, then select Special.
- 👁️ In the list of services, find TalkBack and click on it with a double tap.
- 🚫 Transfer the switch to the "Off" position by confirming the action in the pop-up window.
The path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. Sometimes TalkBack is in the "Vision" subsection. If you're confused by the menu because of the changed logic of the work, try searching by settings. Tap the search bar at the top, type in the word "TalkBack" (or "availability") and select the desired item from the search.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Using Google's Voice Assistant
An alternative method that doesn't require a lot of menu navigation is the Google Assistant, which is effective if you have voice input set up and you have an Internet connection, and it can get around touchscreen complexity by completely controlling the voice process.
Activate the assistant by saying "OK, Google" or by pressing the power button (if the function is activated in the settings). Say clearly the command: "Stop TalkBack" or "Stop TalkBack." The system should recognize the request and prompt the action to be performed, and you will only have to confirm consent if a clarifying question follows.
This method is particularly useful when the interface is stuck or delayed. Voice commands are processed at the system level and can override current availability settings. If the standard assistant doesn't respond, try activating Google Voice Access if it's installed, although setting it up in TalkBack mode can be difficult.
| Method | Difficulty | Speed. | Conditions required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume buttons | Low. | Tall. | Working physical buttons |
| Settings menu | Medium | Medium | Understanding gestures (2 fingers) |
| Google Voice | Low. | Tall. | Internet, configured assistant |
| Data resetting | Tall. | Low. | Lack of important data |
Resetting settings via Recovery Mode
In situations where the interface is completely locked, the screen does not respond to touch, and the volume buttons do not work, the radical method remains to reset to factory settings through the Recovery menu. This action will delete all user data, photos and contacts, so you should resort to it only as a last resort.
To enter recovery mode on Redmi 9A, you need to turn off your phone. Then press the power button and the volume button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. In this mode, the touchscreen may not work, so the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
From the menu, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action. Once the process is complete, the phone will reboot as new. This method is guaranteed to remove TalkBack, as it resets all system availability settings to factory values.
⚠️ Warning: Before performing a reset via Recovery, make sure you remember the password from your Google account. Once reset, the security system will require authorization to confirm possession of the device.
What if Recovery Mode is not included?
How to Prevent Accidental Incorporation in the Future
To prevent this from happening again, you need to change the availability shortcut settings. Often users will activate quick commands without noticing it. Go to Settings → Additional Features → Special Features. Find the Special Opportunity Shortcut or Accessibility Button section.
In this section, turn off the ability to activate volume button or long-term clamping services. It is also worth checking the gesture control settings. Make sure that you do not set complex swipe combinations that can be accidentally performed when unlocking your phone.
Another prevention measure is to install a safety glass with quality sidebars, which reduce the risk of accidental pressing of the side keys in your pocket, regularly update the MIUI system, as new firmware versions often fix bugs associated with false sensor and button alarms.
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Disabling accessibility shortcuts in settings is the only surefire way to forget about the problem of accidentally turning on TalkBack.