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To get your Roku to stop talking, turn off its Screen reader—formerly called Audio Guide. Press the Star button on your remote four times quickly, or open Home > Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader and switch it off. If the voice only occurs during a show or movie, check that program’s audio or accessibility options instead; it may be audio description.
Turn off Roku’s Screen reader
Roku’s Screen reader narrates interface text, menus, and other on-screen items. Roku describes it as a text-to-speech feature that helps people navigate the interface. [Roku Support]
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Use the remote shortcut
- From any screen, press the remote’s Star button four times quickly.
- The shortcut toggles the Screen reader on or off, provided its shortcut setting is enabled.
Use Settings
- Press Home on the Roku remote.
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader.
- Switch Screen reader off.
Roku documents both ways to control the feature. [Roku Support: Screen reader instructions] [Roku Support: Accessibility]
Stop the shortcut from turning it on again
If four quick Star presses turn the narration back on by accident, open Home > Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader and set Shortcut to off. With the shortcut disabled, pressing Star four times will no longer toggle Screen reader. This removes the quick toggle; the Settings route remains the way to change the feature.
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Check whether the voice is from a show
If Roku narrates menus and on-screen text, the Screen reader is the likely cause. If speech is heard only while a particular show or movie is playing, it may be that program’s audio description, which describes visual events in the content. Check the title’s audio or accessibility controls. Roku’s Screen reader documentation explains interface narration, but does not give one universal path for disabling audio description across third-party channels.
Closed captions are different: they display text transcribed from supported program audio. Turning captions on or off does not control spoken narration of Roku menus. [Roku Support: Accessibility]
Rank #2
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If Screen reader is missing from Settings
- Check device and region: Roku’s accessibility overview describes availability on Roku TVs and players currently sold in the US and Canada. Its device-specific instructions list supported products in the US, so availability should not be assumed to be identical worldwide. [Roku Support: Accessibility] [Roku Support: Screen reader instructions]
- Check software: Roku says enabling Screen reader requires Roku OS 7.5 or later. [Roku Support: Accessibility]
- Try a manual software update: Roku recommends this if a listed supported device does not show the Screen reader option. [Roku Support: Screen reader instructions]
If the remote does not respond
Use the Roku mobile app as a control fallback if your remote is not working. If you are using a Roku voice remote, Roku says it must be paired with the player. [Roku Support: Pair and use a voice remote]
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
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