How to Turn off Voice on Chromebook

Chrome OS is packed with accessibility features that can greatly help users, especially those with visual impairments. Features like ChromeVox, the built-in screen reader, or the Voice Assistant, can be life-changing. However, these features can become frustrating when activated unintentionally, causing your Chromebook to “talk” when you don’t need it. If you’re wondering how to stop your Chromebook from talking, this guide will walk you through several steps to disable these voice functions.

In this article, we’ll cover how to turn off ChromeVox, the text-to-speech features, Google Assistant, and the Speak-to-Type feature. We’ll also discuss the role of extensions in causing voice interruptions and offer some helpful tips for a more streamlined experience on Chrome OS. Let’s get started!

How to Turn off ChromeVox on Chromebook

ChromeVox is an advanced screen reader designed for accessibility, reading out loud everything displayed on your Chromebook’s screen. While beneficial for users with visual impairments, it can be annoying if it’s activated by mistake. Here’s how to disable ChromeVox:

1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Click on Advanced in the left-hand panel, then select Accessibility.
3. Click on Manage accessibility features in the right panel.
4. Turn off Enable ChromeVox (spoken feedback) under the Text-to-Speech section.

Tip: You can also quickly disable ChromeVox by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Z keyboard shortcut.

How to Turn off Text to Speech on Chromebook

Chromebook also offers a feature called Select to Speak, which reads aloud selected text. Unlike ChromeVox, this feature isn’t always active. To turn it off:

1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Go to Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features.
3. Turn off the toggle next to Enable Select to Speak.

How to Turn off Voice Assistant on Chromebook

Google Assistant is the voice assistant built into your Chromebook. If you find the voice assistant’s prompts disruptive, you can easily turn it off. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Click on Search and Assistant in the left sidebar, then select Google Assistant on the right.
3. Toggle Google Assistant to Off to disable it entirely.

Alternatively, if you only want to turn off the “Hey Google” voice trigger, select Off under the Hey Google drop-down box.

How to Turn off Speak to Type on Chromebook

Speak to Type, or dictation, is another voice feature on Chromebooks that allows you to type by speaking. It’s especially useful for those who prefer voice input over typing. If this feature bothers you, here’s how to disable it:

1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Go to Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features.
3. Scroll down to the Keyboard and text input section.
4. Turn off the toggle next to Enable dictation.

Bonus: Turn off Extensions

Sometimes, Chrome extensions could be responsible for voice-related disruptions. If you’ve tried disabling the built-in accessibility features but your Chromebook is still talking, check if any third-party extensions are causing it:

1. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions.
2. Disable any extensions related to voice control or screen reading by turning off their toggles.

Tips to Use Chromebook

Now that you’ve successfully turned off the voice features on your Chromebook, here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your device:

• Increase Performance: Explore tips to speed up your Chromebook’s performance.
• Maximize Battery Life: Learn how to extend your Chromebook’s battery life for long working hours.
• Discover Useful Apps: Check out the best productivity and entertainment apps available for Chromebook.

By following these steps, you should be able to stop your Chromebook from talking and regain control of your device. If you’re still facing issues, it’s worth checking for any software updates or troubleshooting your settings further.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What is ChromeVox, and how can I disable it on my Chromebook?

ChromeVox is a screen reader designed for visually impaired users. You can disable it through the Accessibility settings.

2. How do I turn off Google Assistant on my Chromebook?

You can turn off Google Assistant by navigating to Settings > Search and Assistant > Google Assistant and toggling it off.

3. Can I use voice typing on Chromebook only when needed?

Yes, you can activate voice typing (dictation) only when required. To turn it off permanently, go to Accessibility > Manage accessibility features and toggle off Enable dictation.

4. How do I disable voice features without affecting other settings?

Disabling specific voice features can be done individually through Settings > Accessibility, allowing you to keep other features intact.

5. Are third-party extensions causing the voice prompts on my Chromebook?

Extensions related to accessibility or voice functions can cause unwanted voice prompts. You can disable them in chrome://extensions.

Conclusion

Disabling voice features on your Chromebook can provide a more personalized and quiet experience if the built-in accessibility tools like ChromeVox, Select to Speak, or Google Assistant are causing disruptions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn off these voice functions and regain control over your device.

Remember, these features are designed to enhance accessibility, but they can be turned off or adjusted as needed to suit your preferences. Additionally, if you continue to experience issues, checking your extensions for any that may be affecting your Chromebook’s behavior is a useful step.

With these simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother and quieter Chromebook experience tailored to your needs.