Preset Accessibility and TalkBack settings on your Samsung device. Talkback - what is this program, how to disable Talkback on Android

An Android user who first encountered this system tries to study it thoroughly. And sometimes, completely by accident, he turns on the Talk Back function, and therefore he strives to find out how to disable Talkback on Android. Naturally, after the “work done,” no one knows how to get everything back. As it turns out in practice, it is very difficult to return all the functionality of the device back and problematic. The creators, as a rule, do not provide a description of how to disable this feature, which means users have to act purely on an intuitive level.

In order not to lose hours, and even days, to fix the problem created in a few seconds, first you need to familiarize yourself with the functioning of talkback. Knowing the location of the program, as well as the OS version, using a few tips, you can easily return everything to its place.

Talkback what is this program

Talkback is an Android application that was created for people who have difficulty seeing or have no vision at all. This function completely takes over all work with the device and voices every step of the blind user. This feature is convenient for those who have previously worked on a computer, because working with the device becomes like clicking a mouse.

Just one touch needed to press keys, and they are always voiced. The same is true for voice acting during typing. In addition, it sends notifications about calls. And if you shake the device, the program will begin to read out everything that is on the screen at the moment.

If you click on a letter and hold your finger on it, then the program reads the letter first, and then the word that begins with it. This typing method allows you to accurately type a word by ear, perceiving each letter correctly. Talkback useful and your audio prompts. They can provide information regarding one of the listed properties on the phone. In addition, the program allows you to recognize gestures, and even synthesizes human speech into text.

How to disable Talkback feature on Android

With just one touch, the user selects text, similar to using a mouse on a computer. You can interact with all objects on the screen by double tapping.

And so that turn page in one direction, you need to use one touch with two fingers on the screen at once. The screen will simply refuse to respond to a single touch.

Removing the blockage from the tap must also be done according to the same principle. Use the pads of two fingers to touch the screen and gently pull up. Sometimes you need to enter password to unlock your smartphone. There may be voice support throughout the entire process.

Disabling the program step by step

Below we will consider the algorithm for maximizing convenient disable Talkback on most devices.

• Double click to go to the main menu
• Next you need to activate by double clicking settings icon
• Holding the screen with two fingers, scroll through the settings until you find the section “ System»
• Next, open “ Accessibility» swipe the screen to the « tab Services»
• Once Talkback is open, look for the on/off button in the top corner.
• To disable the function by double tapping, drag the bar to " off»

Video instructions

There are a lot of different applications that are created to make using the gadget simpler and more understandable. TalkBack is one of them. Some Android owners, not understanding the program settings, often ask the question of how to disable TalkBack. In this article we will figure out what it is and how to deactivate it.

TalkBack - what is it?

TalkBack is a service that reads every action on your device. The program is built into the factory set of functions of the Android operating system. It appears on the screen as an icon with five fingers.

This feature is a great help for people who have any vision problems. It helps to use the functionality of the device at 100%. In addition, this application is great for car drivers who do not want to be distracted from the road while driving, but, for example, are waiting for an important call or notification.

Google TalkBack has a wide range of features to make it easier for users to manage their device. The developers put a lot of effort into implementing the application, as you can safely use it without ever looking at the display.

Why TalkBack is useful:

• Text to Speech
• Voice keystrokes
• Voice information about an incoming call
• Read text from a selected file or browser
• Speak the entire screen after shaking
• Gesture control
• Adjusting speech volume using a distance sensor
• Sound recording of everything that happens on the device screen after entering sleep mode

How do I turn off TalkBack?

This program is very specific and is not suitable for everyone. Constantly voicing every action quickly gets boring and at some points begins to irritate. Many users want to disable it as soon as possible.

To disable TalkBack, you need to follow these instructions:

1. Go to the menu by double clicking
2. Activate the settings icon by double pressing
3. Scroll through the list (pressing the screen with two fingers) to the “System” section
4. Select “Accessibility” by double clicking and find the “Services” section
5. Open the TalkBack subsection, there in the brief description press the on/off button (in the upper right corner of the screen)
6. Double click to select “Off”
7. In the dialog box, click “Ok” twice

This instruction is not suitable for devices with Android 4.0 operating system and lower.

You might be interested in learning about hidden Android features, which are described in our article

If you have any difficulties using this program, write in the comments.

