How to use the TalkBack feature
TalkBack or Voice Assistant is a feature that assists blind and low vision users. It provides voice feedback so you can use your phone or tablet without looking at the screen. The function names vary depending on the software version, but the functions are the same. Refer to the guide below to enable or disable the TalkBack feature on your phone.
Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.
Step 2. Tap on Download and install.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to activate or deactivate TalkBack
The TalkBack feature provides voice feedback so you can use your phone without looking at the screen. It is designed for users or situations where it is difficult to see the screen. Follow the steps below to enable the TalkBack feature.
Step 1. Launch the Settings app, and then select Accessibility.
Step 2. Tap TalkBack.
Step 3. Tap the switch to activate TalkBack.
Note: You can also activate TalkBack through Bixby. To turn Boxby on you should:
1. Hold down the side-key.
2. Press the blue button at the centre-bottom of the screen if accessing Bixby for the first time.
3. Press the blue microphone icon in the centre-bottom of the screen.
4. Upon hearing the small jingle noise, say, ‘turn on talkback’.
5. Say, ‘yes’ to allow accessibility.
Talkback will now be turned on, and will audibly talk through the rest of the setup process.
To deactivate TalkBack, tap the switch and tap anywhere on the screen twice quickly.
Note:
- Some features are not available while you are using TalkBack.
- On devices with One UI 3.1, it's called TalkBack; however, on devices with earlier software versions, this feature is called Voice Assistant or Screen reader.
How to use TalkBack
When you enable TalkBack, your phone will initiate voice feedback and you will automatically be taken to a tutorial on how to use TalkBack. How to use TalkBack is as follows.
- Swipe right or left to move between items.
- Tap the selected item once to read the text on the screen aloud, double-tap the item to activate the feature.
- Drag with two fingers to scroll.
If you enable the TalkBack shortcut, you can turn the feature on and off by pressing the volume up/down keys at the same time.
Configuring settings for TalkBack
Configure settings for TalkBack for your convenience by following the steps below.
Step 1. In the Accessibility settings, tap TalkBack.
Step 2. Tap Settings.
Step 3. Customise TalkBack by selecting the settings you want to configure.
- New features in TalkBack: Check for key updates and changes to TalkBack.
- Text-to-speech settings: Change the settings for text-to-speech features used when TalkBack is activated, such as languages, speed, and more.
- Verbosity: Customise the detailed settings for voice feedback.
- Speak passwords: Set the device to read the characters aloud when you enter your password. If you deactivate this feature, the device will only read the password aloud when you are using earphones.
- Sound and vibration: Change sound settings for TalkBack.
- Customise gestures: View various finger gestures to control the screen while you are using TalkBack and customise the settings for gestures.
- Customise menus: Select which TalkBack menus and reading menus to use.
- Braille keyboard: Easily enter letters and numbers on the screen using a 6-dot braille keyboard.
- Tutorial and help: Learn how to use TalkBack.
- Advanced settings: Configure advanced settings for TalkBack.
- Open TalkBack in the Galaxy Store: Launch TalkBack from the Galaxy Store and check for updates.
Note: Device screenshots and menu may vary depending on the device model and software version.
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