Getting Started with TalkBack for Android

TalkBack is Google screen reader for Android devices.

Turn on TalkBack

The layout of Settings varies on device model, software version, and manufacturing company since Android is an open source operating system customized across various companies' devices.

The easiest way to find and enable TalkBack is to use the search feature in Settings typically at the top or in the top right corner shown as the magnifying class icon.

Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings
Scroll down to Accessibility
Scroll down until you find TalkBack
In here, you can toggle TalkBack on and off or adjust settings for TalkBack such as voice and speech rate or gestures in the TalkBack settings section.

Basic Gestures

TalkBack alters the gestures you use to interact with the device.

To focus on an item, tap once.
To select that item, double-tap.
To navigate through items, swipe left or right.
To scroll with TalkBack, swipe with two fingers up, down, left, or right.
To toggle TalkBack speech, tap once with two fingers.
To play or pause media quickly, double-tap with two fingers anywhere on the screen.
To access the TalkBack menu, swipe down then right or tap once with three fingers.

Most gestures can be customized in the TalkBack settings.

Basic Navigation

TalkBack also alters the way you navigate your device between apps and various screens such as accessing your Quick Settings panel or Notification Shade.

If you have your bottom navigation set to swipe, swipe up with two fingers to go to your desktop.
To access your Recent Apps with the swipe bottom navigation, swipe up with two fingers on the navigation bar and hold for a moment, then release.
To access your Notification Shade, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen,
To access your Quick Settings Panel, open your Notification Shade, then again, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen.
If you have your bottom navigation set to 3-button navigation, tap on the desired key once to focus the TalkBack cursor, then double-tap to select and activate it.

Learn More TalkBack Features & Settings

Learn how to customize your TalkBack's voice: TalkBack Text-to-Speech Settings >

Learn how to customize the TalkBack gestures: Customize TalkBack Gestures >

Learn about the TalkBack Menu and how to customize it: The TalkBack Menu >

Learn about the TalkBack Braille Keyboard TalkBack Braille Keyboard >

Support

Support Articles

Last updated: March 17, 2025

Reference the original support article by Google here: Getting Started on Android with TalkBack - Google Support

All references to Google and their products and services are trade-marked and are used in these articles for educational purposes.