Answers to questions

How to disable TalkBack on Android 4.0?

If your version of Android is 4.0 or earlier, then you must install the Accessibility Preferences application. After this, the path and the TalkBack Preferences menu will be available.

Google TalkBack is an assistive application for people with visual impairments. It is preinstalled by default in any smartphone running the Android operating system and, unlike alternative options, interacts with all elements of the device shell.

Disable TalkBack on Android

If you accidentally activated an application using the function buttons or in the gadget's accessibility menu, it is quite easy to disable it. Well, those who do not intend to use the program at all can completely deactivate it.

In addition, depending on the device model and Android version, the steps may differ slightly from those discussed in the article. However, in general, the principle of finding, setting up and turning off TalkBack should always be the same.

Method 1: Quick shutdown

Once TalkBack is activated, you can quickly turn it on and off using physical buttons. This option is convenient for instantly switching between smartphone operating modes. Regardless of your device model, this happens as follows:

1. Unlock the device and simultaneously hold down both volume buttons for about 5 seconds until you feel a slight vibration.

In older devices (Android 4), hereinafter they can be replaced by the power button, so if the first option does not work, try holding down the " On/Off"on the body. After the vibration and before the shutdown window appears, place two fingers on the screen and wait for the vibration to occur again.

This option will only work if TalkBack activation was previously assigned to the buttons as a quick activation of the service. To check and set this up, assuming you plan to use the service again from time to time, you can do the following:

1. Go to " Settings» > «».

2. Select "".

3. If the control is set to “”, activate it.

You can also use the “” item so that you don’t need to unlock the screen to enable/disable the assistant.

4. Go to "".

5. Assign TalkBack to it.

6. A list of all tasks for which this service will be responsible will appear. Click on " OK", exit the settings and you can check if the set activation option is working.

Method 2: Disable via Settings

If you experience difficulties in deactivating using the first option (faulty volume button, unconfigured quick shutdown), you need to visit the settings and disable the application directly. Depending on the device model and shell, the menu items may vary, but the principle will be similar. Focus on the names or use the search field at the top of Settings, if you have one.

1. Open " Settings" and find the item "".

2. In the section " Screen readers"(it may not exist or it may be called differently) click on "".

3. Click on the button in the form of a switch to change the status from “ Included" to "".

Disabling TalkBack

You can also stop the application as a service; in this case, although it will remain on the device, it will not start and will lose some of the settings assigned by the user.

1. Open " Settings", then " Apps and notifications"(or just "").

2. In Android 7 and higher, expand the list with the “ Show all applications" On previous versions of this OS, switch to the "" tab.

3. Find "" and click the "" button.

4. A warning will appear, which you must agree to by clicking on “”.

5. Another window will open where you will see a message about restoring the version to the original one. Existing updates on top of what was installed when the smartphone was released will be removed. Tap on " OK».

Now, if you go to "", you will not see the application there as a connected service. It will also disappear from the “” settings if they were assigned to TalkBack (more about this is written in Method 1).

To turn it on, follow steps 1-2 from the instructions above and click on the " Turn on" To return additional functionality to the application, just visit the Google Play Store and install the latest TalkBack updates.

Method 3: Complete removal (root)

This option is only suitable for users who have root rights on their smartphone. By default, TalkBack can only be disabled, but superuser rights remove this restriction. If you are really unhappy with this application and want to get rid of it completely, use software to remove system programs on Android.

More details:

Despite its great benefits for people with vision problems, accidentally turning on TalkBack can cause significant discomfort. As you can see, it is very easy to disable it using a quick method or through the settings.

This is a recommendation for new users of the Android operating system to set the necessary checkboxes and items in the Accessibility section and TalkBack settings. The test device was Galaxy S3, Android 4.3.

In the accessibility section you can access:

• On Android 4.1: Settings/Accessibility;
• On Android 4.3: Settings/My Device/Accessibility;

Now a description of the items and checkboxes in the accessibility section.

