Mode for the visually impaired (or TalkBack) on Xiaomi smartphones can turn on accidentally - for example, after triple pressing the power button, an unsuccessful update or a failure in the MIUI. This mode radically changes the management of the device: instead of the usual taps, specific gestures are required, and the voice assistant voices every action. If you find yourself in this situation, do not panic: you can turn off the blind mode in several ways, even if the screen does not respond to the usual touches.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods, from standard settings to advanced solutions through ADB or Restore mode. Note: on new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5), the algorithm may slightly differ due to the updated MIUI 14/15 shell, but the general logic is maintained. If you use an Android One device (such as the Mi A3), the instructions will also work, but the paths in the menu may be called differently.
1. Standard disconnection through settings
If the screen is responsive to gestures (albeit with a delay), try to turn off TalkBack through the system menu.
- 👆 One finger: single touch highlights the element, double touch activates it.
- 👇 Two fingers: swipe down to scroll the page, up to go back.
- 🔄 Three fingers: swipe down opens the notification panel, up - the quick settings panel.
To disable mode:
- Open the settings (cog icon) and double tap the screen, then swipe down with your two fingers to find the app.
- In the settings menu, find the Special Features section (or Universal Access on newer versions of MIUI).
- Select TalkBack (or Screencaster).
- Move the slider to the off position and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) If the screen is getting stuck, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force it to shut down.
☑️ Preparing to shut down TalkBack
2. Disconnect through the Quick Settings Panel
If you’re not sure how to get into the settings, try using the Quick Settings Panel, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later:
- Unlock the screen (if you need a password, enter it with double taps).
- Swipe three fingers up the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Find the TalkBack icon (usually an eye or a person with a stick) if it is not available, swipe the panel to the left to reveal all options.
- Make a double tap on the icon to turn off the mode.
If the panel does not open, try an alternative method:
- 📱 Swipe with two fingers from the top edge of the screen down (as to open notifications).
- 🔍 In the search bar (if any), type TalkBack and select the corresponding result.
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On the POCO X3 and Redmi K40 models, the quick settings panel can be swiped with two fingers from the top edge down, even if TalkBack is active.
3. Use of voice to disable
Modern versions of MIUI support voice control in TalkBack mode, which is suitable if gestures fail or the screen is damaged:
- Activate the voice assistant by saying, “OK Google” or “Hi Mi” (on Chinese firmware).
- Say “Switch off TalkBack” or “Switch off the screen speaker.”
- Confirm the action with a voice if necessary.
If the voice assistant does not respond:
- 🔊 Make sure the microphone is not silenced (check the physical switch on the case if there is one).
- 📶 Connect to the Internet – without a network, voice commands may not work.
- 🔄 Restart the device by holding the power button + Increased volume (on some models).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Voice control may be limited due to regional settings, in which case use Google Assistant instead of Mi. AI.
4. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods do not work, you can disable TalkBack through ADB (This method requires a computer and USB-cable, but guaranteed to work even on a locked screen.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB (If not previously activated, this method will not work).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
- Disable TalkBack with command: adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/.TalkBackService:0
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
If the mode is activated again after the reboot, execute an additional command to reset special features settings:
adb shell settings reset secure⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Resets some system settings, including application permissions. After the procedure, you may need to reset the access permissions (for example, for a camera or microphone).
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Reset settings via Recovery Mode
If none of these methods worked, the last resort is to reset to factory settings through recovery mode, which will remove all data from the device, so only use it as a last resort.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- 🔄 Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button) + Reduce volume if the screen does not respond).
- 🔧 Hold the power button. + Increase the volume before the appearance of the Mi logo.
- 📱 In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
After discharge:
- The device will reboot to its original state.
- At the initial setup stage, do not turn on special features.
- Restore the data from the backup (if it was created).
| Xiaomi model | Combination for entering Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Power + Volume Increase | Menu in Chinese – Use volume buttons to select. |
| POCO X3/X4 | Power + Volume Increase | English interface, Wipe Data item in 3rd position. |
| Mi 11/12 | Power + Volume increase (hold 10+ seconds) | Confirmation is required through Mi Account after reset. |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Power + Increase + Lower Volume | The game models have a separate Fastboot menu. |
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Recovery removes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. Before the procedure, try connecting your smartphone to your PC in MTP mode (if possible) and copy important files.
Prevention of accidental inclusion
To avoid re-enabled TalkBack, set up protection:
- 🔒 Turn off the fast activation of special features: Go to Settings → Special facilities → TalkBack. Select Settings (cog in the top right corner). Turn off Quick Turn on (or Triple Press).
- In the Special Options section, select Device Manager Settings.
- Activate Settings Protection and Ask PIN-code.
MIUI
TalkBack
On devices with MIUI 14+ (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can turn off the visually impaired mode via Mi Cloud if the device is linked to an account. Go to i.mi.com, select the device and deactivate the option in Universal Access.