How to turn off TalkBack on Xiaomi: 5 working ways (including emergency)

Why TalkBack is turned on and how to fix it

TalkBack on Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO) is a built-in screen speaker for visually impaired people. It voices all the actions on the screen: taps, swipes, notifications. The problem is that you can turn it on randomly — for example, by clamping both volume buttons for 3 seconds (this is the hot key combination on MIUI 14/15).

If you're faced with the phone saying all the things and the usual taps don't work, don't panic. TalkBack changes the logic of the control: instead of taps, two-finger gestures are used, and one tap highlights the element but doesn't activate it. In this article, we'll look at all the ways to disconnect, from standard to emergency, when the screen is getting stuck or not responding.

It’s important to understand that on different Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs POCO X5), the interface may be slightly different, but the principles are the same. If your smartphone is running MIUI 13 or older, the instructions below will fit. For Android One devices (e.g. Mi A3), see the separate section.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (if the screen is responsive)

If you can control your phone in any way (even with voiceover), use this method. It's the safest and doesn't require a data reset.

Algorithm of action:

1. Unlock the screen. If used. PIN-code, enter it with two fingers (TalkBack requires double tap to confirm).
2. Swipe two fingers down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar, then swipe down again with two fingers to deploy the quick settings.
3. Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (or the words "Settings") and tap it with two fingers.
4. In the settings menu, scroll the list with two fingers to the Special Features section (or Additional Settings → Special Features on older versions of MIUI).
5. Slip two fingers on TalkBack, then move the slider to the off position (again, with two fingers).

If the slider is not active or gray, then TalkBack is blocked by the device administrator.

• 🔒 Check if the company software is installed (for example, on the work phone).
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes it unlocks your settings.
• 🛠️ Use Method 4 (Recovery Reset) if other methods have not helped.

Method 2: Hot keys (if the screen is unresponsive)

On most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later TalkBack, you can turn off the hardware combination, which works even if the screen is “hang” or does not respond to touch.

Instructions:

1. Press both volume buttons (increase + decrease) at the same time.
2. Hold them for 3 seconds until you hear a beep or vibration.
3. After the signal, wait 2-3 seconds – TalkBack should turn off automatically.

If the combination doesn't work:

• 🔊 Try to press the power button + Volume increase of 5 seconds (on some models this causes a reboot, after which TalkBack can reset).
• 📵 Make sure the buttons are not blocked by a cover or dirt.
• 🔄 Repeat the attempt after forced reboot (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).

💡

On the POCO F4 and Redmi K50 models, the volume button combination may conflict with the launch of the Google Assistant, in which case, first disable the Assistant in the Google settings (Services section).

Method 3: Gesture management (for power users)

TalkBack completely changes the logic of how you control your phone, and you need to know the basic gestures to use it.

To disable TalkBack with gestures:

1. Unlock the screen (double tap on the lock screen, if you use a PIN – enter it with two fingers).
2. Swipe two fingers down from the top edge to open the notification panel.
3. Find the TalkBack notification turned on (usually at the top of the list) and tap it with two fingers.
4. In the window that opens, swipe two fingers down to the Turn off button and tap it with two fingers.

Method 4: Recovery reset (if the phone is locked)

If TalkBack is activated on a locked phone (for example, after a reboot) and you don’t remember the password, you’ll have to use Recovery mode, which deletes all data from the device, so use it only as a last resort.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the power button + increase the volume simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Mi Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset (usually you need to choose Confirm or Yes).
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Recovery:

• 📱 All data (photos, messages, applications) will be deleted.
• 🔒 The phone will require you to enter a Mi Account if it was previously linked.
• 🔄 MIUI It will be reset to the factory version (it may need an update).

Method 5: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer and USB-TypeC cable, you can disable TalkBack via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method does not require a data reset, but requires minimal technical skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on the developer mode on the phone (if not already enabled): go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap the version number 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the phone to your computer and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
5. TalkBack: Adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/com.google.android.marvin.talkback.TalkBackService:0
6. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If TalkBack is turned on again after the reboot, follow the additional command:

adb shell pm disable-user com.google.android.marvin.talkback

💡

USB debugging should be enabled before TalkBack is activated. If the screen doesn't respond, this method won't work - use Method 2 or 4.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off TalkBack, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common solutions.

• 🔇 TalkBack is turned on itself after the reboot → Check if the volume button is clamped (for example, in the case). Turn off Quick TalkBack in the special features settings.
• 🔑 Resetting through Recovery does not work → Make sure you pinch the correct button combination (on some models) POCO it's food. + Turning down the volume).
• 📵 The screen does not respond to gestures → Connect the charger – sometimes with a low charge, the sensor does not work properly.
• 🔄 After the shutdown of TalkBack remains voiceover → In the audio settings, disable Voice Assistant or Google Text-to-Speech.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) TalkBack may not be available in the feature settings, but instead, look for Screen Speaker or Voice Assistant.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions