How to disable the blind feature on Android. Android Accessibility Basics
Currently, the Android operating system is the most popular. It is installed on more than 1.2 billion devices worldwide. But few people know what this OS contains hidden possibilities. Internet project “Be Mobile” studied “ secret functions"and prepared a list of the most interesting of them.
1. Hidden mini-game
id="sub0">Since Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Google company stirs it up for everyone Android smartphones, so called, " Easter eggs"- hidden secrets that can be seen by performing a series of non-obvious actions. Like the names of the operating system versions, Easter eggs in it are also usually associated with sweets: in version Android 4.1 Jelly Bean these were flying jelly beans, in Android 4.4 KitKat - the OS logo in the style of the Nestle sweet of the same name, and in Android 5.0 Lollipop - hidden game in Flappy Bird style. Android 6.0 Marshmallow has not been left out either.
To access the mini-game, open Settings. Go to “About phone” or “About tablet”. Quickly click on “Android Version” several times. A marshmallow stylized as an android's head will appear on the screen. If you quickly click on it a few more times, a mini-game will open.
Like Android 5.0, the mini-game in Android 6.0 is in the style of Flappy Bird, but the lollipops are replaced with marshmallows in the shape of a robot head. The game has funny graphics and, although it looks simple, it is quite difficult to score at least 10 points in it. I got a maximum of 4 points. I couldn't do it anymore.
2. Remote control of a smartphone
id="sub1">Lost Android mobile devices can be found and blocked, but Google hid this option quite deeply. It is activated in the menu “Settings -> Security -> Device Administrators” In chapter " Remote control Android".
Check the box next to “Remote device search” and “Remote blocking”.
Activate extended rights for the device manager upon request. Now you can manage your device from google.com/android/devicemanager in your Google account or through the Android Remote Control application
People who are familiar with Android will easily restore deleted files, unless you encrypt your mobile device. To activate this option, open “Settings -> Security -> Device encryption”. Set up encryption.
3. Safe Mode
id="sub2">Another protective Android function is "safe mode". It deactivates all third party applications. Moreover, in " safe mode» they can be deleted if for some reason they are incompatible with your mobile device, ended up in the boot loop by accident, are Trojans or viruses.
To start “safe mode”, hold down the power button. When the menu for turning off the smartphone and activating airplane mode opens, hold your finger on the “Power off” item for a long time. Then confirm to boot into safe mode.
The smartphone will boot into “safe mode”. All icons third party applications will have grey colour. If something happens, you can safely remove them.
4. Synchronization and push notification settings
id="sub3">When installing certain applications, you don’t think about permissions to send push notifications or any others. Over time, these applications begin to spam you with unnecessary information. Games especially suffer from this, but it can also be quite regular applications. Luckily, notifications can be turned off.
To do this, open “Settings -> Applications -> All”, find the culprit and select “Notifications”. Here you can either disable all notifications at once (“Block All”), or allow only “swipe” notifications (“Short Notifications”), etc.
5. Advanced WLAN settings
id="sub4">On Android there is a settings section that is completely invisible to most users with additional options Wi-Fi. To get to it, you need to go to “Settings -> Wi-Fi”, then press the menu key and select “Advanced features”. Here you can turn off notifications about detected networks, turn off Wi-Fi in sleep mode, prohibit the use Wi-Fi networks With bad signal and configure Wi-Fi Direct(direct pairing of devices without using an access point).
6. Setting up mobile Internet traffic control
id="sub5">In Android without third party programs Internet traffic can be monitored. For example, now many operators mobile communications provide a limited package of free traffic for a month. To control this traffic and not exceed the quota, or to understand how much traffic is left, you can set limits.
For this purpose, there is a separate “Data transfer” item in the settings. There you can set a traffic limit, upon reaching which a notification will appear, as well as a limit, after which data transfer will be automatically turned off. For each application, separate statistics are kept on data in the background and active modes, a graph is being built. Starting from Android 5.0, this interface is also available in quick settings by touching the mobile network icon.
7. Block calls from specific numbers
id="sub6">It happens that you need to block calls from specific number. There are no special blacklists in Android, but those available in Google Play applications implement blocking of numbers using dirty hacks and not always correctly.
