Using TalkBack or VoiceView

Learn how to enable TalkBack or VoiceView features to hear onscreen text for DIRECTV. It’s a snap to use if you use have a visual impairment.
ArticleDETAILED STEPS

To enable TalkBack on your DIRECTV device

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Preferences, then Accessibility.
  3. Choose TalkBack and turn the feature ON or OFF.

Good to know: 
When using DIRECTV device, you can turn TalkBack ON or OFF using a shortcut on your remote. Just hold down the Back and Home buttons at the same time for 5 seconds. You can also use TalkBack in IR Mode and during device setup.

To enable Voice Guide on your Samsung Smart TV

  1. Use the TV remote control to select Settings on your TV.
  2. Choose General, then Accessibility.
  3. Turn Voice Guide Settings ON or OFF.
  4. Open the DIRECTV app.

How it works?

When you turn the accessibility feature on, spoken words let you know what text is onscreen when you:

  • Scroll through carousels or enter a title or information about a program or movie.
  • Tap to open tabs like My Library, Guide, or Discover.
  • Select a program from the guide. You’ll hear the name of the program and when it’s airing.

Availability

You can get accessibility features on

  • DIRECTV device
  • Apple tvOS
  • iOS (iPhone and iPad)
  • Android (phone and tablet)
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Samsung TV (2017 or newer)
  • Roku

They aren’t available for web browsers or Chromecast right now.

Enabling or disabling the accessibility feature

Apple tvOS and iOS devices
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Accessibility and choose VoiceOver.
  3. Turn VoiceOver / Magnifier ON or OFF.
  4. Open the DIRECTV app.
Want to use Siri with Apple TV? Press the Siri button on your Apple remote, then say Turn VoiceOver on or Turn VoiceOver off.

Apple iOS 14 devices using VoiceOver with Direct Touch

Enable Direct Touch for your iOS 14 devices:
  1. Open the DIRECTV app.
  2. On the DIRECTV interface, tap and rotate using your two fingers as if you were turning a dial.
  3. VoiceOver will announce options - rotate until you hear Direct Touch.
  4. Release your fingers from the screen and swipe up or down to enable Direct Touch.
Tip: If you cannot find Direct Touch while turning the rotor, tap anywhere on screen until you hear “Direct Touch” and repeat steps 2 - 4 above.

Android phones or tablets
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Open Accessibility and select Talkback.
  3. Turn the feature ON or OFF.
  4. Open the DIRECTV app.
Amazon FireTV
  1. Use the remote to select Settings.
  2. Select Accessibility, then VoiceView.
  3. Turn VoiceView ON or OFF.
  4. Open the DIRECTV app.

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