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Last updated on : 21 Jan 2025

Activating Screen Reader (TalkBack) on Android Devices

Overview

TalkBack is Android’s built in screen reader that provides spoken feedback for on screen content and actions. Enabling TalkBack allows testers to navigate apps using touch gestures and audio cues instead of visual input. This helps validate accessibility, focus order, labels, and gesture support across Android devices. It is essential for testing inclusive experiences for users with visual impairments.

What is a Screen Reader and Why It Matters?

A screen reader is an assistive technology that converts on screen elements like text, buttons, and alerts into spoken feedback or braille output. It is used by users with visual impairments to navigate apps independently using gestures and audio guidance. In accessibility testing, screen readers help teams verify that UI elements are correctly labeled, focus flows logically, and interactions are usable without sight. Testing with TalkBack ensures apps meet accessibility standards and deliver an inclusive, compliant user experience.

Prerequisites

• User must be registered Pcloudy account

note

This feature is supported only for devices with Android version 15 and above

Steps

1. Login to the Pcloudy platform.

2. Click on Real Devices under the Functional Experience tab in the Left Panel of the Pcloudy platform.

3. Click on Mobile Browser on the Real Devices page

4. Enter the Website URL you would like to test.

5. Select the device and click on Start Testing.

6. This will automatically open the Website URL on the device browser.

7. Allow the necessary permissions to view the mobile browser.

8. Click on Screen Reader on the Left Panel and enable the toggle switch to Activate Talkback.

note

• Make sure your system's audio is enabled to hear the button descriptions.
• After enabling Screen Reader, click on the device screen to set focus

Navigating on the Device When Using Screen Reader

You will need to use the following keyboard shortcuts to hear the Talkback.

Shortcut	Navigation
Tab	Moves focus to the next focusable element. Helps navigate through interactive elements sequentially.
Shift + Tab	Moves focus to the previous focusable element. Allows backward navigation through elements.
Right Arrow	Moves to the next item within the same container or group.
Left Arrow	Moves to the previous item within the same container or group.
Up Arrow	Moves to the item above (e.g., previous line or row).
Down Arrow	Moves to the item below (e.g., next line or row).