Randomly turning on the blind (or TalkBack) mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem that users face after failing gestures, pressing buttons or experimenting with settings. This mode radically changes the logic of device management: double taps are required instead of the usual taps, swipes take on new meaning, and the voice assistant begins to voice every action. For a person without visual restrictions, this behavior of the phone can seem a real trap β especially if you do not know how to get it back.
In this article, weβll take a look at all the ways to turn off the blind on Xiaomi, including the MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS models. Youβll learn how to deactivate TalkBack through settings, gestures, and what to do if the phone doesnβt respond to touch at all.
Important: If youβre reading this article on a phone thatβs already in blind mode, try using Google voice search (say βOK Google, open special features settingsβ) or follow instructions from another device β itβs easier.
Before you start, make sure you have enough battery power (at least 20%) to avoid suddenly turning off your phone during changes, and prepare a charger in case the process takes longer than expected.
What is the Blind Mode on Xiaomi and Why It Is Turned On
The Blind Mode is a set of features that help visually impaired users interact with a smartphone. In MIUI and HyperOS, it is implemented through TalkBack (from Google) and Xiaomi's own solutions, such as an on-screen speaker or font enlargement.
- π Voice support of each action (presses, swipes, opening applications).
- π Changed gesture logic: Double touch is required to select an item, and the up/down swipe scrolls the page differently than usual.
- π Vibrational response to each touch.
- π± Increased interface elements or high contrast theme.
Most often, the mode is switched on accidentally for the following reasons:
- Triple press of the power button (on some models it is a gesture for quick access to special features).
- Long-term clamping of two fingers on the screen (gesture for TalkBack).
- Error when updating MIUI or resetting settings.
- Children or pets playing with their phones.
On newer versions of HyperOS (e.g., Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the logic of inclusion may differ - sometimes the mode is activated via Settings β Special features β Universal Access. Older models (e.g., Redmi 5 or Mi A2) can use a stripped-down version of TalkBack without voice support, but with the same management issues.
If you are not sure what mode is enabled, try double tapping on the screen β if after that there is a selection of the element, then TalkBack or its analogue from Xiaomi is activated.
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (if the phone responds to touch)
If the phone's screen responds to touch, but the logic of the control has changed, follow this instruction. The main challenge is to get used to the new gesture system.
Step 1. Unlock the phone. If you use a pattern lock or PIN, double-tapping it on each digit/dot (not a regular tap!).
Step 2. Swipe two fingers from top to bottom across the screen to open the notification bar. In TalkBack, the swipe swipe scrolls the page with one finger and opens the additional menus with two.
Step 3. Find the icon. βοΈ Settings (you may need a swipe left/right to move around the screen). Double tap open it.
Step 4: In the settings menu, scroll the list with one finger up/down until you hear or see the Special Features section (on HyperOS, Universal Access may be called).
Step 5. Inside the section, find TalkBack or Screen Narrator. The switch next to it will be in the On position. Double tap turn it off.
If after disconnecting the phone did not return to normal mode, restart it: press the power button for 10 seconds.
βοΈ Check before disabling TalkBack
Method 2: Disconnect with gestures (if settings are not available)
If your phone doesnβt respond to touch or you canβt find the right partition in the settings, try using special gestures to control TalkBack. These work even when the screen is locked (on some models).
Gesture 1: Quick shutdown of TalkBack
- Press with two fingers any part of the screen for 2-3 seconds.
- Do not let your fingers go, swipe them to the left (should appear sound signal).
- Let your fingers go, the TalkBack menu will appear.
- Find the Suspend or Disable item and select it by double tap.
Gesture 2: Gesture reset (for MIUI 12 and later)
On some firmware, a combination will work:
Press the "Power" button + the "Loudness up" button for 10 secondsThis will result in a phone reboot, after which TalkBack can shut down automatically.
Gesture 3: Voice command (if Google Assistant is enabled)
Say it:
OK, Google, open the special options settingsThen follow the voice prompts to turn off TalkBack.
What to do if the gestures donβt work?
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods didn't work, and the phone is still in blind mode, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and a little bit of technical skill, but it's versatile and works even on locked devices.
Step 1: Preparation
- π₯οΈ Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
- π± Turn on Debugging. USB on your phone (if possible). Go to Settings for this. β The phone. β Version. MIUI and tap the build number 7 times to activate the developer mode. β Additionally. β For developers and enable debugging.
- π Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
Step 2: Execution of commands
Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devicesMake sure your phone is displayed on the list of devices.
adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/.TalkBackService:0
adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 0Step 3: Reboot
After completing the commands, restart the phone:
adb rebootIf TalkBack is still active, try the additional command:
adb shell pm disable-user com.google.android.marvin.talkbackπ‘
If ADB Does not recognize the device, try using another USB-Also check if you have drivers installed for your Xiaomi model (e.g. Mi). PC Suite).
Method 4: Resetting settings (extreme case)
If all previous methods fail, you'll have to reset to factory settings, which is a radical solution that will remove all the data from your phone, so use it only as a last resort.
How to reset your settings through Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
- Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Reset) item.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to be completed.
Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), Recovery resets do not disable TalkBack.
How to reset via settings (if the phone responds):
- Open Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
- Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
π‘
Before resetting, try saving important data via Mi Cloud or connecting your phone to your computer in file transfer mode (if possible in your current state).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the blind mode, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not respond to double touches. | Incorrectly executed gesture or other mode of special features is enabled | Try swiping with two fingers down to open notifications or pinch the screen with two fingers for 3 seconds. |
| After disabling TalkBack phone freezes | Conflict with other special facilities | Restart your device or disable all services in Settings β Special features |
| Cannot enter the settings due to blocking | The pattern lock or PIN is entered incorrectly (double touch is required) | Use voice-entered password or connect the keyboard over OTG |
| ADB does not recognize the device | Not installed drivers or debugging over USB disabled | Install Mi PC Suite or enable debugging via the Engineering Menu (#3646633##) |
To avoid accidental switching on in the future, follow the following steps:
- π§ Turn off quick gestures for special features: Settings β Special facilities β Universal access β Quick keys and deactivate TalkBack.
- πΆ Set a child mode or password for settings if the phone is often taken by children.
- π± Update. MIUI to the latest version - in new assemblies, the number of false positives is reduced.
π‘
On some models (e.g. POCO X3), the blind mode may be activated when you connect your headphones. Check the settings for Special features β Hearing and turn off automatic profile switching.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can I turn off the blind without resetting?
Why did the phone stop after TalkBack shutdown?
How to turn off the blind mode on Xiaomi with a damaged screen?
Will this work on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Can I return standard gestures after TalkBack is disabled?
If your problem is not solved, describe it in the comments with the phone model and version. MIUI/HyperOS β We'll try to help!
Remember, the blind mode is a useful feature for people with visual impairments, and if you accidentally turn it off, don't delete TalkBack completely, because it may be useful to you or your loved ones in the future.