How to turn off the blind mode on Xiaomi: instructions for all models

You accidentally activated the visually impaired mode on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, and now the phone says every action you take, and the screen has turned black or is not sensitive to touch? Don't panic - this is a standard TalkBack feature (or Voice Assistant in MIUI) that is easy to turn off. The main thing is to know the right sequence of actions, because with the voice assistant on, even unlocking the screen becomes a test.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to deactivate the blind mode on Xiaomi, including situations where the screen does not respond to touch, the phone is locked or the function is turned on after the MIUI update. The instructions are suitable for models from Xiaomi Mi 11 to Redmi Note 12, as well as for devices on POCO and Black Shark. If you encounter a black screen or the phone “hangs” in availability mode, here you will find a solution.

What is the Blind Mode on Xiaomi and Why It Is Turned On

TalkBack (or Voice Assistant in MIUI firmware) is an accessibility tool that helps visually impaired users interact with a smartphone.

• 🗣️ Voices all actions on the screen (touching, swiping, opening applications);
• 🖤 Changes the control gestures (e.g., one touch) = choice, double choice = activation);
• 🔍 Illuminating selected elements with a frame;
• 📵 Can block standard swipes to unlock.

The mode is often switched on accidentally:

• 🤳 When pressing volume buttons quickly (on some models, these are hot keys);
• 👆 After updating MIUI (The function can be reset to factory settings);
• 🧒 Children or elderly relatives could activate it in the settings;
• 🔄 When connecting a headset or external devices (rarely, but it happens).

If the screen turns black, but the phone responds to touch with its voice, it's not a fault, it's TalkBack, and you can turn it off even without the visible interface.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via settings (if screen is visible)

If you see an interface but the phone sounds all the actions, follow this instruction:

1. 📱 Unlock your phone (if the screen is locked, use method 2 or 3).
2. 👆 Swipe two fingers from the bottom up the screen to open the notification bar.
3. 🔧 Click on the icon. ⚙️ Settings (if you can’t see – swipe two fingers left/right to switch pages).
4. 🔍 In the Settings search box, type TalkBack or Special Opportunities.
5. 🔘 Go to the Special Opportunities section → TalkBack.
6. 🔄 Turn the slider to the off position. or press Disconnect.
7. ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.

If the screen remains black after turning off, restart the phone with a long press of the power button.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After TalkBack is disabled, you may need to re-set your gestures. If swipes stop working, go to Settings → System system → Gestures and drop them to the factory.

Method 2: Turn off volume buttons (if the screen is not visible)

If the screen is black or doesn’t respond to touch, but the phone voices actions, try the hotkeys:

1. 🔇 Press both volume buttons (louder) + quieter for 3 seconds at the same time.
2. 🎧 Wait for the sound signal or vibration (on some models) POCO This only works with a connected headset).
3. 🔊 If you hear a voice confirmation "TalkBack is off" - the mode is disabled.

If this method does not work, try an alternative:

• 🔄 Press the power button. + Increase volume by 5-7 seconds until the phone vibrates;
• 📴 After vibrating, release the buttons - this can reset the temporary availability settings.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with a locked bootloader (most official firmware), the button combinations may not work. In this case, use method 3 (reset via Recovery).

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If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, plug it into charging and try again – sometimes a low battery charge blocks the hot keys.

Method 3: Disconnect via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked)

If the first two methods didn’t work and the phone is locked or the screen is completely black, you’ll have to use Recovery Mode, which will reset your TalkBack settings but won’t delete your data (unless you choose Wipe Data).

Instructions:

1. 🔄 Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. 🔧 Press the power button. + Increase the volume at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. 📱 Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (usually in English or Chinese).
4. 🔍 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selecting the item:

1. Select "Wipe & Reset" (or "in Chinese")


2. Next, select "Wipe All Data" (NOT "Reset Phone" - this will delete everything!)




3. Confirm the action (usually you need to select "Confirm" or "Yes")




4. After reset, select "Reboot" → "Reboot to System"

After the reboot, TalkBack will be disabled, but you will need to reconfigure some settings (Wi-Fi, Mi Account).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) Wipe All Data can delete user data. If there is important information on the phone, try connecting to the PC first via the PC. ADB (4).

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer and a USB-Type C cable, you can turn off TalkBack via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn't require a data reset, but requires minimal technical skills.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install Platform Tools on PC (or download adb.exe separately).
2. 📱 Connect your phone to your computer through USB (Unlock the screen if possible).
3. 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB (If the phone responds to touch: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI; Press 7 times on the version MIUI, To activate Developer Mode; Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers; Activate debugging by USB.

Win + R → cmd

adb devices


adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services""




adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 0

If the commands are executed without errors, restart the phone - TalkBack will be disabled.

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ADB-The method works even on a locked screen if debugging was previously enabled USB.

What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If all methods have been tried, but the regimen for the blind is still active, two options remain:

1. 🔄 Hard Reset: Deletes all data but is guaranteed to disable TalkBack; Performs via Recovery Mode (select Wipe Data) → Factory Reset; Remove before resetting SIM and SD-map.

Fastboot flashing through Fastboot

• Suitable for experienced users;
• Requires an unlocked bootloader and official firmware;
• For instructions for your model, look for the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. In most cases, it takes no more than 10 minutes for the masters to turn off TalkBack and costs symbolic money (or free of charge under warranty).

How to avoid accidentally turning on the blind in the future

To avoid this problem, set up your phone in advance:

• 🔕 Turn off the hot keys: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Hot keys; Remove the tick from TalkBack or Voice Assistant; Turn off volume button combinations.
• 🔒 Protect your settings with a password: In Settings → System system → Additionally. → Protection of settings; Install PIN-code for changing availability parameters.
• 🧒 Create a separate profile for children: Use Parental Controls in the MIUI; Limit access to special features settings.

It’s also useful to know that Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ has Quick TalkBack Disable feature with three fingers pressing the screen. Activate it in the special features settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the regime for the blind on Xiaomi