Are you tired of your smartphone every hour or every 30 minutes loudly announces the current time? This feature, while useful for people with visual impairments, may be annoying for other users - especially at night or in quiet places. Unfortunately, on some Android firmware (especially on Xiaomi, Realme and Samsung with proprietary shells), the time voiceover is turned on automatically after updates or resets.

In this article you you will find 5 proven ways to turn off the voice notification of the time —from standard settings to hidden developer options and commands ADB. We will also look at why the function can turn on without permission after a reboot and how to prevent it. All instructions are relevant for Android 10–14 and adapted for popular brands.

1. Disabling via standard Android settings

On most smartphones, time announcement is controlled via special accessibility settings. However, the path to them may differ depending on the firmware version and manufacturer. Here is a universal algorithm:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility (or Accessibility).
  2. Find the section TalkBack, Voice assistant or Screen narration.
  3. Scroll down to Voice time or Voice alerts.
  4. Disable the slider or uncheck the box next to Notify about time.

On Samsung One UI the path may look like this: Settings → Device management → Accessibility → Accessibility settings → TalkBack → Settings → Time announcement.

Time announcement slider in the OFF position

No active voice notifications in the status bar

The function does not turn on after reboot

Checked in safe mode (if the problem persists)-->

Important: If after disabling the function is activated again, it means it works on your device automatic turn-on service (often found on Xiaomi i Redmi). More on this in the next section.

2. Why does the time sound turn on by itself? Reasons and solutions

Many users complain that voice notification of the time turns on by itself —after a system update, reboot, or even for no apparent reason. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

  • 🔄 Automatic activation via MIUI Optimization (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco):

    Firmware MIUI has a hidden service that resets some accessibility settings. To disable it, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots (menu) → Show all applications → MIUI Optimization and press Disable (or Uninstall updates).

  • 📱 Conflict with companion applications (Samsung, Huawei):

    Utilities like Samsung Members or Huawei Mobile Services sometimes overwrite settings availability. Check the permissions of these applications in Settings → Applications.

  • ⚙️ Resetting settings after updating the OS:

    Some updates Android (especially on Pixel and Motorola) accessibility settings to default values. After the update, check the settings again.

Every day

Once a week

Only after updates

Never turned on-->

If the problem persists, try disable automatic time synchronization (sometimes it helps to Samsung): Settings → Device management → Date and time → Automatic date and time (disable).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi disabling MIUI Optimization may result in unstable operation of gestures or animations. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

3. Disabling via TalkBack settings (for all versions of Android)

TalkBack is standard screen voice service from Google, which is often responsible for voice notifications of the time. Even if you did not enable it, it can work in the background. Here's how to completely disable its influence:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack.
  2. Click Settings (gear in the upper right corner).
  3. Find the section Speaking the time or Voice prompts and disable everything sliders.
  4. Go back and turn off TalkBack completelyby pressing the main switch.

On Android 12+ the path may look like this: Settings → System → Accessibility → TalkBack → Settings → Voice time and notifications.

Manufacturer Path to TalkBack settings Advanced actions
Samsung (One UI) Settings → Device management → Accessibility → TalkBack Disable Voice tags in additional settings
Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI) Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → TalkBack Uninstall updates for MIUI Optimization
Google Pixel Settings → System → Accessibility → TalkBack Disable Speaking notifications
Huawei/Honor (EMUI) Settings → System → Accessibility → Voice assistant Disable Automatic voiceover

If after disconnecting TalkBack continues to launch itselfcheck Settings → Applications → TalkBack → Permissions and disable all unnecessary ones (especially Autostart and Work in the background).

4. Using ADB for deep shutdown (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can disable time reading at the system level using commands ADB. This method is suitable for Android 8.0+ and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (you can download from the website Google).
  • 📱 Enabled USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number —press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers → USB Debugging).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  3. Run the command to disable time reading: 
    adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services ""

    This command will reset all accessibility services.

  4. Restart your smartphone: 
    adb reboot

adb shell settings put secure tts_enabled 0

This will disable text-speech engine (TTS) completely, but can affect the operation of other voice functions (for example, Google Assistant).-->

Restoring default settings:

If, after manipulating with ADB other functions have disappeared (for example, voice search), return the settings with the command:

adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.google.android.marvin.talkback/com.google.android.marvin.talkback.TalkBackService

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may lead to unstable system operation. If you are not sure of your actions, skip this section or create a backup copy of your data before starting.

5. Disabling through third-party applications (without root)

If you don’t want to delve into the settings or use ADB, you can use special utilities, which block the time from being spoken. Here are the proven options:

  • 🛡️ Accessibility Shortcut (Google Play):

    The application allows you to quickly disable all accessibility services with one touch. After installation, add it to the quick settings panel and use it to quickly turn off voice acting.