However, blocking separate rooms can be obtained at basic version Android, for this you just need to send unwanted subscribers to voicemail. To do this, click on to the right contact, then click the edit icon, then the menu and select “Voice only.” mail". There, by the way, you can set a separate ringtone for the unfortunate subscriber.
8. Disabling pre-installed applications
id="sub7">It happens that the manufacturer preinstalls many incomprehensible programs and apps you don't use. They occupy a certain memory, and you dream of getting rid of them.
In Android you can disable many pre-installed applications. To do this, go to “Settings -> Applications” and open the “All” tab. Now you can view the list available utilities. Choose required application, and then click “Disable”. Now you can click on “Erase data”. For “frozen applications” that cannot be simply deleted, there is a separate “Disabled” tab. Unfortunately, not all applications can be frozen. Which ones depend on the manufacturer.
9. Expanding internal memory
id="sub8">Android has always had a problem with extensions internal memory smartphone. The connected SD card did not allow this, remaining external storage. The function of transferring applications to a memory card, which appeared in Android 2.2, also did not really save the situation. Finally, with Android 6.0, Google finally decided to correct the situation. Now, after connecting a flash drive or SD card, the system offers two options. The first is to use it as removable storage. The second is to make it an internal drive.
In the second case, the smartphone will format the flash drive in file system ext4 using 128-bit AES encryption and mounts it as system partition. Next, a test for reading and writing speed will be carried out. Now, unfortunately, all memory cards are significantly inferior in speed to built-in memory, which in theory can lead to slow operation of the device. Fortunately, only the opening time depends on the performance of the disk subsystem specific application or downloading part of it. And all calculations are carried out outside the disk.
10. Quickly change letter case
id="sub9">It happens that the text has already been written and you need to change the case of individual letters or entire words. Android has its own secret about this. To change the case of letters or make words or sentences in an already entered message begin with capital letters, just select the message and press the Shift button one or more times until you get the desired result.
11. Quick access to settings
id="sub10">In Android 5 and Android 6, access to quick settings can be achieved by pulling the curtain out with two fingers. Of course, you can access Quick Settings the old fashioned way: by swiping down the screen twice from top to bottom. But this is not a secret at all.
12. Quickly switch to silent mode
id="sub11">You can quickly turn on vibration mode in Android 5 and Android 6 by pressing the volume key and then clicking on the icon on the left side of the slider that appears. In practice, this option turns out to be much faster than repeatedly pressing the volume down key on the end of the smartphone.
13. Calling Magnifier
id="sub12">Android has a screen magnifier. To enable it, you need to sequentially go to “Settings -> Special”. options -> Gestures to zoom in.” Now you can enlarge any part of the screen by clicking on it three times. This feature may be especially useful among people with low vision and the elderly.
14. Disable adding shortcuts to the desktop
id="sub13">To disable automatic creation icons on the desktop, run Play Store. Then go to settings and uncheck the “Add icons” option. Now, by default, program icons will appear only in the general list.
15. Hidden game in the Chrome browser
id="sub14">To conclude our selection, there’s another hidden game, this time on mobile. Chrome browser. Try turning off Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet on your smartphone (tablet). Next, open Chrome.
When you try to exit to any address, the browser will display an error with its code. A dinosaur will appear above the text. If you click on the dinosaur at this moment, the character will come to life and begin to move across the screen. It's like an old PlayStation: you can tap the screen to control a dinosaur as it jumps over cacti, and like any game like this, your goal is to hold out and score maximum amount points. Of course, the game is quite primitive, but it hooks you for a long time. Tested for yourself!
By the way, this game has now become available for download on the Google Play Store and it’s called Dino Run - Dinosty.
For people with good vision this mode doesn't fit. However, sometimes curiosity takes over and people activate TalkBack on their device. In this case, after the first activation it starts new way enabling a feature that can cause you to re-enable TalkBack without even realizing how you did it.
Let's look at several ways to disable. Let's start with the simplest one.
- Press two at the same time mechanical buttons, responsible for decreasing and increasing the volume. You'll be prompted to pause TalkBack. Click on the “Ok” button once, a green frame will appear, then make two quick clicks.
- That's not all! You just paused TalkBack. Now go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Accessibility ->
Attention! If you activated TalkBack at least once, then it has shortcut keys“on/off” - simultaneously pressing the volume buttons. To avoid accidentally turning on TalkBack again, turn the feature off.
- Go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Accessibility -> TalkBack.
