Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sometimes face unexpected and sometimes annoying situations: the device begins to spontaneously say the current time. This can occur when the screen is turned on, the alarm clock is triggered, or just at random. This feature, known as time voice, was originally conceived for the convenience of visually impaired users or as part of the accessibility system, but in the hands of the average owner it becomes a source of discomfort, especially in quiet places or in meetings.
The reasons for this behavior can be various settings, from activated mode TalkBack to specific functions of the alarm clock or voice assistant Google Assistant. In the shells MIUI and the new HyperOS, the paths to these parameters can vary, which often confuses users. It is important to understand that there is no single button “turn off voice” because this feature is responsible for different system services. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios and help you return silence to your device.
Before we get to the tricky side of the game, it's worth noting that 90 percent of the time, the problem is solved by simply switching the switchboard to the feature menu. However, if standard methods don't work, you'll need to do a more in-depth diagnosis of the system's settings. We'll look at each step in as much detail as possible so you can easily navigate the interface, regardless of the firmware version.
Diagnosis: Why does the phone say time?
The first step in solving any technical problem is to understand its source. On Xiaomi devices, time voice is most often activated in three main ways. The first and most common is the random activation of TalkBack mode (formerly known as VoiceOver on iOS or simply a screen magnifier with a voice), which is designed for people with visual impairments and causes the phone to respond with voice to every touch and output voice notifications about system events, including time.
The second option is to set the watch or alarm clock app itself, and some versions of the MIUI include a feature that lets the alarm not just ring, but also voice the wake-up time or even the current time when the signal is turned off. The third, less obvious option, is the Google Assistant, which can be set to voice the time when the charger is connected or on a schedule.
Sometimes users activate these features by accidentally clamping down the volume key combination, or they turn on after a system update when the settings are reset to default values, which may differ in some regions, and understanding when the sound is generated — when unlocked, when you call, or when you constantly touch the screen — will help you choose the right method of shutting down.
- 🔍 TalkBack mode: the phone voices all actions, frames around icons, requires double tap to launch applications.
- ⏰ Alarm clock: a voice message is given strictly at the time of turning off the alarm or when it is triggered.
- 🤖 Google Assistant: The device tells the time when you say “OK, Google” or when you connect to a charger in “Do Not Disturb” mode».
Disconnecting the special capabilities mode (TalkBack)
If your smartphone starts to respond to every touch with voice comments, and it takes a double click to open any icon, then TalkBack mode is activated. This is the most common reason why Xiaomi phone starts talking. You can turn it off in several ways, but because of the changed screen control, it can be difficult to do this.
The fastest way is to use a combination of buttons. On most modern Redmi and Xiaomi models, it is enough to simultaneously press both volume buttons (top and bottom) and hold them for 3-5 seconds. If the function was activated through the hot keys, the system will ask for confirmation or immediately turn off voiceover. If this method does not work, you will have to use the settings menu, remembering the new control logic: one press highlights the element, double activates it, and a swipe with three fingers can scroll the screen.
To manually turn off the menu, go to the settings section. Given the changed navigation, act carefully: find the Settings icon (one tap highlights, double opens). Next, follow the Settings path → Advanced Settings → Special Features. In some versions of HyperOS, the path may look like Settings → Additional Features → Special Features. Find in the TalkBack list and switch the switch to off.
⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally activate TalkBack and can’t get to the menu due to difficult navigation, try unlocking your phone with a fingerprint or Face. ID, And then immediately press the volume buttons. Don't try to swipe the screen fast, because in this mode, it doesn't work the way it normally does.
Inside the TalkBack menu, you should also check the TalkBack Shortcuts settings, and that's where the switch allows you to double-press the volume buttons, and by turning that off, you'll prevent voiceovers from accidentally starting in the future when the phone is in your pocket or bag.
Setting up voice alarm and clock notifications
If the phone only says the time when the alarm goes off or immediately after waking up, the problem lies in the settings of the Clock app. In the MIUI shell, the alarm function is expanded, and there is a separate option for voice tracking, which is convenient when you need to quickly know the time without looking at the screen, but can be annoying in silence.
To remove this feature, open the standard Clock app on your desktop. In the upper right corner, you'll see a menu icon (three dots or three bars). Click on it and select Settings. In the list that opens, look for the section related to alarm behavior, which can be called "Alarm Mode," "Sound and Vibration," or simply "Voice."
