When the screen of the Xiaomi Redmi 9A smartphone starts to respond to each touch differently than usual, it can cause panic in an inexperienced user. Instead of simply launching the application, the device begins to voice the names of icons, and to unlock requires a double tap and swipe. This is not a breakdown or a virus, but an activated TalkBack feature designed for people with visual impairments.
Often this option is switched on by accident when you quickly clear memory or log in to special features through a combination of buttons. To regain control of the gadget, you need to perform a specific sequence of actions, since the standard control in this mode is completely changed, and understanding the logic of this function will help quickly deactivate it without assistance.
In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods for turning off the voice assistant, from simple button combinations to deep system settings. We’ll also look at what to do if the sensor stops responding correctly or the screen is locked, and your goal is not just to turn off the feature, but to do so safely for the device’s data and settings.
What is TalkBack and why it is included
TalkBack is part of Google’s Android special features system, which is designed to provide voice feedback to visually impaired users. On Redmi 9A, it reads text on the screen, describes actions, and allows you to control your smartphone without visual control.
Xiaomi owners often face the problem of accidentally activating through the shutdown menu. When you press the power button, you get a suggestion to turn on quick access to special features. Carelessly pressing OK or holding the volume keys for a long time leads to the launch of the speech synthesizer. This is a protective mechanism, but in everyday use it becomes a source of discomfort.
It's important to understand that TalkBack changes the whole logic of touchscreen interaction. Single tap now highlights the element, double tap activates it. Swipes also change their function: they are now used to navigate between elements, not to scroll pages, which is why many users think the phone is broken, even though it's just gone into accessibility mode.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to reset your settings to factory immediately. This is an extreme measure that will delete all your photos, contacts and apps. 99% of the time, you can solve the problem with software in a couple of minutes.
The developers of MIUI have provided several layers of protection against accidental switching on, but sometimes the system works too sensitively. Understanding how exactly the launch occurred will help to avoid a repeat of the situation in the future.
Quick shutdown via key combination
The fastest way to get back in control is to use the hardware buttons. The Redmi 9A, like most Android phones, has a hot combination. If you just turned on the feature, chances are the system still remembers this trigger.
Hold both buttons for 3-5 seconds. If a function has been activated via the hot keys, this action should deactivate it. The screen may blink and the voice will stop. However, if the settings require confirmation or the combination is changed, this method may not work the first time.
Sometimes you have to do this twice or three times in a row. It's important not to let go of the buttons too soon. If the voice keeps sounding, try another method. It's also worth checking if one of the volume buttons is stuck, which can interfere with the system's proper command reading.
If the button combination didn't work, don't despair. There's a software-based way to shut down that requires precision of movement. In TalkBack, navigation becomes complicated but doable. The key is to not make sudden movements and follow the double-push algorithm clearly.
Disabling TalkBack through smartphone settings
If the hotkeys don't work, you'll have to go through the menu. Remember the new control rule: one click highlights (green box appears), double click opens or activates. Two finger swipe is used to scroll up and down pages. Find the Settings icon (cog) and double tap it.
Once you open the settings, you need to find the "Additional Settings" or "Extended Settings" section. scroll the list with two fingers until you find the item you want. Single-click it, then double-activate it. Next, look for "Accessibility." Inside this menu, look for the "TalkBack" or "Visualization" tab.
Inside the function menu, you'll see a big switch. It should be active. Press it once to highlight, then twice to turn it off. The system can request confirmation of action. You'll need to find a stop or turn it off button and double-press it. Then the interface will return to the standard view.
☑️ Action algorithm on the menu
Some versions of MIUI may have slightly different paths, such as a paragraph called simply "Accessibility." If you're confused in the menu, search by settings. There's a search bar at the top of the settings screen. Click on it (double tap), type in the word "Talk" and select the result, which will speed up the process of finding the right switch.
Using Google Assistant to Solve the Problem
If the touch screen is behaving unpredictably or you can't get to the right menu, a voice assistant will come to the rescue. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A often has Google Assistant preinstalled. You can activate it with a long press of the power button (if configured) or a home button, or simply saying "Ok Google" if the voice recognition feature is active.
Once you activate the assistant, clearly say, "Switch off TalkBack" or "Switch off special features." Google's AI will understand the request and redirect you to the right settings menu or perform the action automatically, one of the most effective ways to get the touchscreen to work incorrectly.
If the voice control is not set up, try calling the assistant with a button. Sometimes just say "Open the special settings." The assistant will open the desired screen, and you will only have to blindly or use the prompts to find the switch. This method requires minimal visual concentration.
What if the assistant doesn't answer?
It’s worth noting that on some Xiaomi global firmware, voice commands may not work smoothly, so it’s better to combine this method with manual search.
Screen problems and additional methods
There are times when the Redmi 9A screen stops responding to touches properly even with TalkBack mode in mind. This can be caused by software failure or a sticky layer of moisture. First wipe the screen with a dry soft cloth. Static electricity or water droplets can simulate touch, interfering with control.
If the screen is hanging and not responding to anything, try to perform a forced reboot. Press the power button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates and the Mi logo appears. After the reboot, TalkBack usually remains on, but the control can normalize, which will allow you to calmly turn it off through the settings.
There's also a method of shutting down the service menu, but it requires precision, and you can try to type ##6484## in the call (if you can dial it), and it will open up an engineering menu where you can check the touchscreen, but for a normal TalkBack shutdown, it's too complicated and risky.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume button combination | Low. | Tall. | No. |
| Through the settings menu | Medium | Tall. | No. |
| Google Assistant | Low. | Medium | No. |
| Forced reset | Low. | Temporary. | No. |
If none of these methods work, maybe the problem goes deeper, see if there's a third-party application installed that conflicts with accessibility features, and if you remove the recently installed programs, you can solve the problem.
How to Prevent Accidental Incorporation in the Future
To prevent this from happening again, you need to remove the activation triggers. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Special features. Find the section "Special Opportunity Shortcut" or "Shortcut." Here you can turn off the ability to start the function by pressing the volume buttons or pressing the shutdown button for a long time.
Also, you should be careful when cleaning your memory. The Cleaner menu often has an acceleration button that can have a hidden feature switch next to it. Don't swipe in that area of the screen. The habit of checking what you're pressing will keep you nervous.
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Turn off the TalkBack shortcut in the special features menu to avoid accidental activation when carrying your phone in your pocket or case.
Another useful tip is to set a password or a graphical key to enter the special features settings. Some versions of Android have a Settings Protection feature that requires confirmation to change availability settings, which will create an additional barrier to random inclusions.
⚠️ Warning: If you have turned off all shortcuts, remember exactly how TalkBack is turned on, in case you or your loved ones need it in the future.
Regularly updating MIUI also helps to fix bugs associated with false sensor positives, keeping an eye out for notifications of new software versions and installing them when the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
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Turning off activation shortcuts in the special features menu is the most reliable way to prevent a recurrence of the problem.