How does TalkBack work?
TalkBack communicates icons, buttons, and text on your phone’s screen using audio cues.
If you choose to use TalkBack with spoken feedback, you’ll use gestures to control the information your phone reads out. For example, if you swipe right, your phone will read aloud the next item on the screen, or if you drag your finger around the screen, TalkBack will tell you which app you’re touching.
You can also connect to a braille display. A refreshable braille display is an electronic device that allows users to read digital text by converting it into braille characters. It uses a series of small, movable pins that rise and fall to form braille cells. The display refreshes as the user navigates through digital content, enabling continuous reading of text from computers, smartphones, or other devices. Some devices can also be used to type onto and control the smartphone or tablet to which it is connected.
Alternatively, you can activate TalkBack’s braille keyboard in TalkBack’s settings. This gives you the option to type in grade one or grade two braille anywhere there’s an opportunity to enter text. The keyboard also includes gesture control to maximise ease of typing and productivity.
How to customise TalkBack’s settings
Some elements of TalkBack are customisable, so you can find the settings that work best for you. For instance, you can adjust the speech rate, speech complexity (verbosity), or customise menus and gestures.
Check out our explainer video to find out how to use TalkBack:
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How TalkBack can help you
As well as helping you navigate your phone’s screen, TalkBack can support you with general phone and app use. For example, it could be handy when you’re:
- Browsing the internet through Chrome
- Reading and writing emails
- Checking notifications
- Using social media and other apps
TalkBack and AI
Another way TalkBack can help you is by providing image descriptions. Thanks to a recent Google update called Gemini Nano, TalkBack users can enjoy more detailed image descriptions than ever before. The technology can even recognise landmarks and pairs well with apps like Google Chrome and Google Photos.
The depth and wealth of information available with AI tools is truly breathtaking. Rich photo descriptions and easy access to the information I need on demand – great for finding family photos, checking logos and even sorting receipts – just by talking to my phone.
How to install the Android Accessibility Suite on your phone
It’s built into your Android device as part of your device’s accessibility settings, so good news – it’s free. If TalkBack isn’t automatically installed on your Android device, it’s included in the Android Accessibility Suite, which is available to download for free from the Google Play Store.
Connecting TalkBack with Google Assistant
One of the quickest ways to activate TalkBack is by using Google Assistant, Google’s voice command system. But first, you need to connect TalkBack to Google Assistant.
- To do this, select Settings > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match > On.
- Once you’ve done this, you’ll then be able to use the voice commands “Hey Google, turn on TalkBack” when you want to use the screen reader.
Things to keep in mind when using Google TalkBack
Although it might be convenient to have an in-built screen reader in your Android device, there are some drawbacks to TalkBack:
- It’s unreliable at reading emojis.
- If your Android phone isn’t a Google Pixel phone, it’ll likely have its own version of TalkBack. When Google makes updates to TalkBack, it can take a while for these updates to reach other Android phones.
- Some users have reported TalkBack and Google Assistant speaking simultaneously, which can be overwhelming and confusing.
How to turn TalkBack off
Although TalkBack can be really useful in some instances, you might not want it on all the time. For example, it could interfere with other apps that use audio feedback, or you may find that TalkBack just isn’t the best screen reader for you. There are a few ways you can turn off or deactivate TalkBack, but remember, different methods will work for different phone models and will depend on your phone’s settings.
Press and hold both volume keys for a few moments. Once it’s off, your phone will confirm with the audio notification “TalkBack off”.
This method is for people who already have Google Assistant set up on their phone. If you do, say “Hey Google, turn off TalkBack.” When it’s off, your phone will let you know by saying “TalkBack off”.
To turn off TalkBack in Settings, open Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack > Toggle off “Use TalkBack” > Tap “Stop”.
Frequently asked questions
TalkBack is only available on Android devices. If you have an Apple device, you can use Apple’s screen reader, VoiceOver. Find out more in our guide to Apple accessibility features.
Every emoji has a piece of code called Unicode attached to it. Screen readers use this Unicode to identify an emoji so they can read its alt text description aloud. So, for example, a screen reader might read aloud “clapping hands” or “smiling face” when it encounters those emojis.
However, some users have reported issues with TalkBack misreading emojis in some apps, including Discord and WhatsApp, which results in context or tone of voice being lost.
