To stop an Android phone from talking, turn off the TalkBack screen reader or the device's Voice Assistant. The quickest way to stop android phone from talking is to press and hold both volume keys for a few seconds until you hear a confirmation sound.
Why your Android phone is talking and how to stop it
Your Android phone is reading the screen aloud because TalkBack or another screen reader was accidentally turned on. These accessibility features speak everything on the display, from button labels to notifications. The fastest fix is the volume key shortcut, which works on most devices including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. On iPhone, the equivalent feature is VoiceOver, turned off at Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver.
Turn off TalkBack using the volume key shortcut
Press and hold both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds. Listen for a confirmation that TalkBack has been turned off. This shortcut works on most Android devices, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, as long as the shortcut is enabled in accessibility settings. Google's Pixel help gives the same TalkBack steps specifically for Pixel phones.
Use a voice command to disable TalkBack
If you can still use voice commands, say "Hey Google, turn off TalkBack" to disable the screen reader hands-free. Google Assistant will process the command and turn off TalkBack without requiring you to navigate the touchscreen.
Disable TalkBack through Settings
To manually turn off TalkBack:
- Open Settings and go to Accessibility.
- Tap TalkBack.
- Switch off Use TalkBack and confirm by tapping Turn off.
While TalkBack is active, you need to scroll with two fingers and double-tap to select items instead of using standard touch gestures. Sony's Android 9 or higher support page documents Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack > On, then turning the switch off and confirming OK.
Turn off Voice Assistant on Samsung Galaxy devices
Samsung Galaxy devices may use either TalkBack or Voice Assistant. The path depends on which screen reader your model uses:
- Open Settings and go to Accessibility.
- Tap TalkBack (on devices with TalkBack) or tap Screen reader (on devices with Voice Assistant). On Samsung Galaxy devices, the feature may be labeled TalkBack or Screen reader > Voice Assistant, depending on the model.
- Switch off the feature and confirm Turn off.
Two-finger swipes and double-taps are required to navigate while either feature is active.
What to do if your phone is still talking
If your phone continues to read the screen aloud after turning off TalkBack, check for other accessibility services that may be speaking. Go to Settings > Accessibility and review any enabled services that provide spoken feedback. This is also where you can find voice assistant and microphone fixes for persistent issues. Disable any service that reads screen content or provides voice feedback. You can adjust the speed and pitch of the voice assistant by sliding the corresponding sliders in the Text-to-speech settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Android phone from talking without using the touchscreen?
Use the voice command "Hey Google, turn off TalkBack" if Google Assistant is available. Alternatively, press and hold both volume keys for a few seconds to trigger the shortcut.
Will turning off TalkBack affect other accessibility features?
No, disabling TalkBack only turns off the screen reader. Other accessibility features like magnification, color correction, or hearing aid support remain active.
Why did TalkBack turn on by itself on my phone?
TalkBack can be activated accidentally by pressing and holding both volume keys for an extended time, or by enabling it through the accessibility shortcut that uses the power button.
Can I stop my Samsung phone from talking without going into Settings?
Yes, press and hold both volume keys together for at least 3 seconds to disable TalkBack or Voice Assistant on Samsung Galaxy devices, provided the shortcut is enabled.
How do I stop my Android phone from talking when I plug in headphones?
This is usually caused by a voice assistant or accessibility service that reads notifications aloud. Check Settings > Accessibility for any screen reader or voice feedback services and disable them.
Related reading: How To Fix Green Box On Android Phone and How To Turn Off Talkback On An Android Phone.
