How to disable TalkBack on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions with pictures and videos

TalkBack is a built-in voice assistant for people with visual disabilities that voices all actions on the smartphone screen. On Xiaomi Redmi devices (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), it can be activated accidentally - for example, when you repeatedly press the power button or through a combination of keys. If you find that the phone has started to "say" all actions, read messages and interfere with normal work, do not panic: you can turn off TalkBack in a few minutes.

But there are some nuances: when the voice assistant is turned on, the standard gestures stop working and the menus open differently. In this article, we will discuss 4 proven ways to turn off the function, from simple (through settings) to radical (reset to factory), and you will learn what to do if the screen does not respond to touch, and how to prevent accidental turn on in the future.

Note: The instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 10/11/12/13. On older versions (for example, Redmi 5/6 with MIUI 9), the path to settings may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.

Why does TalkBack turn on on its own?

Many Xiaomi Redmi users are experiencing TalkBack activation without their knowledge, and the reasons usually boil down to three scenarios:

• 🔄 Random keystroke: Most Redmi models enable the function when holding both volume buttons for 3-5 seconds.This is the standard Android hotkey for special features.
• 👶 Children or Pets: If your smartphone is left unattended, accidentally touch the screen (especially in the Settings section). → Special features can activate the voice assistant.
• 🔧 Failure after update MIUI: Rarely, but it happens that after an automatic system update, some settings are reset, including TalkBack.

It's important to understand that TalkBack is not a virus or a firmware bug, it's a regular Android feature that just started at the wrong time, and you can turn it off manually, but you need to know the specific controls, because when you activate the assistant, standard swipes and taps work differently.

⚠️ Warning: If you are trying to turn off TalkBack on someone else's phone (such as a visually impaired relative), first check if they need it.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (if the screen is responsive)

The easiest way is to deactivate TalkBack through the settings menu, but because of the way the voice assistant works, standard gestures won't work.

1. Unlock your phone (if the screen is locked, use the PIN/pattern lock as usual).
2. Swipe two fingers across the screen from top to bottom – this is the analogue of swipeing down to open the notification bar when TalkBack is turned on.
3. Touch one finger to the "Settings" icon and hold until you hear the beep, which will confirm the choice.
4. Double tap (not the usual, namely two quick touches) open Settings.

Follow the path:

Settings → Special features → TalkBack → Slider "On./ Off." (double tap to disable)

If the slider is inactive or gray, then TalkBack is password protected (this happens on some Xiaomi firmware), in which case, try Method 3 using ADB.

Method 2: Disconnect with Google Assistant (if the screen is not working)

If the touch screen is not responsive to touch (for example, due to damage or failure), you can use the voice assistant Google Assistant, which works even when the screen is locked, if voice activation was previously configured.

Instructions:

1. Say loudly, “OK Google” or “Hey Google” (if the feature is enabled).
2. After activating the assistant, say “Disable TalkBack”.
3. If voice input doesn’t work, try the command: “Open special features settings,” then manually find TalkBack.

If Google Assistant is disabled or not configured, this will not work, in which case you can switch to Method 3 (via ADB) or Method 4 (reset to factory).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro), Google Assistant voice activation is disabled by default. To enable it in advance, go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Google → Notifications → Voice search.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can turn off TalkBack using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which requires connecting the phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (if not activated previously, this method will not work).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi Redmi to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. TalkBack: Adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/com.google.android.marvin.talkback.TalkBackService:com.xiaomi.accessibility/com.android.accessibility.TalkBack.TalkBackService Next: adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 0
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If TalkBack is still active after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.marvin.talkback

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to the service center.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If none of these things work, the radical solution is factory reset, which will remove all data from your phone, including apps, photos and accounts, but is guaranteed to shut down TalkBack.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button and Volume up simultaneously until the Mi logo (Recovery Mode) appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will reboot to its original state.

Important: Before reset, try to save data. If the phone responds to touch, copy the files to your computer or to the Mi Cloud. If the screen is not working, remove the microSD card (if any) or connect the phone to your PC in MTP mode (if unlocked).

💡

Factory reset is the last option. Before you resort to it, try all other methods or contact the Xiaomi service center.

How to Prevent TalkBack Inadvertently Included in the Future

To prevent TalkBack from turning on on on its own, follow these tips:

• 🔕 Turn off the hot keys: Go to Settings → Special facilities → TalkBack → Settings → Keyboard shortcuts and deactivate the option.
• 👤 Set up the child mode: In Settings → Annexes → Application control can restrict access to system settings.
• 🔒 Use it. PIN For special features: On some firmware MIUI You can set a password to change the availability settings.
• 📱 Update. MIUI: In new versions of firmware bugs with spontaneous inclusion TalkBack are less common.

It is also useful to know emergency gestures to disable the function:

• 👆 Double tap with two fingers - the analogue of swipe back.
• 👇 Swipe two fingers up/down - Scrolling the screen.
• 🔄 Circular movement with two fingers - return to the main screen.

💡

If you give your kids a phone a lot, install the Kids Place app from Google Play, which blocks access to system settings and prevents TalkBack from accidentally turning on.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you turn off TalkBack, Xiaomi Redmi users often face typical problems.

1. When TalkBack is turned on, the pattern lock or PIN is entered unusually: you need to double tap each number. If you can't, try connecting the phone to your computer and unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account).
2. «Screen does not respond to touch" If the sensor is completely disconnected, check: 🔌 Connect charging – sometimes the failure is caused by a discharged battery. 🔄 Forced to restart the phone (clip the power supply) + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds). 🖥️ Connect to your PC and try to control via scrcpy (screen mirroring software).
3. «TalkBack turns on after reboot"This is a sign of a glitch in settings.Solution: 📱 Reset the special features settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the availability settings. 🔧 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions