How to Disable TalkBack on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Disable All MIUI Versions

Why TalkBack is Interfering with Work and How to Deactivate It

TalkBack is a visually impaired Android tool that voices all actions on the screen. However, many Xiaomi users (especially the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 models) find it activated accidentally, for example, after updating MIUI 14 or repeatedly pressing the power button, the result: the phone starts to “talk” every touch, gestures stop working, and the interface becomes almost unmanageable.

The main problem is that TalkBack blocks standard navigation methods, and it is impossible to turn it off through the regular menu without knowing special combinations. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for disabling the function (including methods for blind screens and devices with a damaged display), and also describe how to prevent its accidental turn on in the future.

Important: If you are here because your phone has “talked” after falling or getting moisture, check the sensor’s performance first, perhaps because of a hardware malfunction.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via settings (if the screen is running)

If TalkBack is switched on by accident but touch controls are partially saved, use this method.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12/13/14.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Press twice anywhere on the screen and hold your finger after the second touch until you hear the beep (this is a gesture of choice in TalkBack mode).
• 🔹 Swipe two fingers down the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔹 Find the badge. ⚙️ Then, you will be able to touch it twice.
• 🔹 In the settings menu, scroll down with two fingers until you hear “Special Features”, then tap twice.
• 🔹 Select TalkBack (or Screen Narrator in some versions) and move the slider to the Off position.».

If you don't shut down after that, try restarting the device, press the power button and volume up for 10 seconds, and 80 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disable TalkBack via Quick Settings (swipe down) – in this mode, the notification panel behaves differently, and you risk activating other special features.

Method 2: Disconnecting with Google's voice assistant

If the sensor is not responsive to touch or you can’t find the menu items you want, use voice control. This method works on all Xiaomi with Google Assistant installed (all models with Google Mobile Services are available by default).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate the voice assistant: 🔹 Say it loudly: “OK, Google” (if the feature is enabled). 🔹 Press the Home button for 2-3 seconds (on models with a physical button).

Turn off TalkBack.

Turn off the screen announcer.

Yes.

Confirmed.

If the assistant doesn’t respond, check if it’s enabled in the settings: Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice Assistant.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize commands, try switching to English in TalkBack settings: Twice tap the gear icon in the notification bar and select “Language”.

Method 3: Disconnect via Recovery Mode (for power users)

If TalkBack is activated due to a system failure or virus, and standard methods do not help, you can use the recovery mode.This method is suitable for Xiaomi models with an unlocked bootloader, but requires caution - improper actions can lead to a data reset.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔹 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 🔹 For POCO F3/F4: Nutrition + Loudness down.

Recovery

Wipe data

Wipe cache

Reboot system now

⚠️ Warning: Recovery will delete all data on the phone, including photos and apps. Before the procedure, remove the memory card, if it is installed.

After the restart, TalkBack will be disabled, but you will have to reconfigure the phone. If the problem recurs, check the device for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

Method 4: Connecting to a computer and managing via ADB

For advanced users who have access to a PC, the method of disabling TalkBack via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will be suitable.

What you need:

• 🔹 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔹 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔹 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and enable debugging. USB: 🔹 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times to activate the developer mode. 🔹 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

ADB

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

Then:

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

Reboot the phone.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try to enter adb kill-server on the command line, then adb start-server and reconnect.

This method is guaranteed to disable TalkBack at the system level, but requires pre-configuration. If you've never worked with ADB, you'd better use other methods.

Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

In extreme cases, when TalkBack activates immediately after the phone is turned on and blocks all actions, only a complete reset to the factory settings remains, which will delete all data, but return the phone to working condition.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

If you have kids who can accidentally turn on TalkBack, set up Child Mode via Google Family Link or the Xiaomi Child Space app.

Frequent Questions About TalkBack on Xiaomi