How to completely disable TalkBack on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: 5 working methods

TalkBack is a useful feature for people with visual disabilities, but accidentally turning it on can turn using a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone into a nightmare. The screen begins to sound every touch, gestures work differently, and standard navigation methods are blocked. If you encounter this problem, do not panic: you can turn off TalkBack even without the help of vision, following clear instructions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to deactivate the function, from the standard path through settings to forced disabling via ADB (for power users). Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi models on MIUI 14/15 with the HyperOS shell, where the menu interface may differ, and you will learn how to prevent the accidental activation of TalkBack in the future and what to do if the smartphone is blocked due to this feature.

What is TalkBack and why does it turn on itself?

TalkBack is a Google-based special feature that converts text and on-screen actions into voice prompts. It is built into all Android devices, including Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Mi. The feature is useful for blind users, but often activated by accident:

• 👆 Triple pressing of the power button (default setting in some firmware).
• 🎯 Long-term clamping of two fingers on the screen (gesture to turn on TalkBack).
• 🔄 Automatic Enablement After Updating MIUI or reset.
• 🧒 Children or pets may accidentally activate the function during play.

The main problem is that once enabled, TalkBack changes the standard gestures, for example, one touch highlights an element, and a double touch activates it, which confuses even experienced users. Moreover, on some Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the feature can block access to settings if you do not know special combinations.

⚠️ Warning: If TalkBack is turned on on a locked screen, first unlock the device with an unlock gesture (swipe up). + Without this, access to settings will be limited.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via settings (for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS)

If you have access to the main screen, this method is the easiest. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi Redmi models (including Redmi 13C, Redmi Note 12, Redmi A2+, etc.) on the latest firmware versions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon). To do this, double-task the screen (the first will highlight the icon, the second will open).
2. Scroll down the list with two fingers (one finger in TalkBack is responsible for navigation).
3. Inside the section, select TalkBack (may be called Screen Narrator on some localizations).
4. Transfer the slider to the off position. or press Disconnect in the window that appears.

If the function is activated again after turning off, check the gesture settings:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures → Triple press of the power button.
• 🚫 Make sure you don’t select TalkBack or Special Opportunities.

💡

If you can not scroll the screen with two fingers, try the gesture "flick" - swipe two fingers up/down, as if turning the page of the book.

Method 2: Disconnect via quick settings (for MIUI 13 and later)

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 13+ and HyperOS, you can turn off TalkBack through the notification panel, but you need to know the hidden gesture:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen with two fingers to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Special Opportunities icon, and if you don't have one, swipe the panel to the left to open all the icons.
3. Touch the icon with one finger (stands out), then double-touch disable TalkBack.

If the icon is not in the panel, add it manually:

1. Open the notification bar and click on Edit (pencil icon).
2. Find it in TalkBack’s list and drag it to the active area.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, Redmi 9C) The notification panel may not open with a standard swipe because of TalkBack, in which case use the two-finger-down gesture or reboot the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

Method 3: Forced Disconnection via ADB (for power users)

If TalkBack has blocked access to settings and gestures don’t work, it’s still an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method that requires a PC and USB debugging enabled, but is guaranteed to work even on a locked screen.

Preparation:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
• 🔌 Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-cable (original!).
• 🔐 Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings (if not enabled - see spoiler below).

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi.
3. TalkBack: Adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/com.google.android.marvin.talkback.TalkBackService:0
4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

💡

ADB-commands work even if the screen is locked, but require pre-configuration of debugging USB. Without it, the method won't work!

Method 4: Reset settings via Recovery (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked, and TalkBack has completely locked the device, then you have to hard reset through Recovery mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, so only use it as a last resort.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Redmi Note 11/12: Power button + Volume up (hold 10 seconds).

In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).

Confirm the reset (Confirm or Yes).

After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi) K70) Recovery menus can be in Chinese. Look for characters (data cleanup) or (factory resetting).

Method 5: Preventing the Inadvertent Turning on of TalkBack

To avoid re-enabled TalkBack, set your smartphone up in advance:

• 🔒 Turn off gestures: Go to Settings → System system → Gestures → Triple press the power button and select No or Disable.
• 🛡️ Protect Settings: Set a password to the Special Features section (in some firmwares) MIUI There is an option to protect settings).
• 👶 Children Mode: Enable Parental Controls in Xiaomi Settings to Limit Access to System Features.
• 📱 Quick Shutdown: Add TalkBack shortcut to the home screen or notification bar for operational management.

HyperOS models (like Redmi Turbo 3) have a feature called Quick Cutting Off Special Features via voice assistant.

Okay, Google, turn off TalkBack.

(Google Assistant and Internet access required)

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after TalkBack is turned off, Xiaomi Redmi users are experiencing side effects.

If after all the manipulations TalkBack continues to turn on, check the smartphone for viruses (some Trojans activate special features) or reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

FAQ: Answers to popular questions