How to permanently disable Talbak on Xiaomi devices: step-by-step instructions for all models

Talbak (TALBACK) is a built-in voice app from Xiaomi that many users find unnecessary or even intrusive. It automatically activates when you connect a headset, during calls or when using voice commands, blocking the standard features of Google Assistant or Alice. In 2026, the company tightened its policy of removing system applications, so classic methods (such as turning off in settings) often do not work.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to completely disable Talbak, from simple (through the settings menu) to radical (using ADB and modified firmware). Particular attention will be paid to devices on MIUI 14/15 and Mi TVs with Android TV 12+, where Talbak is integrated the most deeply. If you encounter the application itself turning on after updating or reset, here you will find a solution.

1. disable Talbak through standard settings (MIUI and Android TV)

The most secure method, but it doesn't work on all devices. In the latest versions of MIUI and Android TV for Xiaomi, the option can be hidden or blocked. Check this method first - it does not require superuser rights and does not affect the warranty.

For smartphones and tablets:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Talbak (or com.miui.voiceassist).
3. Select the application, click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

For Mi TVs (on Android TV):

• 📺 Open the Settings. → Annexes → System applications.
• 🔍 Find a voice assistant or TALBACK Service.
• ⚙️ Click Stop and Disable (if available).
• 🔄 Restart the TV through Settings → The device → Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 2023) the Disable button may be inactive, which means that the application is protected by the system.

2. Talbak removal via ADB (no root)

If the standard shutdown doesn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — A debugging tool that allows you to manage system applications without superuser rights. MIUI 12-15 and Android TV.

You'll need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the device (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

(Your device must have a serial number.)

1. Enter the command to disable Talbak:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist

If there is a mistake DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, Try an alternative team:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB device-wise|Connect the device with the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`|Backup important data-->

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Android TV 12+ You may need an additional command to unlock system applications: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 Enter it before turning off Talbak.

3. Block Talbak through special features settings

Talbak is closely linked to Accessibility Services, and if you turn it off, the app will stop activating automatically, a method that works on smartphones and some TV models.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Installed services.
2. Find Talbak or Xiaomi Voice Assistant.
3. Turn off the slider and confirm the action.

For Mi TVs:

• 📺 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Voice control.
• 🔕 Turn off the option of Xiaomi Voice Assistant.
• 🔄 Restart the TV.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Global), Talbak may return after the update. To avoid this, block it through Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autorun and disable all permissions.

💡

If Talbak continues to turn on when you connect your headphones, check your Bluetooth settings → find your device → turn off the option of Automatic Start Voice Assistant.

4. Talbak removal with Magisk (root required)

If the previous methods didn’t work and you have root rights, you can completely remove Talbak from the system, which is suitable for power users and requires an installed Magisk or other root manager.

Steps:

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with root support.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Find the folders with the names: VoiceAssist MiuiVoiceAssist TALBACK

.bak

Settings → Storage → Clean the cache

Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications through root can lead to a cyclical bootloop if you remove critical components. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

5. disable Talbak at the server level of Xiaomi (for advanced)

Talbak is partly managed through Xiaomi's cloud services, and if you turn it off syncing with your account, the app will stop updating and activating, a method that requires knowledge of DNS or firewall.

Methods of blocking:

• 🌐 Through hosts file: Get root access. Open file /system/etc/hosts In a text editor. Add lines: 127.0.0.1 api.miui.com 127.0.0.1 talback.xiaomi.com Save and restart the device.

Through the firewall (AFWall+):

1. Install AFWall+ from F-Droid.
2. Block Internet access for the Talbak app.
3. Apply the rules and restart the device.

6. Alternative methods: firmware and custom ROM

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to install custom firmware without Xiaomi apps preinstalled, a method that is suitable for users willing to sacrifice official support for the sake of full control of the device.

Popular firmware without Talbak:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without Bloatware.
• 📺 ATV Custom ROM — for Mi TVs TV (Like Mi. TV Stick).
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI without Chinese services.

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and may result in data loss. - Mi TVs TV Unofficial firmware often deprives the device of support for Netflix and Disney+ Due to lack of Widevine certification L1.

💡

Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of Talbak on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 11 for the Chinese market).

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after the shutdown, Talbak can manifest itself in some scenarios, and let's look at typical situations and ways to solve them.

Problem 1: Talbak is turned on when connecting Bluetooth headphones.

• 🎧 Check your Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones → Disable the voice assistant.
• 🔇 If you don’t have an option, reset your Bluetooth settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Bluetooth settings.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, Talbak is back.

• 🔄 Repeat the shutdown through ADB (section).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates to system applications: Settings → Annexes → Settings (cogs) → Auto-update of system applications.

Problem 3: Talbak is activated from the remote on the TV.

• 🎤 Hold the voice search button on the remote for 10 seconds to reset the binding.
• 🔧 Refuse the remote via the Mi Remote app (available on Google Play).