  • 🔇 SoundAssistant (Samsung):

    The utility is from Samsung, but it also works on other brands. Allows you to flexibly configure all sound alerts, including voice ones. Look in Settings → Sound → SoundAssistant.

  • ⚙️ MacroDroid:

    Using this application you can create an automatic rulethat will turn off the time announcement when the system starts or at a certain time of day.

Example of setting in MacroDroid:

  1. Create a new macro (Add macro).
  2. Select as a trigger Start system.
  3. Add in actions Disable accessibility service and specify TalkBack.
  4. Save and activate the macro.

How to check which application is responsible for voice acting?

Install Accessibility Scanner from Google. Run a screen scan - the application will show which accessibility services are currently active, including hidden ones.

If you use Xiaomi, try disable MIUI Sound Recorder - sometimes it is this application that is responsible for the background sound: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → MIUI Sound Recorder → Disable.

6. Radical methods: disabling system applications (requires root)

If none of the previous methods helped, and telling the time still activates itself, you can resort to radical measures. They require root access or an unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Freezing system applications

Using Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher you can “freeze” the services responsible for voiceover:

  1. Install Titanium Backup and provide root access.
  2. Find in the list applications:
    • TalkBack (com.google.android.marvin.talkback)
    • MIUI Optimization (for Xiaomi)
    • Samsung TTS (for Samsung)
  • Select Freeze for each of them.
  • Restart the device.

    • Method 2: Deleting apk files (only for experienced ones!)

    This method may lead to system inoperabilityIf you delete the wrong files, use at your own risk!

    1. C using Root Explorer or FX File Explorer go to /system/priv-app/.
    2. Find and delete (or rename) the following files:
      • TalkBack.apk
      • TTSService.apk (responsible for the text-speech engine)
  • Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Cache.
  • Reboot the device.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Deleting system apk files can disturb the operation of the voice assistant, notifications and other functionsbefore doing this, be sure to create a backup copy via TWRP or Orange Backup.

    If, after deleting system files, the smartphone started freezes or overheats, restore the deleted apk from a backup or reflash device.

    7. What to do if nothing helps?

    If you have tried all the methods, but the time is not spoken still works, perhaps the problem lies deeper:

    • 🔄 Resetting settings to factory settings:

      This is an extreme measure, but sometimes it helps. Before resetting, save your data! Path: Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.

    • 📥 Flashing to pure Android:

      On Xiaomi i Samsung you can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where there are no proprietary "crutches" with voiceover.

    • 🛠️ Contacting the service center:

      If the problem appeared after a physical repair (for example, replacing a speaker or cable), the technician may have incorrectly connected the microphone/speaker contacts, and the system erroneously activates voice functions.

    Before resetting or flashing, check to see if voiceover is enabled in additional alarm settings. On some devices (for example, Huawei) the function is hidden here: Clock → Alarm clock → Settings → Voice notification.

    💡

    If the time voiceover appears only when headphones or Bluetooth devices are connected, the problem may be in the settings of the accessories themselves. Check them through the manufacturer's application (for example, Galaxy Wearable for Samsung or Mi Fit for Xiaomi).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about voiceover time on Android

    Is it possible to turn off the time voiceover only at night?

    Yes, the application MacroDroid or Taskeris suitable for this. Create a rule that will turn off TalkBack at a specified time (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00) and turn it back on in the morning. An alternative is to use the mode Do not disturb with blocking of all sounds.

    Why does voice acting still work after turning off TalkBack?

    Probably on your device installed alternative text-speech engine (for example, Samsung TTS or IVONA). Check the list of active accessibility services in Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Services and disable everything except the standard ones.

    Time announcement is enabled only in headphones. How to fix?

    This problem is typical for Samsung and OnePlus. data-i="298">Open

    1. Open Settings → Sound → Sound quality and effects.
    2. Disable Adaptive sound and Improve voices.
    3. Check the settings of Bluetooth headphones in their proprietary application (for example, Galaxy Wearable).

    On mine Xiaomi there is no “Speaking the time” item in the settings. What should I do?

    On some versions MIUI this item is hidden. Try:

    1. Install MIUI Hidden Settings from Google Play —the application will reveal additional parameters.
    2. Use ADB-command: 
      adb shell settings put secure tts_default_rate 0

      This will reset the speech speed to zero, effectively disabling voice acting.

    After turning off voice acting, Google Assistant stopped working. How to get it back?

    You probably turned off Google App or Google Play Services in the accessibility settings. data-i="319">Go to

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google.
    2. Click Permissions and enable Special capabilities.
    3. Go back to Settings → Accessibility and activate Google Assistant.