- At the bottom of the screen, click on “Settings” and scroll down the page that opens until you find “On.” and off TalkBack with one key." Disable this feature.
All. Now you won't accidentally turn on TalkBack mode.
Let's consider more the hard way turn off TalkBack. Just in case. This is useful if you have problems pressing the volume buttons or you have turned off the ability to activate and deactivate TalkBack using the volume buttons.
- First, there are a few things you need to know about using TalkBack. The first click selects an element. Then double clicking will activate the element. To switch to the next item in the list, you need to swipe right on the screen, previous element– to the left. This is necessary to scroll up or down the screens.
- Now, after familiarizing yourself with the basics of the mode, go to “Settings” -> “Advanced Settings” -> “Accessibility” -> “TalkBack”. Drag the slider to the left and confirm your intention to turn off TalkBack.
Google TalkBack is an assistive application for people with visual impairments. It is preinstalled by default in any smartphone running the Android operating system and, unlike alternative options interacts with all elements of the device shell.
Disable TalkBack on Android
If you accidentally activated the application using function buttons or in the menu special features gadget, it is quite easy to disable it. Well, those who do not intend to use the program at all can completely deactivate it.
Note! Moving within a system with voice assistant requires double clicking on the selected button. Scrolling through the menu occurs using two fingers at once.In addition, depending on the device model and version Android actions may differ slightly from those discussed in the article. However, in general, the principle of finding, setting up and turning off TalkBack should always be the same.
Method 1: Quick shutdown
Once TalkBack is activated, you can quickly turn it on or off using physical buttons. This option is convenient for instantly switching between smartphone operating modes. Regardless of your device model, this happens as follows:
1. Unlock the device and simultaneously hold down both volume buttons for about 5 seconds until you feel a slight vibration.
In older devices (Android 4), hereinafter they can be replaced by the power button, so if the first option does not work, try holding down the " On off"on the body. After the vibration and before the shutdown window appears, place two fingers on the screen and wait for the vibration to occur again.
This option will only work if the buttons were previously assigned to activate TalkBack as quick start service. To check and set this up, assuming you plan to use the service again from time to time, you can do the following:
1. Go to " Settings» > «».
2. Select "".
3. If the control is set to “”, activate it.
You can also use the “” item so that you don’t need to unlock the screen to enable/disable the assistant.
4. Go to "".
5. Assign TalkBack to it.
6. A list of all tasks for which this service will be responsible will appear. Press " OK", exit settings and you can check if it works set parameter activation.
Method 2: Disable via Settings
Having difficulty deactivating using the first option ( faulty button volume, untuned quick shutdown), you need to visit the settings and disable the application directly. Depending on the device model and shell, the menu items may vary, but the principle will be similar. Focus on the names or use the search field at the top of Settings, if you have one.
1. Open " Settings" and find the item "".
2. In the section " Screen readers"(it may not exist or it may be called differently) click on "".
3. Click on the button in the form of a switch to change the status from “ Included" on "".
Disabling TalkBack
You can also stop the application as a service; in this case, although it will remain on the device, it will not start and will lose some of the settings assigned by the user.
1. Open " Settings", then " Apps and notifications" (or simply "").
2. In Android 7 and higher, expand the list with the “ Show all applications" On previous versions this OS, switch to the "" tab.
3. Find "" and click the "" button.
4. A warning will appear, which you must agree to by clicking on “”.
5. Another window will open where you will see a message about restoring the version to the original one. Existing updates on top of what was installed when the smartphone was released will be removed. Tap on " OK».
Now, if you go to "", you will not see the application there as a connected service. It will also disappear from the “” settings if they were assigned to TalkBack (more about this is written in Method 1).
To turn it on, follow steps 1-2 from the instructions above and click on the " Turn on" To return to the application additional functions, just visit the Google Play Store and install Latest updates Talkback.
Method 3: Complete removal (root)
This option is only suitable for users who have root rights on their smartphone. By default, TalkBack can only be disabled, but superuser rights remove this restriction. If you are strongly dissatisfied with this application and want to get rid of it completely, use the removal software system programs on Android.
More details:
Despite its great benefits for people with vision problems, accidentally turning on TalkBack can cause significant discomfort. As you can see, it is very easy to disable it quick method or through settings.
