Turn TalkBack on or off

The TalkBack screen reader speaks text and image content on your screen. On your Android device, you can turn this setting on or off.

Turn TalkBack on or off

Option 1: With the volume key shortcut

You can use the volume key shortcut to turn TalkBack on or off. Use the shortcut the first time you turn on and set up your device or after your device is set up. Learn how to check your Android version.

1. On the side of your device, find both volume keys.
2. Press and hold both volume keys for 3 seconds.
3. To confirm that you want to turn TalkBack on or off, press both volume keys for 3 seconds again.
   • The volume key shortcut won’t work if you haven’t enabled it. Learn how to enable accessibility shortcuts.

Tip: By default, TalkBack speaks password characters to you. You can change the setting so that your phone doesn’t speak characters in secure fields unless you have headphones connected. Learn more about spoken passwords.

Learn how to change your TalkBack shortcut.

Option 2: With Google Assistant

1. Say “Hey Google.”
2. Say “Turn off TalkBack” or “Turn on TalkBack.”

Option 3: With device settings

If you have low vision or you help someone who is blind, you can navigate with settings to turn TalkBack on or off.

Important: When TalkBack is on, to activate, double-tap instead of single tap.

1. On your device, open Settings .
2. Select Accessibility TalkBack.
3. Turn Use TalkBack on or off.
4. Select Ok.

Tip:You can turn off the volume key shortcut. Learn more about accessibility shortcuts.

For more help with Talkback, contact the Google Disability Support team.