Roku Voice Narration: How to Make Your Roku Stop Talking

PDF download Download Article
Easy steps to disable text-to-speech on your Roku TV or streaming player
PDF download Download Article

Is your Roku suddenly narrating everything you see on screen? If you want to make your Roku stop talking, you've come to the right place! Roku TVs and streaming devices have an accessibility feature called Screen Reader which reads on-screen text aloud. While having a text-to-speech screen reader is useful for visually impaired users, it can be annoying if turned on accidentally. Fortunately, it's easy to disable Roku's screen reading feature: Just press the star button on your remote 4 times in a row, or switch off Screen Reader in your Accessibility settings. This wikiHow article will teach you the easiest way to stop your Roku from talking.

Things You Should Know

  • Press the Star key on your Roku remote 4 times (quickly) to make your Roku stop talking.
  • You can also disable Screen Reader in Settings > Accessibility > Screen Reader.
  • If you keep hearing voice narration even with Screen Reader off, you may need to turn off audio descriptions in your streaming app.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Star Key on the Remote

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If Roku won't stop talking because Screen Reader is enabled, pressing the asterisk key on your Roku remote four times (quickly) will turn it off. [1]
    • To turn Screen Reader back on, just press the Star key 4 times again.
    • If you don't want to worry about accidentally turning on Screen Reader, go to your Roku's Settings , select Accessibility > Screen Reader > Shortcut , then choose Disabled .
    • Screen Reader is available on all Roku TV models, as well as most streaming Roku streaming players including Streambar, Express, Premiere, Ultra, and Streaming Stick. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Accessibility Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find it on the Roku's homepage.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may be called Audio Guide on some devices.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you disable Screen Reader, your Roku will no longer narrate the screen aloud.
    • If you still hear your Roku talking after turning off Screen Reader, it's likely that you've enabled voice narration in one of your TV apps .
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Disabling Voice Narration in Apps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the streaming app on which you hear a voice-over narration. If your Roku continues to talk even after you have disabled Screen Reader, it's likely that the app you're using to stream a movie or TV show has voice narration enabled.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Roku-from-Talking-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The steps to turning off voice narration on streaming apps will be a little different depending on the app, but here is a quick breakdown:
    • Max (formerly HBO Max): Press the Play/Pause button as you're watching something with narration, select the Audio and Subtitles icon (the chat bubble with two lines inside), then select English – Original under "Audio" (instead of "English – Audio Description"). [3]
    • Netflix: Press the up or down arrow on your remote while watching a show or movie, select Audio & Subtitles (or the chat bubble icon), and choose a language that does not say "Audio Description" at the end. [4]
    • Hulu: Press the Up button on the Roku remote while watching a show or movie, select Settings , then select a language that does not say "Audio Description" at the end. [5]
    • Disney+: During playback, press the Star key on your Roku remote, then select a language option that does not say "Audio Description. [6] "
    • Amazon Prime Video: During playback, press the up arrow on your remote, then select a language option that does not say "Audio Description."
    • Apple TV+: Pause playback and select the gear icon. Select Accessibility and disable Audio Descriptions. [7]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If your Roku still won't stop talking after changing these settings, a software update may be available. In your Roku Settings , go to System > Software update > Check now to check for and install updates. [8]
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 6
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Access Your Roku's Secret Menus: 11 Working Codes
      The Easiest Way to Clear the Cache on Your Roku Device
      How to
      Sync a Roku Replacement Remote
      How to
      Set Up Your Roku Player and Connect it to a TV
      5 Simple Ways to Power On Your Roku TV without a Remote
      4 Ways to Find a Roku Remote With and Without the App
      How to
      Get YouTube on Roku: Complete Beginner's Guide
      Can You Install an AdBlocker on Roku? The Best Options to Minimize Ads
      How to
      Watch YouTube on Roku
      How to
      Contact Roku: The Best Ways to Get Help Now
      How To Connect a Roku Stick or TV to Wi-Fi Without a Remote
      3 Easy Ways to Add Channels & Apps to Your Roku Player or TV
      How to
      Turn Off Roku
      How to
      Connect a Roku to Internet with Ethernet or Wi-Fi
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/231584647
      2. ↑ https://www.roku.com/accessibility
      3. ↑ https://help.hbomax.com/do-en/answer/detail/000001265
      4. ↑ https://help.netflix.com/en/node/25079
      5. ↑ https://help.hulu.com/s/article/audio-description
      6. ↑ https://help.disneyplus.com/article/disneyplus-en-us-video-language
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-eg/guide/tvapp/atvb372a82a4/web
      8. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/208755668

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,807 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement