How to turn off the mode for the blind on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

The visually impaired mode (most commonly TalkBack or Screen Reader) on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones can be activated randomly, such as by repeatedly pressing volume buttons or through a combination of gestures. This mode radically changes the management of the device: instead of the usual taps, specific swipes are required, and the voice assistant voices every action. If you are in this situation and do not know how to return the normal interface, do not panic: you can turn off the function in several ways.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard settings to disconnecting through ADB (for advanced users), pay special attention to the nuances of the MIUI interface, since the location of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version, and learn how to prevent accidental activation of the mode in the future and what to do if the smartphone is locked.

Why is the blind mode on Xiaomi turned on?

TalkBack (or similar screen readers) is activated on Xiaomi for several reasons:

• 🔄 Accidental pressing: a combination of Holding both volume buttons for 3 seconds (on some models) or triple tapping on the screen of the locked device.
• ⚙️ Update MIUI: after installing a new firmware version, some special features settings can be reset to default values.
• 👤 Third party actions: children or other users may have enabled the mode in the settings (for example, in the Special Features section) → TalkBack).
• 🛠️ System failure: rare, but it happens that the function is activated after a device fails or overheats.

On Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5, the TalkBack is activated with a characteristic sound and vibration. If you hear a double beep when you press the buttons, most likely the mode is activated.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ When TalkBack is activated, you automatically block the ability to use navigation gestures. PIN-a two-finger code or pattern lock (single touch will not work).

Method 1: Disable via settings (if the screen is unlocked)

If you managed to unlock your smartphone and you see a desktop, follow this instruction:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Special Features (on some versions of MIUI – Additional Features).
3. Tap on TalkBack (or Screen Reader, Voice Assistant).
4. Move the slider to the off position.
5. Confirm the action in the dialog box by pressing OK.

On MIUI 13/14, the path can look like this: Settings → Special Features → Usability → TalkBack. If the item is not in the main menu, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

If the interface remains unusual after disabling TalkBack (large icons, high contrast), check other settings for special features:

• 🔍 Screen enlargement: Settings → Special facilities → Increase.
• 🎨 High contrast: Settings → Special facilities → Color and contrast.
• 🔊 Monosound: can be included in Settings → Sound. → Audio effects.

Method 2: Disable by gestures (if the screen is locked)

If the smartphone is locked and TalkBack is active, the standard gestures won't work.

1. Wake up the screen with the power button.
2. To unlock, use a double tap (if a PIN is installed) or swipe two fingers over a pattern lock.
3. Once unlocked, swipe with two fingers from the bottom up to open the notification panel.
4. Put two fingers on the Settings (cog) icon.
5. In the settings, find TalkBack (see Method 1) and turn it off.

On models with MIUI 12 and below, an alternative gesture can work: holding two fingers in the center of the screen for 3 seconds will cause a context menu where you can select Settings.

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If you can’t unlock the screen, try connecting your smartphone to charge – sometimes it resets the time restrictions of gestures.

Method 3: Disconnecting through Google Assistant

If your Xiaomi has Google Assistant set up, you can turn off TalkBack by voice:

1. Activate Assistant with the voice command OK, Google or hold the Home button (if physical).
2. Say, Turn off TalkBack or Turn off the blind mode.
3. Confirm the action with voice or tap (if the screen is unlocked).

This method does not work on all models, as MIUI can restrict the Assistant's access to special features settings. If the voice command does not work, try an alternative option:

• 🗣️ Say, open the settings.
• 🔍 Then: Find TalkBack.
• ⚙️ Follow the voice prompts to turn off.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Chineseized firmware (China) ROM) Google Assistant can be disabled by default. In this case, use Method 4 (ADB).

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work and you have limited access to settings, you can turn off TalkBack via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original Xiaomi cable for a stable connection).
3. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should appear on the list).

adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/.TalkBackService:0

adb shell pm disable-user com.google.android.marvin.talkback

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. TalkBack will be disabled.

On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later after disabling TalkBack via ADB, you may need to reset special features to factory settings (via the Settings menu → Special features → Reset).

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset to factory settings, and that will delete all the data from the device, so you'll only use this as a last resort.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up simultaneously until the MI logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may require you to enter a Mi Account!

After the reset, TalkBack will be disabled, but all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, and if you have synced with Mi Cloud, some of the information can be restored.

How to prevent accidental switching on of the blind

To avoid re-activating TalkBack, follow the following steps:

• 🔧 Turn off quick gestures: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Disable the option Triple press for TalkBack.
• 🔑 Protect your settings with a password: In Settings → Special features tap three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings Protection and install PIN-code.
• 📱 Set up volume buttons: In Settings → Buttons and gestures → Volume buttons turn off the action Start special features.

Xiaomi with MIUI 14 also allows you to turn off automatic special features when connecting headphones or external devices. To do this, go to Settings → Special features → Service settings and deactivate the Auto Start option.

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If you have children in your family, be sure to protect the settings of special features PIN-This will prevent accidental activation of TalkBack.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the blind on Xiaomi