How to Turn Off Voice (Audio Narrator) on Roku [2025 Guide]

Knowing How to Turn Off Voice on Roku? Is your Roku unexpectedly talking to you? Many Roku users experience this when the voice narration feature, often referred to as the “Screen Reader” (formerly Audio Guide), is enabled. While this feature is invaluable for those with vision impairments, it can be frustrating if turned on unintentionally. Don’t worry—it’s easy to turn it off! This guide breaks down the process step by step, offering solutions for navigating the Roku interface and ensuring your streaming experience is uninterrupted.

How to Disable the Voice on Roku

Whether it’s the remote or the system settings, disabling the voice feature on your Roku can be done in just a few moments. Here’s how to regain control and enjoy your content in silence. 

How to Turn Off Voice on Roku Using the Remote

The easiest, quickest way to disable the Roku voice narration feature is through your Roku remote. If you’ve heard your device start describing menu items or on-screen actions aloud, it’s likely you’ve accidentally activated the Screen Reader. Follow these steps to resolve this:

• Locate the Star (*) Button:  Grab your Roku remote and identify the “Star” or “*” button. This is your key to toggling the voice narration feature on and off.

• Perform a Quick Press Sequence: Press the “Star (*)” button four times in quick succession. You’ll then hear a message confirming that the Screen Reader has been turned off.

Note: If you press the button four times again, the screen reader will turn back on. Be careful not to activate it again unintentionally. This method works quickly, making it a lifesaver if the voice feature turns on during a streaming session.

Read More: Netflix Not Working on Roku

How to Turn Off Voice on Roku via System Settings

If you want to take a more permanent route, disabling the voice feature through the Roku system settings will ensure it doesn’t come back unexpectedly. Follow these easy steps:

• Access the Roku Home Screen: Press the “Home” button on your remote to open the main menu. 
• Navigate to the Settings Menu: Scroll down and select the “Settings” option.

• Locate the Accessibility Settings: Under the Settings menu, choose the “Accessibility” option.

• Switch Off the Screen Reader: Within the Accessibility section, select “Audio Guide.” Toggle it off to disable voice narration permanently.

By using the system settings, you gain extra control over whether the voice narration remains active or not—a great option if accidental activations frustrate you.

Why Is My Roku Reading Movies Aloud Even When Screen Reader Is Disabled?

If you’ve already disabled the Screen Reader but your Roku is still narrating movie dialogue or actions aloud, don’t panic. This is likely due to the Audio Description feature included in some streaming services rather than an issue with your Roku itself. Audio Description provides spoken descriptions of screen action and is often located within individual streaming app settings. Here’s how to disable it for popular platforms:

Apple TV

• Open the video you’re watching.
• Swipe down on the Apple TV remote to access the menu.
• Navigate to “Audio” settings and ensure “Audio Descriptions” is turned off.

HBO Max

• While playing a video, press the “Star (*)” button on your Roku remote.
• Select “Audio Track Options.”
• Choose a track that doesn’t involve audio descriptions.

Hulu

• During playback, press the “Up” arrow on the Roku remote.
• Navigate to the gear icon in the menu for playback settings.
• Go to “Subtitles & Audio” and ensure “English – Audio Description” is unchecked.

Netflix

• Start the video you’re watching.
• Press the “Down” arrow on your Roku remote.
• Select “Audio & Subtitles” and turn off Audio Description in the audio options.

Prime Video

• Play a video and press the “Pause” button.
• Open the playback settings menu.
• Under “Audio,” select a track without an audio description.

Once you’ve adjusted these settings, the narration should stop. Each streaming platform has different settings, but the solutions above generally solve the issue.

How to Turn Off Voice on Roku FAQs

Q: Why did my Roku start talking suddenly?

A: Roku’s voice narration is activated when the Screen Reader is accidentally toggled on. This often happens by pressing the “Star (*)” button four times quickly.

Q: Can I turn off Screen Reader using the Roku app?

A: Yes! Open the Roku mobile app, tap on “Settings,” and locate the “Accessibility” section to turn off the Screen Reader.

Q: How do I stop narration in specific apps?

A: You will need to adjust the Audio Description settings within each streaming app. Refer to the guides for Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix, and others mentioned earlier in this post.

Q: Can I completely disable the Star button shortcut?

A: Unfortunately, Roku does not currently allow users to deactivate this shortcut. If accidental activation becomes a recurring issue, use the system settings route to prevent persistent problems.

Q: Is the Screen Reader available in multiple languages?

A: Yes! Depending on your Roku model and region, you may have additional language options for the Screen Reader.

Wrapping Up

With a few quick steps, you can restore silence to your Roku and say goodbye to those unexpected interruptions. Whether you use your remote’s shortcut or adjust system settings, turning off Roku’s voice narration couldn’t be simpler! Remember, if the issue arises in specific apps (like Netflix or HBO Max), the fix is within their audio settings, not Roku’s. A little exploring goes a long way in ensuring a smooth viewing experience.