Roku is a streaming device that plays apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and live TV channels on your TV. It also has a built-in voice that reads menu items aloud which is called Audio Guide. But sometimes you want to turn off the Roku voice for many reasons, e.g., it activated by accident, you do not need it for accessibility, the constant reading is annoying or your remote is reading every button press.
I know, frustrating. Roku put the audio guide menu deep in Accessibility settings. Bear with me, the fix takes 30 seconds once you know where to look.
This easy guide will help you turn off the voice on Roku by walking you through the Accessibility menu, the remote shortcut and helping you fix the case where Audio Guide keeps coming back.
Method 1: Use the Remote Shortcut (Fastest)
Trust me on this. Roku has a hidden remote shortcut that toggles Audio Guide instantly.
- From any Roku screen, press the Star (*) button on your remote four times quickly.
- Audio Guide toggles off. You hear a confirmation.
Done. This is the trick most Roku owners never learn.
Method 2: Turn Off Audio Guide in Settings
If the shortcut does not work or you want a permanent setting:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Scroll to Settings.
- Pick Accessibility.
- Pick Audio Guide.
- Set to Off.
Audio Guide is permanently off now.
Method 3: Adjust Audio Guide Settings
If you want Audio Guide on for accessibility but want it less loud or faster:
- Settings > Accessibility > Audio Guide.
- Adjust Speech Rate for how fast it reads.
- Adjust Volume for how loud relative to TV audio.
Useful if you want it lower but not gone.
Method 4: Turn Off Voice Control on Roku Remote
If you have a Roku Voice remote and want to disable the voice button entirely:
- Go to Settings > System > Voice.
- Toggle Voice search off.
The microphone button on the remote stops working. No more accidental voice activation.
What If Audio Guide Keeps Coming Back
You turned it off and it comes back next time. Common causes:
- Someone else in your house pressed Star four times by accident. The shortcut works for anyone with the remote.
- A Roku update reset accessibility settings. Just turn off again.
- Multiple Roku accounts with different settings. Make sure you turn off Audio Guide on the active account.
If it keeps reverting after every update, your remote may have a sticky Star button. Try a new remote.
My Honest Opinion
The Star button shortcut is the actual move. Most people never know it exists. Print this out and put it next to your TV for the next time it activates by accident.
Audio Guide is great for visually impaired users but pointless noise for everyone else. Off by default would be better.
Final Thoughts
Turning off voice on Roku is fastest with the Star-button-four-times shortcut. The settings menu has a permanent toggle plus adjustments for speed and volume if you keep it on.
Also, if you follow our steps and still face difficulties turning off voice on Roku, seek help from Roku support or leave a comment in the comment section of our blog.