How to enable and configure TalkBack on Xiaomi phones: instructions for all versions of MIUI

What is TalkBack and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

TalkBack is an Android feature that converts text on the screen into speech and helps you control your smartphone with gestures. On Xiaomi devices, it is integrated into MIUI firmware and is available on all models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. The main purpose of the service is to ensure comfortable use of the gadget for people with visual impairments, but its capabilities will come in handy in other situations.

For example, TalkBack allows you to:

• 🔊 Listen to notifications and messages out loud (useful while driving or cooking)
• 👆 Manage your phone without looking at the screen (through special gestures)
• 📖 Read long text from a browser or documents in voice
• 🔍 Quickly find interface elements by voice prompts

In MIUI 14 and later, the feature has an updated interface and support for gestures with two fingers, which made navigation easier. However, many users face difficulties when they first turn on — especially if they try to activate TalkBack through quick settings or voice commands. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, and also tell you how to turn off the assistant if it interferes.

Method 1: Enable TalkBack through Xiaomi Settings

The most reliable method is activation via the special features menu, which works on all versions of MIUI (12 to 16) and does not require additional applications.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Special Features section (older versions may refer to Additional Features).
3. Select TalkBack (or Screencaster on some models).
4. Move the slider to the position On. and confirm the action by pressing OK in the window that appears.

Once activated, the system will offer a gesture training tour, which can be skipped, but we recommend familiarizing yourself with the basic combinations:

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Redmi 9/10 and POCO M3/M4, when TalkBack is first turned on, you may automatically reset gestures to standard. To avoid this, update your firmware to the latest version MIUI before activating.

Method 2: Quickly turn on through the notification panel

If you need to temporarily activate TalkBack (for example, to read a message out loud), you can use the Quick Settings Panel. This method does not work on all Xiaomi models, but it is tested on Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5.

Instructions:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the ⚙️ (Edit) icon (you may need to swipe left).
3. Find TalkBack tiles in the list (if not, add them through Add Tiles).
4. Slap on the tile once - the function will turn on without confirmation.

One important caveat: some firmware has TalkBack tile hidden by default, to find it:

Settings → Notification Panel → Tile management → Add “TalkBack”

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (with pure Android), TalkBack tile may not be available. In this case, use the voice command for Google Assistant: say "OK, Google, turn on TalkBack."

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If the screen turns dark after TalkBack is turned on, don't worry, that's okay. Double tap unlocks the phone, and swipe down with two fingers will open the notification panel.

Method 3: Activate via voice commands (Google Assistant)

On Xiaomi smartphones with Google Assistant preinstalled (most global versions), TalkBack can be voice-activated, which is convenient if you have limited hand mobility or are in a situation where you can not use a touch screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or holding the Home button (on older models).
2. Say the command: "Put TalkBack on" or "Activate the screen announcer."
3. Confirm the action with your voice by saying “Yes” or “OK.”

If the team fails:

• 🔄 Check if voice input is enabled in the Google Assistant settings.
• 🌐 Make sure the system language is set to Russian or English (TalkBack may not recognize other languages).
• 📱 Reboot your phone — sometimes it helps to reset recognition errors.

On Xiaomi with MIUI firmware for China (without Google services), this method does not work. In this case, use method 1 or install Google Assistant manually through APK.

Problems with Turning on TalkBack and Their Solutions

Despite the ease of activation, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If after turning on TalkBack, the phone freezes or stops responding to touches, follow the following steps:

1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
2. After the reboot, immediately press the volume button – this will turn off TalkBack during the boot stage.
3. If the screen is not responding, connect the phone to your PC and disable the function via ADB: adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/TalkBackService:0

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Black Shark (gaming smartphones), TalkBack may conflict with the branded JoyUI shell. Before turning on, turn off the game mode in the settings.

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If TalkBack is turned on accidentally and interferes with work, turn it off by double tapping and holding two fingers on the screen for 3 seconds.

How to Disable TalkBack on Xiaomi

Disabling a function is as simple as activating it, but changing the controls can make it difficult.

Method 1: Through settings (if screen is visible)

1. Open the settings (double touch on the icon).
2. Go to Special Opportunities → TalkBack.
3. Move the slider to the off position and confirm the action.

Method 2: Gesture shutdown (if the screen is not visible)

Perform one of the combinations:

• 👆 Hold two fingers on the screen for 3 seconds, then swipe down.
• 🔄 Make a circular counterclockwise gesture with two fingers.
• 📵 Press and hold the volume buttons up + down at the same time (works on MIUI 13+).

Method 3: Through the Quick Settings Panel

If TalkBack tile is added to the curtain:

1. Swipe down with two fingers to open the panel.
2. Find the TalkBack tile and tap it twice.

On Xiaomi with pure Android (such as Xiaomi A3), you may need a PIN- code or pattern lock to turn off if the feature has been activated through Safe Mode.

TalkBack additional settings for experienced users

Once you turn on TalkBack, you can fine-tune it to your needs. Consider the most useful options available on Xiaomi:

1. Adjusting voice and speech speed

To change the voice or pace of the voice:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → TalkBack → Settings.
2. Select Voice Output → Preferred Engine.
3. Install Google TTC (recommended) or another speech synthesizer.
4. In the section Speed of speech, move the slider to a comfortable value (optimum: 0.8-1.0).

2. Customization of gestures

MIUI 14+ features custom gestures:

• 👉 Swipe left + right - switch between applications.
• 👆 Swipe up + down — scroll the page.
• 🔄 Circular gesture - return to the main screen.

To change the gestures:

Settings → Special features → TalkBack → Settings → Gestures

3. Annex exemptions

You can disable TalkBack for individual applications (for example, for games or instant messengers):

1. Open TalkBack Settings → Exceptions.
2. Click Add App and select the ones you need from the list.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Pad 5/6 (tablets), TalkBack gestures may conflict with multi-window mode. Before using, turn off the split screen in the display settings.

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If TalkBack starts to voice passwords or sensitive data, add an app (like a banking app) to the exceptions or temporarily disable the feature through the notification bar.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TalkBack on Xiaomi