Accidental activation of a function TalkBack on a smartphone can turn ordinary use of the device into a real quest. The screen begins to voice your every touch, and the usual gestures stop working as you expected. If you are the owner Xiaomi Redmi 9 and are faced with this problem, do not panic - the solution exists and it is quite simple.
In this article we will analyze all the available methods for deactivating the voice assistant for the visually impaired. You will learn how to use key combinations, navigate the menu taking into account the changed control logic, and what settings need to be checked so that the function does not turn on again on its own.
Understanding how MIUI accessibility mode works will help you quickly return the phone to its usual state. Sometimes all it takes is one wrong click to trigger this mode, but disabling it requires conscious action. Let's look at each step in detail.
Emergency shutdown via key combination
The fastest way to stop the screen reader is to use the smartphone's hardware buttons. Most devices Redmi 9 running Android 10 or Android 11 have a special hotkey. You need to simultaneously hold down the volume up and down keys.
Hold both buttons Volume Up and Volume Down for about three seconds. If the function was activated through this shortcut, the system will recognize the long press and turn off the voice acting. The screen may blink and the phone vibrate, confirming the action.
However, this method only works if the ability to control via buttons is not specifically disabled in the settings. In some firmware MIUI this option may be hidden or deactivated by default to prevent accidental operations.
If the button combination does not work the first time, try repeating the action, making sure that you press the keys strictly simultaneously and not in turn.
⚠️ Attention: If If you have third-party launchers or modified firmware installed, the standard button combination may not function. In this case, proceed to software methods of disabling.
Navigation in the settings menu with TalkBack active
When voice guidance is active, the touch screen control logic changes dramatically. A regular single touch no longer opens applications, but only selects an element and says its name out loud. To actually press a button or select an item, you need to use double tap.
To scroll the list of settings up or down, use a two-finger gesture. Just slide two fingers across the screen at the same time, simulating a regular scroll. This is the only way to navigate the menu when the mode is turned on TalkBack.
To get to the desired section, proceed sequentially: first, select the icon with a single touch Settings, then double tap to enter. Next, in the same way, find the item Advanced settings or Accessibility.
☑️ Navigation algorithm in TalkBack mode
Remember that haste will not help here. The system must have time to voice the element before you try to activate it. If you are in a hurry, the phone may perceive your actions as random gestures and not execute the command.
Searching for the accessibility section in MIUI
The shell interface MIUI on Redmi 9 may vary slightly depending on the software version. Most often, the switch we need is located in the deep settings menu. After you have opened the settings, look for the section Advanced settings.
Inside this section you need to find the item Accessibility. This is where all the tools for people with disabilities are concentrated, including TalkBack, enlarger, color inversion and other functions.
Sometimes this item may be simply called Accessibility or located in a subsection Management. If you don’t see it right away, use the settings search by clicking on the magnifying glass at the top of the screen (after highlighting it and making a double tap).
| Menu path | MIUI version | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Settings → Advanced settings → Special. capabilities | MIUI 11 / 12 | Standard path for most devices |
| Settings → Additional settings → Accessibility | MIUI 12.5 | Alternative section name |
| Settings → About phone → MIUI version (7 times) | Any | Opens the developer menu (not for TalkBack) |
| Settings → Search → "TalkBack" | Any | The fastest way to find the switch |
Why may the menu differ?
The manufacturer may change the location of items depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, EU). If you do not find an item in the standard path, use the search inside the settings.
It is important to listen carefully to the announcer's prompts. It will clearly say the section name when you tap it once. This will help you not make a mistake when choosing the desired menu item among many other options.
Deactivating the switch and confirming the action
Once you are in the menu Special features, find the item TalkBackin the list. Tap it once to highlight it, tap it twice to go inside. Here you will see the main switch, which is now in the active position.
Tap the switch using double tap. The system will immediately ask you to confirm your action, as disabling this feature is an important step. A dialog box will appear asking “Turn off TalkBack?”.
You will need to highlight the button OK or Disable and double-tap again. Only after this the voice guidance will stop working and the screen will return to the standard control mode.
The function will not be disabled without confirmation in the dialog box. This is to protect you from accidentally turning off an important accessibility tool.
⚠️ Warning: If the dialog box does not appear, check to see if change blocking is enabled in your access profile. In rare cases, you will need to enter a PIN code or pattern for confirmation.
Using Google Assistant to disable
If touch controls cause you serious difficulties, you can try using the voice assistant. Redmi 9 usually preinstalled Google Assistantwhich can execute system commands.
Activate the assistant with the phrase “Okay, Google” or by long pressing the “Home” button. Then clearly say the command: “Turn off TalkBack” or “Turn off TalkBack.” The system will try to fulfill the request automatically.
This method is unstable on some firmware versions, since control priority can be intercepted by the accessibility service. However, it is worth trying this option if other methods seem too complicated to perform blindly.
- 🗣️ Make sure that the microphone is not covered by a case or hand when giving a command.
- 🔇 Turn off music or video so that the assistant can better recognize your speech.
- 📱 Say the command slowly and clearly, pausing between words.
If the Assistant responds that it cannot perform this action, then your system configuration requires manual intervention through the settings menu. In this case, return to the double-tap method.
What to do if the function is turned on again
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where TalkBack is turned off, but after a while it is activated again. This may be due to an accessibility service failure or random gestures.
Check your accessibility shortcuts settings. In the same menu where you disabled the function, find the item TalkBack shortcut. If it is active, disable it. This will prevent the function from starting when you press the volume buttons at the same time.
It is also worth updating the application Android Accessibility Suite through the store Google Play. Developers regularly release bug fixes that can eliminate problems with spontaneous activation of services.
Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Special. Features → UpdateIf the problem persists even after updating and disabling shortcuts, there may be a conflict with another installed application. Try to analyze after installing which app this problem started.
Application conflict
Some applications for controlling gestures or customizing the interface can intercept control and interact incorrectly with Android accessibility services.
Resetting settings as a last resort
In the most In advanced cases, when a software failure does not allow you to disable the function using standard methods, you can consider resetting the settings. However, this is a drastic step that will delete all data from the device.
Before resorting to this method, make sure that you have backed up all your important contacts, photos and documents. The reset will return the phone to its factory state, as if you had just bought it in the store.
To perform a reset through the menu (if available), go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data. If the menu is not available, you will have to use Recovery mode.
⚠️ Attention: Full data reset (Factory Reset) will delete all your files, accounts and installed applications. Use this method only if other methods do not help.
Entering Recovery mode on Redmi 9 is carried out when the phone is turned off by holding down the power button and the volume up button. In the menu that appears, select the item Wipe Data, confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did my phone turn on TalkBack?
Most often this happens due to accidentally pressing a combination volume buttons in your pocket or bag. Also, the reason may be a failure in the system update or an erroneous touch in the accessibility menu.
Is it possible to remove TalkBack completely from Redmi 9?
No, TalkBack is a system application Android Accessibility Suite and cannot be completely removed without obtaining root access However, it can be turned off completely and will not consume resources or interfere with work.
Does having TalkBack on affect battery consumption?
Yes, running voice-over service and speech synthesis additionally loads the processor and uses the speaker, which can lead to faster battery drain, especially when actively using the screen.
What to do if the screen does not respond to double taps?
Try touching faster, but without merging them into one long press. If this doesn't help, restart the device by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds and try again after turning it on.
Where can I find TalkBack settings if I can't see anything on the screen?
If the screen is black but the phone is working, try calling Google Assistant and asking it to open the accessibility settings. If the screen does not physically work, you will need to connect a mouse via an OTG cable to control it.