Google has confirmed a critical bug affecting Android devices where volume buttons malfunction when the Select to Speak accessibility feature is enabled.
The issue causes volume keys to adjust accessibility volume rather than media volume. It prevents the camera from capturing photos when the volume buttons are pressed during photography.
Users with Select to Speak enabled, an accessibility service designed for individuals with low vision or reading difficulties, are experiencing unexpected behavior with their device’s hardware controls.
Instead of controlling media playback volume or capturing photos in the camera app, the volume keys now modify the accessibility audio level, rendering these fundamental functions unusable.
The bug impacts core device usability, particularly for users who rely on volume buttons for quick photo capture or media control.
The Android Community Team acknowledged the problem through official support channels, noting that reports indicate widespread impact across devices running the accessibility suite.
Select to Speak, part of the Android Accessibility Suite, allows users to select on-screen items and hear information read aloud.
The feature supports background reading, enabling users to perform other tasks while content is being read. However, this functionality conflicts with system-level volume key mappings.
Affected users can implement an immediate workaround by disabling Select to Speak through Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak and switching the shortcut to off.
This restores standard volume button functionality but removes the accessibility service until Google releases a permanent fix.
The temporary solution requires users to choose between accessibility support and standard hardware control, creating a challenging trade-off for those who depend on both features.
Google’s engineering teams are actively developing a patch to resolve the conflict between Select to Speak and volume button operations.
The fix will need to address how accessibility services intercept hardware key events without disrupting core device functions.
Developers integrating with Android’s accessibility APIs should review their implementations for similar hardware control conflicts.
The resolution will likely inform best practices for integrating accessibility features in future Android releases, ensuring that enhancements for users with disabilities do not compromise fundamental device usability.
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