If you have low vision or a visual impairment, Google TalkBack helps you navigate your Android-powered device with spoken feedback and simple gestures. In this article, we’ll explore TalkBack mode capabilities on your Android device and how to customise TalkBack settings so it works the way you want it to.
What can you do with TalkBack?
TalkBack is an Android accessibility feature designed for people with low vision or visual impairments. It lets you use your phone through voice and gestures, so you’re not relying on the screen to get things done.
When TalkBack mode is activated, just touch your screen and your phone will read aloud what’s there. You can tap, swipe or press with two fingers to move through apps, menus and more. These intuitive controls make TalkBack settings highly customisable, and you can shape the feature to suit your preferences and how you like to navigate your phone.
Let’s take a closer look at what Google TalkBack can do.
Touch or swipe to interact with the screen.
With TalkBack mode turned on, if you slowly drag one finger across the screen, the selected area will be outlined, and the icons, buttons and content in that location will be read aloud. As you trace the screen and move your finger, the outline moves with a short vibration, changing the area that’s read aloud. By tracing the status bar and icons at the top of the screen, you can also audibly check your phone's status, such as notifications and battery level.
When you hear the name of an app or button you want to use, just stop moving your finger. Your device will suggest actions you can take from there. To select one, simply double-tap the screen.
You can also listen to content in web browsers like Chrome, read ebooks aloud and more. Want to adjust the reading speed? You can do that right from TalkBack settings.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on getting started with TalkBack.
Accessible updates you can hear.
Get spoken updates for key moments, like when a call comes in or your phone turns off.
If you have difficulty viewing the screen, it’s easy to miss when your phone locks. With TalkBack mode enabled, you’ll receive a voice notification saying "Screen off" when the screen turns off, so you always know what your device is doing.
You’ll also get useful updates like battery level or whether silent mode is on, making it easier to catch anything you might have missed, like forgetting to mute your phone or noticing it’s not charging.
When you receive a call, you’ll hear "Incoming call" plus the phone number and caller's name. You can answer and hang up calls with a quick swipe or double-tap. Get more information on handling calls with Google TalkBack.
Note: Features might vary depending on your device and app.
Using the keyboard with audio.
If you have the Gboard, the Google Keyboard app installed, you can use TalkBack to enter and edit text. The text-to-speech feature lets you know which key you press on the keyboard.
TalkBack mode also supports voice input, but it might be tricky to use in noisy places or quiet spots like libraries. When that happens, try using earphones. You can listen to TalkBack read aloud while still using the app.
Operating your device with voice commands.
In addition to gestures, you can also use voice commands to operate TalkBack mode. For example, by saying "first" or "last" to your smartphone, you can specify the screen section to read aloud. By saying "Home" or "Recently used apps", you can also navigate to a different screen.
If you are unsure what to do with voice commands, you can also say "Help" to see a list of voice commands. Explore more ways to use TalkBack voice commands.
Learning more and customising TalkBack.
While using Google TalkBack, you can call up the TalkBack menu to view and change your TalkBack actions and settings.
When you open the TalkBack menu, the actions available on the current screen are displayed at the top of the list. You can also check voice commands and adjust the text-to-speech speed or the pitch of the voice to make it easier to hear.
From TalkBack settings on the TalkBack menu, you can change actions for each gesture, adjust the speed, voice and more. If you feel uncertain about using TalkBack, select Tutorials and Help from the TalkBack settings.
Find more information on how to use the TalkBack menu in the Help Center.
Find the perfect smartphone for you.
Android-powered smartphones come packed with the latest features and powerful specs. Whether you’re drawn to sleek design, high-performance cameras or accessibility features like TalkBack, there’s a device built with you in mind. Take a look through the Android range and see which one feels right.
How to turn TalkBack on or off.
With Google Assistant, you can easily set up TalkBack mode by saying "OK Google" to your device and then "Turn on TalkBack". You can also configure it by going to Settings, tapping Accessibility and then selecting TalkBack.
When you’re ready to turn it off, simply say, “OK Google. Turn off TalkBack."
Need fast access to TalkBack? You can use the Accessibility menu to tap and double-tap to toggle it on or off. Or, use accessibility shortcuts to turn TalkBack mode on or off with a quick press.
Get to know TalkBack to help you use your smartphone.
Google TalkBack is a powerful feature that transforms how you interact with your Android-powered device.
Whether you’re navigating with gestures, listening to what’s on screen or managing calls hands-free, TalkBack mode is designed to make your device work better for you. The settings are ready to customise based on your preferences, so take a moment to explore, try things out and make it your own.
Need help along the way? Visit the Help Center for more step-by-step instructions and tips.