TalkBack is very useful and functional application for Android. We will tell you in detail what this program is and why it is needed. Find out how to use it and why everyone asks - “How to turn off TalkBack?”
There are many applications on Google Play that help make your life easier. ordinary people, and to a person with disabilities. One such application is TalkBack.
What is TalkBack?
TalkBack is an application that will literally voice all your actions on your smartphone. The program is Google service both by default and built into the operating system Android system. It is automatically updated and improved every time.
TalkBack service is in a great way for the visually impaired to fully use all the functions of their phone. TalkBack is also perfect for car drivers who don’t particularly like to be distracted on the roads.
What Google TalkBack can do:
- Convert text to speech and vice versa
- When typing, the program speaks each key;
- At every incoming call information about the caller is announced, and there is also auto-scrolling of contact lists.
- Voiceover of selected or launched applications;
- The application can read any text located in text file and in the browser.
- Gesture control.
- You can select a specific keyboard shortcut for a particular action.
- Using the distance sensor, you can adjust the tone and volume of the sound.
In fact, the functionality of the program is much greater than what is described, and to understand how it works this application won't be difficult. When the application is activated, scrolling is done with two fingers.
This program is very specific and healthy person it's unlikely to be useful. The constant sounding of all actions quickly gets boring and users want to quickly turn it off on their devices.
How to turn off TalkBack on your phone?
I hope you understand what this program is. Let's now figure out how to turn off Google TalkBack on your phone:
- Go to “Settings” of your phone;
- Scroll down where you will find "Accessibility";
- In the Services field you will see TalkBack;
- Click on the application, slide the switch to OFF mode and confirm the action.
With the same sequence, you can enable this application. In order to configure the application, you need to go to TalkBack Settings there. Access to the application and its settings may vary depending on the model and brand of the phone and the version of Android. So, for example, on Samsung (TouchWiz) with Android version 4.3, application settings are located in Settings - My device - Accessibility - TalkBack.
An Android user who first encountered this system tries to study it thoroughly. And sometimes, completely by accident, he turns on the Talk Back function, and therefore he strives to find out how to disable Talkback on Android. Naturally, after the “work done,” no one knows how to get everything back. As it turns out in practice, it is very difficult to return all the functionality of the device back and problematic. The creators, as a rule, do not provide a description of how to disable this feature, which means users have to act purely on an intuitive level.
In order not to lose hours, and even days, to fix the problem created in few seconds, first you need to familiarize yourself with the functioning of talkback. Knowing the location of the program, as well as the OS version, using a few tips, you can easily return everything to its place.
Talkback what is this program
Talkback- This Android application, which was created for people who have difficulty seeing or have no vision at all. This function completely takes over all work with the device and voices every step of the blind user. This feature is convenient for those who have previously worked on a computer, because working with the device becomes like clicking a mouse.
Just one touch needed to press keys, and they are always voiced. The same is true for voice acting during typing. In addition, it sends notifications about calls. And if you shake the device, the program will begin to read out everything that is on the screen at the moment.
If you click on a letter and hold your finger on it, then the program reads the letter first, and then the word that begins with it. This typing method allows you to accurately type a word by ear, perceiving each letter correctly. Talkback useful and your audio prompts. They can provide information regarding one of the listed properties on the phone. In addition, the program allows you to recognize gestures, and even synthesizes human speech into text.
How to disable Talkback feature on Android
With just one touch, the user selects text, similar to using a mouse on a computer. You can interact with all objects on the screen by double tapping.
And so that to turn page in one direction, you need to use one touch with two fingers on the screen at once. The screen will simply refuse to respond to a single touch.
Removing the blockage from the tap must also be done according to the same principle. Use the pads of two fingers to touch the screen and gently pull up. Sometimes you need to enter password to unlock your smartphone. There may be voice support throughout the entire process.
Disabling the program step by step
Below we will consider the algorithm for maximizing convenient disable Talkback on most devices.
- Double click to go to the main menu
- Next you need to activate double click settings icon
- Holding the screen with two fingers, scroll through the settings until you find the section “ System»
- Next, open “ Special abilities» swipe the screen to the « tab Services»
- With Talkback open, find top corner on/off button
- To disable the feature double click drag the bar to " off»
Video instruction
After the work is done, a notification “ Disable Talkback service ?. Agree with this by tapping the screen twice quickly. That's all, if you have any questions, you can ask them below in the comments!