Android TalkBack

Last Updated: December 3, 2024

Users with low, partial, or no vision depend on screen readers to interpret web pages and help them navigate. This page provides setup instructions and troubleshooting tips for Android TalkBack.

Send instructions to join Zoom by email or provide guidance on the call

Note to participant: We’ll send a link to open on your phone through your preferred communication method of text/email before the scheduled interview time.

If possible, email these instructions to the participant before the session

Double-tap on that link to join the meeting through Zoom.
You may be prompted to choose how you want to open the Zoom link. Double-tap on “Just once” or “Allow” depending on your preference under “Open with Zoom.”
Please wait until we (the meeting host) lets you into the room. This should not take more than a minute if you’ve joined at the scheduled time.
Upon joining, you’ll be prompted to join with Wifi or cellular data. Double-tap to activate.

Setup up the screen share

Android TalkBack screen share setup demo (YouTube)

Have the participant do the following to setup the screen share

Swipe to find the “share button” and double-tap it. A menu will appear with a list of items. Swipe to “screen” and double-tap it.
You’ll be asked if you want to start recording or casting with Zoom. Swipe to “start now” and double-tap it.
If you haven’t given Zoom permission to record yet on your device, you’ll be prompted to give access to “display over other apps.”
Swipe to find “Zoom” in the list and double-tap it.
Continue swiping to find “Allow display over other apps” and confirm it is “off.”
Double-tap it to turn it on.
Return to your home screen and the screen share should begin.

Stop the screen share and link sharing

Have the participant do the following to stop the screen share and link sharing

If you need to stop sharing during the session, you can find the “stop share” button at any time at the bottom left corner of your screen (press your finger down and drag it to the bottom left corner, it will be by “share audio” and “announcements”). You can also open the Zoom app and find the “stop share” button where the “share” button was originally located.
We'll send links to your preferred email or text for the websites we'll be asking you to visit.

Issue

Description

Possible solutions

If the screen is black

We see a black screen right now.

If you have screen curtain or other screen hiding tech running, please toggle it off if possible.

If you don’t hear the screen reader

Zoom on Android devices doesn’t have a “Share sound” checkbox. It’s not possible to directly share sound like it is on a desktop.

Because of this, it can be very difficult to hear Android TalkBack over Zoom, since you have to rely on the participant’s speakers picking up the voice.

Ask the participant if they’re using headphones, hearing aids, or another device that directly receives sound.

If yes, ask if they’re able to comfortably use their phone/desktop without that device, and to turn up their audio so you can hear Android TalkBack through their speakers. You still might not be able to hear it, since Zoom cuts out background sounds by default.
If no, or if they aren’t comfortable taking off their headphones, switch to think out loud facilitation.

Zoom permissions

After screen share, if permissions are not enabled for Zoom app, user will get directed to "Apps” window

To bypass this and enable Zoom permissions, flick right in the Apps window until you hear “zoom” and double tap. Zoom is the very last app because options are listed in alphabetical order. Screen share should begin activating.

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