TalkBack is an Android accessibility feature that reads the screen out loud and changes how you tap. If it was turned on by accident, here's how to turn it off.

How TalkBack changes touch

While TalkBack is on:

  • Items have a focus box around them.
  • A single tap selects an item and reads it aloud.
  • You double-tap anywhere to activate the selected item.
  • You drag with two fingers to scroll.

Keep these gestures in mind while following the steps below.

Try this first — the volume-button shortcut

Press and hold both volume buttons at the same time for about three seconds. You should hear a confirmation that TalkBack turned off.

If that doesn't work, try the next step.

Ask Google Assistant

Say "Hey Google, turn off TalkBack." Wait for the confirmation tone.

If Google Assistant isn't set up on your phone or doesn't respond, turn it off in Settings (next section).

Turn off TalkBack in Settings

If your phone is locked

  1. Press the power button to wake the screen.
  2. One finger swipe up, then right to open the TalkBack menu (or down, then right).
  3. To get past the lock screen: swipe up with two fingers.
  4. Enter your PIN or pattern:
    • PIN: tap each digit with one finger, then tap OK or the enter key.
    • Pattern: trace your pattern continuously with one finger.

Open Settings

Either way works:

  • Quick settings: swipe down from the top with two fingers (twice to expand). Find the gear icon — tap to focus, then double-tap to open Settings.
  • App drawer: swipe up from the bottom with two fingers to open the app drawer. Find Settings, tap to focus, double-tap to open.

Turn TalkBack off

  1. In Settings, scroll (two fingers) to Accessibility. Tap to focus, double-tap to open.
  2. Tap TalkBack to focus, double-tap to open.
  3. Tap Use TalkBack toggle to focus, double-tap to turn it off.
  4. Tap Stop to focus, double-tap to confirm.

Once TalkBack is off, your phone goes back to normal touch behavior.

If nothing else works

If TalkBack is stuck on and you can't follow the steps, contact Thrive Mobile support. We can remotely reset your phone as a last resort — your photos and apps will need to be set up again afterward, so this is only for cases where you can't get past TalkBack any other way.

Keep your phone powered on, plugged in, and on Wi-Fi while you wait for our call — the remote reset only works if your phone is reachable.

When to contact support

  • You've tried the shortcuts, Google Assistant, and Settings, and TalkBack is still on
  • Your phone is locked and you can't get past the lock screen with TalkBack on