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If you’re asking, “How do I get my Roku to stop talking?” turn off Screen reader—Roku’s narration feature, previously called Audio Guide. Press the Star button on your remote four times quickly, or go to Home > Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader and switch it off. If speech happens only during one show or movie, check that program’s audio or accessibility options instead.
Turn off Roku Screen reader
Roku’s Screen reader reads interface text, menus, and other on-screen items aloud. Roku Support says the feature is designed to help people, particularly those with visual impairments or blindness, navigate the Roku interface and menus.
Use the remote shortcut
- From any screen, press the Star button on your Roku remote four times quickly.
- The shortcut toggles Screen reader on or off. It works only when the shortcut is enabled in Screen reader settings.
Roku documents this shortcut in its Screen reader instructions.
Turn it off in Settings
- Press Home on the remote.
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Screen reader.
- Switch Screen reader off.
Roku also lists the Accessibility settings route in its accessibility overview.
#1 Best Overall
- HD 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
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick 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.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Stop the Star shortcut from turning it back on
If the narration returns after an accidental button press, 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. Leave the shortcut enabled if you want to keep quick access to the feature.
Check whether the voice comes from a show
If Roku menus are silent but a voice describes scenes during one movie or program, the speech may be that title’s audio description, not Roku Screen reader. Look in the title’s audio, language, or accessibility options for an audio-description setting. Roku’s documentation explains Screen reader as narration of Roku interface items; it does not provide one universal way to disable audio description across third-party channels.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf Screen reader is missing from Settings
Availability depends on the Roku device, region, and software. Roku’s accessibility overview says Screen reader requires Roku OS 7.5 or later and describes availability on Roku TVs and players currently sold in the US and Canada. Its Canada support instructions list supported devices in the US, so those device-specific instructions should not be read as a complete global compatibility list.
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.
If your device is listed as supported but the option is absent, Roku recommends checking for a manual software update. See its device and update guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the remote does not respond
Use the Roku mobile app as a control alternative if your remote is unavailable or not responding. If you have a Roku voice remote, it must be paired with the Roku player to work; Roku explains pairing in its voice remote support article.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision 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
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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