Disabling special features on Android Xiaomi: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Special features on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) are designed for users with disabilities, but sometimes activated accidentally or begin to interfere with the standard operation of the device. For example, the enabled TalkBack can completely change the logic of management, and the feature Enlarged screen - distort the display of the interface. In this article, we will discuss how to correctly and safely disable unnecessary functions without disrupting the system.

It’s important to understand that some features are integrated deep into Xiaomi’s MIUI shell, which may require not only standard menu actions, but also resets or even ADB (for advanced users).We’ll look at all the ways, from simple to technically complex, so you can choose the best option for your model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

If you're faced with a phone that's stuck in visually impaired mode or doesn't respond to touch because of an activated zoom gesture, don't panic. Most problems are solved in 2-3 steps. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important details.

Why do special opportunities activate on their own?

Many Xiaomi users are experiencing a sudden switch on of features like TalkBack or Color Correction without their involvement, the reasons for this phenomenon can be different:

• 🎯 Accidental pressing: A combination of buttons (e.g. holding Volume up) + Volume down on some models activates TalkBack.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: After the system update, some settings are reset or changed automatically.
• 🤖 Google service failures: Accessibility features may be enabled due to errors in Google Play services.
• 👶 Children or Pets: Uncontrolled touches of the screen often lead to changes in settings.

The problem is especially common on devices with an outdated version of MIUI (below 12.5), where the special features interface is less intuitive. For example, on Redmi 9A or POCO M3, the settings menu may look different than on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

⚠️ Note: If special features are activated after a phone drop or moisture hit, the problem may be due to damage to the sensor, in which case, disabling functions through the menu will not help - you need a diagnosis at the service center.

Method 1: Disconnect via the standard settings menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, as long as the screen is touch responsive and accessibility features do not block the interface.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Special Features section (on some versions of MIUI it may be called Availability).
3. Choose Vision, Hearing or Physical Capabilities, depending on the activated function.
4. Find the desired option (for example, TalkBack, Screen Enlargement, Color Correction) and move the slider to the Off position.
5. Confirm the action if the system requests a password or PIN-code.

On some devices (e.g., POCO F4), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Gesture Management.

If the function is activated again after turning off, check for MIUI updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 2: Using Google's Voice Assistant

When TalkBack or another feature blocks standard management, you can use Google Assistant, which works if you have a voice assistant set up and activated on your phone.

1. Activate Google Assistant with a voice command: “OK Google” or hold the Home button (if physical).
2. Say, "Open special features settings."
3. Then say “Disable TalkBack” (or other feature).
4. Confirm the action with a voice or tap if the screen reacts.

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize commands, try an alternative:

• 📱 Press the Power button for 5-7 seconds to call the off menu.
• 🔊 Click on the Emergency Mode icon (if available) – this will temporarily disable all accessibility features.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later voice control may be restricted due to privacy policy. ADB (4).

Method 3: Resetting settings to factory

If special features don't go off the menu and interfere with work, the last option is a factory reset, which is a radical solution that will delete all data from the phone, so make a backup beforehand.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account (if linked).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will turn on as standard without activated availability features.

• 📱 All apps, photos and files will be deleted.
• 🔑 Re-authentication will be required in the Mi and Google account.
• 🔄 System updates will have to be re-installed.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in a request for authorization in your Mi Account. If you do not remember the login details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work and you don't want to reset, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, and is suitable for disabling TalkBack, Screen Enlargement, and other features that you can't deactivate through the interface.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB).
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the "You're a developer" notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and confirm the trust in the device.

CMD

Terminal

adb devices

Make sure your Xiaomi is listed.

TalkBack

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

Or to turn off Screen Enlargement:

adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_magnification_enabled 0

adb reboot

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, an additional command may be required to reset the availability services cache:

adb shell pm clear com.android.settings

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If the function is activated again after completing the commands, check for updates to the Google Play Services app in the Play Store. Sometimes crashes are caused by an outdated version of the services.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods did not work, the problem may be related to:

• 🔧 Damage to system files (reflashing required).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (for example, incorrect operation of the sensor).
• 📦 Conflict of third-party applications (for example, launchers or optimizers).

In such cases:

1. Try booting into Safe Mode: Turn off the phone. Hold the Power button until the MI logo appears. Release Power and immediately press Volume down, holding until boot.

Check in Safe Mode if the problem persists. If not, uninstall the recently installed apps.

Xiaomi service center

FAQ: Frequent questions about special features on Xiaomi

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If special features are activated after the MIUI update, check for patches in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Update → Update. Often bugs are fixed in the next firmware versions.