Inside this menu, find the option "Voice Confirm" or "Voice Time" that can be activated by default in some builds. Switch the slider to inactive. It's also worth checking the "Repeat Through" settings - sometimes the phone voices the time at each missed alarm reminder, if this feature is enabled.
p>Pay special attention to the widgets of the clock on the desktop. Some third-party widgets from the GetApps store or Google Play have their own voice settings when unlocking the screen. If standard methods didn’t help, try removing the watch widget from your desktop and check if the problem will go away.
☑️ Checking alarm clock settings
Managing Google Assistant and Voice Input
Google’s voice assistant is deeply integrated into Android, and on Xiaomi smartphones it can also be a source of audible notifications. Often users complain that the phone tells the time when connecting the charger or when commanding “Hello, Google” It’s not a bug, but a feature called “Translation Notifications” or “Driving Mode”.
To turn off, open the Google app on your smartphone (the "G" icon). Click on your profile avatar in the top right corner and go to Settings. Select "Google Assistant" and then look for the "Transport" or "Driving Mode" section (in newer versions, this may be in the "Devices" or "Phone"). That's where the "Speak Notifications" or "Report Time When Connected" setting hides.
You should also check the Assistant's settings. In the Google Assistant settings menu, find "Voice output" (or "Always"). If it's "Always", the Assistant will talk even in quiet places, and you'd better choose "Hands-free only" or "Speaky Communication", which will keep the phone silent if you're not using a headset or a car.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representation of results | Google's Settings → Assistant | Speak-Off Only. | The assistant is silent when the phone is in his hands. |
| Transportation | Google settings → Assistant → Transportation | Off. | Remove time messages when charging |
| Notifications | Google's Settings → Assistant | Personalized | Controls reading messages aloud |
Be sure to check your Digital Well-Being settings as well. In some scenarios, the phone may sound the time as a reminder that you have exceeded the screen time limit if you have enabled Sleep Mode or Screen Time.
Specifics of settings in MIUI 14 and HyperOS
With the release of new versions of MIUI 14 firmware and global HyperOS, the menu structure has changed, many items have been renamed or moved, which causes difficulties for users accustomed to the old interface. In the new shells, Xiaomi places a great emphasis on the ecosystem and smart features, so voice settings can be scattered across different sections.
HyperOS has a new special features center, now has a separate tab, Visual and Physical, and the voice of time is most often related to visual settings, and new versions have a feature called Smart Lock Screen, which can dynamically display and voice information depending on the context (for example, when you pick up your phone).
To access advanced settings in new firmware, you sometimes need to turn on the developer menu or use a search by settings. Type the phrase “voice” or “TalkBack” in the settings search – the system will redirect you to the desired section, regardless of where it is physically located in the current version of the software. This is the fastest way to avoid getting confused in the updated interface.
Hidden settings in HyperOS
The new versions also change the way Pocket Mode works, so if the phone doesn't correctly detect where you're in your pocket, it can turn on and voice the time, and check the Pocket Mode settings under Lock and Protect or Screen and Brightness.
Third-party applications and widgets as a source of sound
Don’t discount third-party software. Many users install alternative alarm clocks, weather widgets, or smart wallpapers that have their own permissions to access the microphone and speaker. Apps like Alarmy, Google Clock (a separate version), or animation weather widgets can have a voice ad feature built in.
Analyze when exactly the problem occurred. If you have a problem with the new widget on your desktop right after you install it, go to the settings of that particular app (long click on the icon → About → Settings or inside the app itself) and turn off anything related to Voice, Sound notification or Speech.
Pay special attention to smart home apps if you have Xiaomi Home devices. Automation scenarios can be configured so that when a particular event (like "I came home" or "The sun is gone"), the column or phone pronounces the time. Check the "Scenarios" tab in the Mi Home app.
- 📱 Third-party alarms: often have a “disconnect task” feature that involves saying the time.
- 🌤️ Weather widgets: can voice forecast and time when unlocking.
- 🏠 Smart home: automation scenarios in Mi Home can run audio files.
If you can't find the culprit, try running your phone in Safe Mode, press the off button, then hold your finger on the "Switch off" button on the screen for a long time, and if the voiceover is gone in Safe Mode, then one of the apps you installed is causing the problem.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the phone tell the time even when I'm not touching the screen?
Can I leave TalkBack, but remove the voiceover?
The phone tells the time in English, although the language of the system is Russian. What do you do?
I've disabled all settings, but the phone still says.
Is it safe to turn off TalkBack if an elderly person is using the phone?
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The main rule: if the phone starts talking - in 99% of cases it is a special feature mode (TalkBack), which is activated by pressing the volume buttons.
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If you can't find the setting you want, use the search bar at the top of the Settings menu, and type in keywords like "TalkBack," "voice," "Special Features," which works faster than manual menu searches.