Google has identified a serious bug affecting Android devices, in which the volume buttons do not work properly when the "Select to Speak" accessibility feature is enabled.
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The issue results in the volume keys adjusting accessibility volume instead of media volume. It also prevents taking photos when the volume keys are used as a shutter button while taking a photo.
Users who have “Select to Speak” enabled — an accessibility service designed for people with low vision or reading disabilities — are experiencing unpredictable behavior from the physical volume buttons. When the feature is enabled, the buttons no longer control normal media volume as expected.
Instead, the system redirects these commands to the accessibility volume setting, causing discomfort for users who rely on the buttons for everyday functions of their device. Additionally, those trying to take photos via the camera find that pressing the volume button — a common method of taking photos — does not trigger the photo.
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The bug is not limited to the volume adjustment, but extends to other basic functions as well. This creates a serious usability problem for photographers who rely on physical buttons when using the camera.
The “Select to Speak” feature, which is available on devices running Android 11.0 and above, allows users to touch items on their screen to hear descriptions or text read aloud.
It supports multiple languages and works with Google Camera's optical character recognition capabilities.
Despite its accessibility benefits, this widespread feature now comes with an annoying limitation for affected users.
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The bug highlights how accessibility features, while essential for inclusion, can in some cases cause unintended conflicts with core device functionality when they are not adequately isolated from the hardware's input systems.
