How to completely disable TalkBack on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

TalkBack is a useful feature for people with disabilities, but accidentally turning it on can turn using a Xiaomi smartphone into a nightmare. The screen begins to sound every touch, gestures stop working in the usual way, and standard navigation methods are blocked. If you encounter this problem, do not panic: you can turn off TalkBack even without the help of a specialist.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to deactivate the function on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models from 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS).

What is TalkBack and why does it turn on itself?

TalkBack is a Google-based special feature that voices on-screen actions for visually impaired users, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it is integrated into MIUI/HyperOS firmware and can be activated:

• 🎯 Accidental pressing – for example, if you press both volume buttons for 3 seconds (on some models it is a hot key).
• 🔄 After software updates - resets of special features settings are not uncommon when switching to a new version MIUI.
• 👶 Children or older users who may accidentally enable the feature in the settings menu.
• 🛠️ When you connect accessories – some headsets or keyboards send commands perceived as TalkBack activation.

The main problem is changing the logic of management.

• 👆 One touch highlights the element, not activates it (double touch is required).
• 🔄 Gestures become different (for example, swipe two fingers down opens notifications).
• 🔇 The voice begins to voice all actions, including typing.

⚠️ Warning: If TalkBack is on a locked screen, you won't be able to unlock your phone in the standard way.

Method 1: Standard shutdown through settings

If the screen is unlocked and you can interact with the menu (albeit with modified gestures), follow this instruction:

1. Open the settings (cog icon) and double-touch the icon (one will only highlight it).
2. Scroll down to the Special Opportunities section (in MIUI 14+ it may be called Universal Access).
3. Select TalkBack (or Screencaster on some firmware).
4. Transfer the slider to the off position and confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the slider is inactive or gray, then TalkBack is protected by the administrator of the device.

• 🔓 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Device administrators.
• 🔍 Find TalkBack in the list and disable its administrator rights.
• 🔄 Go back to TalkBack and try again.

Method 2: Emergency shutdown on a locked screen

If TalkBack is activated on a locked phone, you can't unlock it in the standard way.

Method A: Voice command (for MIUI 12-15)

On some versions of MIUI TalkBack supports voice commands.

Okay, Google, turn off TalkBack.

If the voice assistant is activated but the command is not working, try an alternative phrase:

Okay, Google, turn off the screen speaker.

Method B: Unlocking gestures

With TalkBack, the logic of unlocking is changing:

1. Double tap the screen to wake the device.
2. On the lock screen, swipe two fingers upwards (this will replace the standard swipe).
3. For input PIN-Use a double touch on each digit/dot.
4. After unlocking, go to the settings as described in Method 1.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026) may have different gestures. If double tapping doesn't work, try holding your finger for 2 seconds instead of pressing.

Method 3: Disconnect via FastBoot (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work and access to settings is blocked, you can turn off TalkBack via FastBoot mode, which requires a computer and ADB drivers installed.

Steps:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button + volume up until vibration).
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter FastBoot.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
4. Enter commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services ""
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

This command resets all special features services, including TalkBack. Once rebooted, the feature will be completely disabled, but other availability settings (such as font enlargement) may also reset.

Method 4: Resetting settings to factory

The last resort is to completely reset your phone, and only use it if other methods fail, as all data will be deleted.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some Factory Reset models).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the phone will require you to enter your Mi Account information if the binding was previously enabled.Make sure you remember your username and password!

💡

Factory reset deletes all data, including photos and apps. Try other methods beforehand or back up through Mi Cloud.

Method 5: Disconnect via Mi Account (remotely)

If you have access to a Mi Account linked to your phone, you can try remote management:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (if it is online).
3. Go to the Device Management section → Special facilities.
4. Turn off the TalkBack slider (if the option is available).

This method does not work on all firmware and requires:

• 📶 Active Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Enables settings synchronization in Mi Account.
• 🔓 No remote control lock in security settings.

If the option is not available, try sending a command to the phone via Find the device:

1. From the Mi Account menu, select Find the device.
2. Press Lock and enter an arbitrary password.
3. Once locked, unlock your phone – sometimes it resets TalkBack settings.

How to prevent the accidental inclusion of TalkBack?

To avoid re-activating TalkBack, follow these steps:

• 🔧 Turn off the hot keys: Go to Settings → Special facilities → TalkBack → Settings. Turn off the option Hot Keys (or Quick Enablement).

Set up parental control:

• In Settings → Accounts → Parental Controls, block access to the Special Opportunities section.

Set the password for settings:

• Use apps like AppLock to block access to Settings.

Update the firmware:

• New versions of MIUI/HyperOS have added TalkBack protection against accidental turn-on.

💡

Create a shortcut to quickly disable TalkBack: add the Settings widget to the home screen and select Special Features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TalkBack on Xiaomi