Test TalkBack in a manual Android sessions

Overview

Android TalkBack is supported in manual testing sessions.

TalkBack provides audio feedback and keyboard-based navigation. It helps teams identify accessibility issues that may not be detected through visual testing alone.

Requirements

To use TalkBack, you need:

  • Android 12 or later

  • A device with Lightning mode enabled

No additional configuration is required.

Verify Lightning Mode Support

TalkBack is available only on devices that support Lightning mode.

To verify whether a device supports Lightning mode:

  1. Switch to List view in the Device List.

  2. Open the column selector.

  3. Enable the Lightning mode column.

The Device List allows up to 10 visible columns. If you can’t select the Lightning mode option, disable an existing column and then enable Lightning mode.

Devices that support Lightning mode display a green lightning bolt icon.

Lightning mode column enabled in the Device List

You can also filter for Lightning mode devices using the Search devices field.

Enable TalkBack

  1. Start a manual session on a supported Android device.

  2. In the left navigation panel, select Screen Reader.

  3. Toggle Enable.

When TalkBack is enabled:

  • Audio feedback starts automatically.

  • Keyboard shortcuts become active.

  • Screen reader activity is available in Session Explorer.

Screen Reader panel showing TalkBack enabled

Navigate Using Keyboard Shortcuts

When TalkBack is enabled, you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate the device.

The Screen Reader modal displays available shortcuts for Android devices.

Shortcuts are active only while TalkBack is enabled.

For a complete list of supported shortcuts, see TalkBack gestures and shortcuts.

Review TalkBack Activity

TalkBack actions are recorded in Session Explorer.

Screen reader accessibility events are labeled as TALKBACK in the session timeline. This allows you to review navigation behavior alongside screenshots and other test actions.

Session timeline showing recorded TalkBack gestures and screen reader accessibility events

Behavior Notes

  • Audio streaming starts automatically when TalkBack is enabled.

  • The focus border might not appear immediately after enabling TalkBack. Select an interactive element to display it.

  • The focus border might not disappear immediately after disabling TalkBack. Select an interactive element to hide it.

  • For permission pop-ups, only interactive elements (such as buttons and text fields) are read aloud and selectable.