Roku offers excellent features to enhance the streaming experience for all its users. One of them is the screen reader feature, which is beneficial to people with blindness or visual impairments.
The screen reader will read out the menus and everything on the screen to assist users in navigating through Roku’s interface. But, for users who don’t need Roku to read all that appears on their screen, they have the option to turn it off.
Unfortunately, there are issues where the screen reader feature on Roku randomly turns on and won’t turn off. This creates a distraction to some users who don’t want the feature enabled. If you experience the same problem, let’s check out some possible fixes for it.
Troubleshooting Tips for Screen Reader Roku Player Feature Randomly Turns On or Won’t Turn Off Issue
There are two ways to disable the screen reader on Roku. The first one is to head over to the Settings menu. Navigate to Accessibility and you will see the Screen Reader option. Simply turn the feature off. Another way is to press the asterisk button on your Roku remote four times. In some cases, you will hear Roku saying “Screen Reader off.”
If the screen reader continues to play despite turning it off in either both ways, you can try the following workarounds.
1. Check the Accessibility Mode
A stuck accessibility mode is one of the reasons why your screen reader won’t turn off or get disabled easily. To verify it, go to the Settings menu and open Accessibility. Select Normal and press the asterisk button of your Roku remote.
2. Turn Off Voice Narrations in Apps
Maybe it is the app talking and not from Roku’s screen reader. You may need to disable Audio Description from the streaming app you are watching on your Roku media player or smart TV device. You can do so by accessing the Audio & Subtitles while playing a show from the streaming service. Choose a language without Audio Description or turn it off if it has the option for it.
3. Perform a System Restart
Restarting your Roku device will help refresh its processes. Launch the Settings menu and go to System. Select Power or System Restart.
4. Reset Roku to Factory Settings
Keep in mind that resetting your Roku device will revert the settings to its factory default and erase all your customization. However, it can help resolve the screen reader error. To perform the reset, head over to Settings and select System. Choose Advanced System Settings and select Factory Reset.
Wrapping It Up!
Roku’s screen reader is truly an advantage if you need help in hearing the menu and onscreen settings. But, if it does not work out for you, having the option to keep it quiet can be great!