Phones & TabletsSamsung

How do I turn off TalkBack on a Samsung Galaxy phone?

Answer

TalkBack changes taps to a speak-and-double-tap system. Turn it off with the volume-key shortcut (hold both volume keys), or go to Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack using TalkBack gestures and switch it off.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • A factory reset will remove TalkBack but also erase accounts and files. Use Accessibility settings first.
  • Do not install third-party “TalkBack fix” APKs from unknown websites.

Follow these steps

  1. Try the volume-key shortcut

    Press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down keys together for several seconds until you hear that TalkBack has stopped or a shortcut confirmation appears. Confirm if asked.

    You should see: TalkBack turns off and single taps work normally again.

  2. Disable TalkBack in Accessibility

    If it is still on: tap Settings once to focus it, double-tap to open. Go to Accessibility, focus TalkBack, double-tap, then double-tap the TalkBack switch to turn it off and confirm.

    You should see: TalkBack shows Off and spoken feedback stops.

  3. Turn off the accessibility shortcut

    In Accessibility settings, open the TalkBack or Accessibility shortcuts options and disable the volume-key or side-key shortcut so TalkBack does not restart by accident.

    You should see: Accidental volume holds no longer re-enable TalkBack.

  4. Restart if the screen still behaves oddly

    Hold the Side and Volume Down keys for a power menu if needed, restart the phone, then verify normal tapping works on the Home screen.

    You should see: The phone navigates with standard Android gestures.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Spoken feedback when you tap; need to double-tap to open items; Accessibility shortcut notification; Settings path to TalkBack.

Before you change anything: Practice the TalkBack gesture: tap once to focus, double-tap to activate. Do not erase the phone to disable TalkBack. If someone else enabled a screen lock you do not know, stop before resets that wipe data. Avoid apps that claim to “remove TalkBack” from unknown sources.

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