How Do I Remove the Narrator in My Phone?

To remove the narrator feature on your phone, which is typically known as TalkBack on Android devices or VoiceOver on iPhones, you can disable it through your phone's accessibility settings or by using voice commands. This feature provides spoken feedback to assist users with visual impairments, but it can be accidentally activated.

Disabling Narrator on Android Phones (TalkBack)

TalkBack is Google's screen reader that provides spoken feedback. When it's active, you'll hear spoken cues and need to use specific gestures for navigation (single tap to select, double-tap to activate, two-finger scroll).

Method 1: Using Phone Settings

This is the most reliable way to turn off TalkBack.

1. Launch the Settings App:
   • Tap the Settings icon once to select it, then double-tap anywhere on the screen to open it.
   • Alternatively, you can say "Hey Google, open settings" to your Google Assistant.
2. Navigate to Accessibility:
   • Scroll down the Settings menu. You may need to use two fingers to scroll if TalkBack is active.
   • Look for Accessibility and double-tap to open it.
3. Find TalkBack:
   • Within the Accessibility menu, locate TalkBack. Double-tap to select it.
4. Deactivate TalkBack:
   • At the top of the TalkBack screen, you'll usually find a toggle switch labeled "Use TalkBack" or similar.
   • Tap the switch once to select it, then double-tap to turn it off.
   • Confirm the action if a pop-up appears, typically by double-tapping "Turn Off" or "Stop."

For more detailed guidance, visit the official Google support page: Turn TalkBack on or off

Method 2: Using the Volume Key Shortcut

Many Android phones offer a quick shortcut to toggle TalkBack.

• Press and hold both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about three seconds.
• If this shortcut is enabled, TalkBack will turn off immediately. If it doesn't work, this shortcut might not be configured or enabled on your device. You can usually enable or disable this shortcut within the TalkBack settings mentioned above.

Method 3: Using Google Assistant

• Activate Google Assistant by saying "Hey Google" or by pressing and holding your phone's home button.
• Once Google Assistant is listening, say, "Turn off TalkBack."

Disabling Narrator on iPhones (VoiceOver)

VoiceOver is Apple's screen reader for iOS devices. Similar to TalkBack, it provides spoken descriptions of what's on your screen.

Method 1: Using Phone Settings

1. Open Settings:
   • Tap the Settings icon once to select it, then double-tap to open.
   • Alternatively, you can say "Hey Siri, open settings."
2. Go to Accessibility:
   • Scroll down and tap Accessibility once, then double-tap to open.
3. Find VoiceOver:
   • At the top of the Accessibility screen, tap VoiceOver once, then double-tap.
4. Turn Off VoiceOver:
   • Tap the toggle switch next to "VoiceOver" once to select it, then double-tap to turn it off.

For more information, refer to Apple's official support page: Turn on and practice VoiceOver on iPhone

Method 2: Using the Side or Home Button Shortcut

You can quickly toggle VoiceOver if you've configured the Accessibility Shortcut.

• For iPhones with Face ID (no Home button): Triple-click the Side button.
• For iPhones with a Home button: Triple-click the Home button.
• If VoiceOver doesn't turn off, you might have multiple accessibility shortcuts assigned to the triple-click. In that case, a menu will appear, and you can select "VoiceOver" from the list to toggle it off.
• To manage this shortcut, go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut.

Method 3: Using Siri

• Activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" or by pressing and holding the Side or Home button.
• Once Siri is listening, say, "Turn off VoiceOver."

Quick Reference Summary

Here’s a summary of common methods to disable the narrator feature on your phone:

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the narrator from your phone, restoring normal touch interactions.