1. The "Auto-rotate screen" checkbox - I personally turned it off so that it doesn't interfere when you rotate the device vertically or horizontally, with this checkbox the screen rotates to one position or another. At the same time, TalkBack announces the accepted screen position.
2. “Screen timeout” - I set myself a longer time, two minutes. After this time, the display goes dark and the device is locked. Of course, everyone decides for themselves what and how will be more convenient for them. But I still recommend not setting it for less than two minutes, otherwise it will be annoying by constantly blocking the screen.
3. "Listen to passwords" flag - Set to have TalkBack pronounce characters on the virtual keyboard when entered in password edit fields.
4. “Answer end calls” - In this section you need to check the following boxes:
   • Answer incoming calls with the (Home) key;
   • Finish with the power key;

   This is necessary so that, firstly, when there is an incoming call, you can pick up the handset with the physical button (Home) home, which is located at the bottom of the display. And secondly, hang up while talking with the power button, which is located on the right side of the device.

5. "Show shortcut" - In this section I have two checkboxes:
   • Accessibility;
   • TalkBack;

   both can be noted. They are needed so that when you hold down the power button for a few seconds, when the shutdown screen opens, these same items will be added to this selection on the shutdown screen.

6. "TalkBack" - Here you can enable or disable the TalkBack program service, as well as get into its settings.
7. “Web scripts” - Or the same item may also have the name “Improve special features for the Internet”. This setting must be enabled. It is designed for reading Internet pages and emails. Unless, of course, the application itself that you use for these purposes has support for web scripts. For example, programs such as
   AquaMail,
   this is for email. And for surfing the Internet
   Firefox.
   They have such support from developers. This setting is relevant for inclusion in Android 4.1 and possibly 4.2, but I can’t tell you for sure, I don’t know. On 4.3 this item is no longer present; it is turned on automatically along with the activation of TalkBack.
8. “Show shortcut” - You can, in principle, turn it on, generally if you wish. When this setting is enabled, it becomes possible to launch TalkBack on the lock screen. That is, you decided to completely disable TalkBack in the accessibility section in order to allow a sighted person to use your device. Then the person gives you the device, and you hold the power button for a few seconds until the shutdown screen appears. Place two fingers on this screen and hold them for about five seconds until TalkBack starts and notifies you of this completed action. This setting appeared with version Android 4.2 or 4.3, I don’t remember exactly.

Description of the TalkBack settings you can access:

• On Android 4.1: Settings\Accessibility\TalkBack\Settings;
• On Android 4.3: Settings\My Device\Accessibility\TalkBack\Settings;

Attention! TalkBack settings may vary depending on the version of Android, as well as the version of the program itself.
The description took place on the latest version of TalkBack at this time: V3.5.1.

1. “Speech volume” - This section adjusts the volume of the speech synthesizer, but it is better not to touch it, leave it at the “At sound volume level” selection. If you need to adjust the volume, you can read the instructions here:
2. Flag "Change tone when voicing, lower tone when voicing text" - This may not be such an important setting, but I have the flag checked.
3. “Sound the keys pressed” - This section, in my opinion, applies to virtual keyboards. That is, as I understand it, you can select the “Never” action. And when we write on the virtual keyboard, after we lift our finger from the character, TalkBack pronounces the entered character. And with the selected action “Never”, this symbol will not be pronounced. So I personally left the default selection of "Always".
4. "Speak when screen is off" flag - This setting allows TalkBack to speak some notifications when the screen is locked. Sometimes it can be useful, so I have the flag checked.
5. Flag "Distance sensor" - You need to check it. This flag allows TalkBack to interrupt spoken speech. On my Galaxy S3 this sensor is located at the top of the display. And if I need to interrupt TalkBack, I simply move my hand over the top of the screen, a distance of about five to ten centimeters. It will also be useful when talking with your interlocutor, the screen is blocked, and TalkBack is silent like a guerrilla, without making a noise in your ear.
6. “Shake to Read” - This section offers you to select the shaking sensitivity from off to very strong. If you configure this setting, then when you shake the device, TalkBack will start reading from top to bottom, everything that is on the screen you are currently on.
7. Flag “Voice Caller ID” - The abbreviation stands for: Voice Automatic Number Identification, but I don’t like this kind of voicing of an incoming number using TalkBack, so my flag is unchecked. I've been using this lately:
   
