Samsung TVs have voice features turned on by default, and you can disable them in the settings menu
Samsung TVs come with built-in voice assistants and audio description features that speak to you during normal use. The TV may narrate menus, announce what's on screen, or respond to voice commands you didn't intend to give. You can turn off these features individually or all together depending on what's bothering you. Most of the talking comes from three separate settings: Voice Guide (which narrates the menu), Voice Wake-Up (which listens for commands), and Audio Description (which adds narration during shows).
The exact steps depend on your TV model and how old it is, but the settings are always in the same general area of the menu. You do not need to call Samsung support or reset the TV—this is a straightforward toggle you can do right now with your remote.
Key Takeaways
- Voice Guide is the feature that reads menu items aloud; turn it off in Settings > Accessibility > Voice Guide.
- Voice Wake-Up listens for "Hi Samsung" commands; disable it in Settings > Voice > Voice Wake-Up to stop the TV responding to sound.
- Audio Description adds narration during TV shows and movies; turn it off in Settings > Accessibility > Audio Description.
- If your TV is older or a different model, the path may be Settings > General > Accessibility instead of a separate Accessibility menu.
Turn off Voice Guide (the menu narration)
Voice Guide is the feature that reads out loud when you navigate the TV menu. It announces each option as you highlight it and tells you what buttons do. This is the most common source of unwanted talking.
On most Samsung TVs made in the last five years, go to Settings (usually a gear icon on the remote or in the menu), then Accessibility, then Voice Guide. You will see a toggle switch. Move it to Off. The menu will stop talking when ready.
If you cannot find an Accessibility menu, try Settings > General > Accessibility instead. Older Samsung models sometimes organize it this way. Once you find Voice Guide, the toggle is always in the same place on the screen.
Disable Voice Wake-Up (stop the TV listening for commands)
Voice Wake-Up makes your TV listen for the phrase "Hi Samsung" so it can respond to voice commands. If your TV is talking back to you or responding when you say certain words, this feature is on. Turning it off stops the TV from listening for wake words altogether.
Go to Settings > Voice > Voice Wake-Up and toggle it to Off. Some models call this setting Wake Up with Voice instead. Once it is off, the TV will not listen for voice commands unless you press the microphone button on your remote first.
If you want to keep voice commands but just stop the TV from always listening, you can leave Voice Wake-Up off and still use voice search by holding down the microphone button on your remote. The TV will only listen while you hold the button.
Turn off Audio Description (narration during shows)
Audio Description is a separate feature that adds a narrator explaining what is happening on screen during TV shows and movies. It is meant for people who are blind or have low vision, but it can be turned on by accident or enabled by a previous owner. If you hear an extra voice describing the action during your shows, this is what is on.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio Description and toggle it to Off. You can also turn it off using your remote: press the Menu button, go to Accessibility, find Audio Description, and toggle it off. The narration will stop on the next show you watch.
Audio Description is different from closed captions. Turning off Audio Description does not affect subtitles—those are controlled separately in the same Accessibility menu if you want to adjust them.
What to do if the settings menu looks different
Samsung has changed the menu layout several times over the years. If the path above does not match what you see, look for a Settings button on your remote and then search for any of these words: Accessibility, Voice, Audio, or Narration. The setting you want will be under one of those headings.
If your TV is very old (more than eight years), the menu structure may be quite different. Try Settings > General > Accessibility first. If that does not work, look for Settings > Sound > Voice or Settings > Picture > Voice. The feature exists on nearly all Samsung TVs, but the location varies by year and model.
You can also check your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in Settings > About This TV) and search "Samsung [model number] voice guide" to find the exact path for your specific TV.
Restart your TV if the changes do not take effect
After you turn off these settings, the changes usually take effect right away. If the TV is still talking after you have toggled the settings off, unplug the TV from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the TV's temporary memory and forces it to reload the settings you just changed.
If restarting does not work, go back into the settings and confirm the toggles are actually in the Off position. Sometimes the remote does not register the button press the first time. Toggle it off again, wait a few seconds, and check that it stayed off before you close the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off Voice Guide but keep voice commands?
Yes. Voice Guide (menu narration) and Voice Wake-Up (listening for commands) are separate settings. You can turn off Voice Guide so the menu does not talk, and leave Voice Wake-Up on so you can still say "Hi Samsung" to search. Or turn both off and use the microphone button on your remote when you want to search by voice.
Why is my TV still talking after I turned off Voice Guide?
You may have turned off Voice Guide but left Audio Description on, or vice versa. Check all three settings: Voice Guide, Voice Wake-Up, and Audio Description. Also confirm the toggles actually moved to Off—sometimes the remote does not register. Restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds if the settings still do not stick.
Will turning off these features affect my picture quality or other functions?
No. Voice features are completely separate from picture, sound, or any other TV function. Turning them off only silences the narration and stops the TV from listening for voice commands. Everything else works exactly the same.
What if I want to turn voice features back on later?
Go back to the same settings menu and toggle the features back on. Voice Guide, Voice Wake-Up, and Audio Description can all be turned on or off at any time. There is no penalty or reset needed.
Does my Samsung TV have to be connected to the internet for voice features to work?
Voice Wake-Up requires an internet connection to send your voice commands to Samsung's servers. If your TV is not connected to WiFi, Voice Wake-Up will not work even if it is turned on. Turning it off prevents the TV from trying to listen in the first place.