   Or even this application:
   Enhanced SMS & Caller ID.
8. Flag "Vibration response" - All actions of gesture navigation or groping mode are accompanied by vibration. I personally use this setting, so I have the flag checked.
9. Flag "Sound signal" - Similar to "Vibration response", only all actions are accompanied by some weird TalkBack sounds.
10. "TalkBack louder" flag - This flag can be set so that when TalkBack speaks while listening to music or watching a video, the player's sound is muted. But this will not be possible in all programs. Because this action must still be implemented by the programmer in the music or video player itself. In stock applications for video and music on my Galaxy S3, this works to its fullest extent.
11. "Volume" - This section controls TalkBack sounds, which include the "Beep" flag. If the action sounds are too loud, then select a lower value there.
12. "Explore by touch" flag - Must be checked; without this flag, gesture navigation and touch mode will not work. And without all this, a completely blind person will have nothing to do there.
13. "Auto-scroll lists" flag - Can be checked. This is required so that when you move through gesture navigation through elements, that is, swipe left/right or similar duplicate up/down gestures. In general, there is no difference here. Then vertical lists of settings, contacts, files, and so on, will scroll on the screen automatically.
14. Flag "Select with one click" - You can wish it. This setting makes it possible to activate elements not with a double tap, but with a single tap in the palpation mode. That is, if you touch any element with your finger, then when this flag is disabled, activation occurs from a double tap; if this flag is enabled, activation will occur from a single tap. You only need to tap specifically on the selected element; with other activation options, this setting will not work. And it will only happen from a double tap.
15. “Guide to learn by touch” - Some kind of training help for new users of the Android operating system on learning how to navigate the device.
16. “Gesture control” - The section is responsible for setting the assignment of actions for corner gestures and vertical two-way gesture up/down or down/up.
17. "Manage personalized shortcuts" - Appeared in android version 4.3. Here you can view and edit shortcuts to the buttons to which you yourself have assigned a label. Read in more detail:
18. "Resume" - Here you select the choice after which action you want TalkBack to resume. TalkBack has the ability to temporarily pause it. I have “When the screen turns on” selected. This is done like this:
    1. An angular gesture is made down and to the right on the screen;
    2. After a certain notification, place the club in the middle of the screen and, without releasing your finger, move it to the upper left corner, where the user should hear “Pause reviews”, release the club and, if necessary, confirm the selected action;
    3. Now, if you need to launch TalkBack, lock the screen and immediately unlock it, after which TalkBack should start.

    Attention! I don’t encourage anyone here to make identical settings according to these instructions. Everyone decides for himself what will be better and more convenient for him. I just tried to describe their meaning, and what I actually use myself. And then try, experiment and figure it out.

That's it, good luck everyone, train.

TalkBack is a special functional addition for people with disabilities (impaired coordination, poor vision), pre-installed on almost all modern phones running Android OS (Sony Xperia, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, etc.). It voices all actions performed by the user on the phone. This mode is also used by some drivers so as not to be distracted from driving and not to lose control of the roadway.

In the functionality of the program:

• converting speech into text and voicing text information;
• sound of pressed keys;
• audio notification about the subscriber making a call (with the option of auto-scrolling the contact list);
• “reading out loud” the names of launched applications and commands highlighted by touching a finger;
• “reader” of texts in a file and on web pages in a browser;
• launching commands with special gestures;
• assigning “hot keys” to launch certain operations;
• adjusting the tone and volume level of sounds using a distance sensor.

How to turn off an application completely

To disable the Talkback feature, follow these instructions:

1. Touch the “Settings” icon on the gadget’s home screen with your finger.

2. In the “System” section, tap the “Special” item. possibilities".

4. To turn off Talkback, in the Services panel, open the options section.

5. Touch your finger to change the activation status (switch position).

6. Confirm the operation in progress. Select "OK" at the prompt.

Partial shutdown

If you only need certain features of an application, you can selectively disable it in its settings panel:

1. Go to TalkBack.

2. Tap “Settings”.

3. Make any necessary parameter changes. In the menu, you can not only disable key voicing, but also adjust voice synthesis, volume level and other add-ons.

Specifics of Talkback control on Samsung

On Samsungs with the TouchWiz user interface, in the settings, you first need to go to the “My Device” subsection to open the “Accessibility” item and the Talkback settings panel.

The Talkback service is managed according to the standard scheme. Even a phone owner without any experience using the Android OS can master it without much difficulty.