Google has confirmed a software bug that is causing problems with the volume buttons on some Android devices when certain accessibility features are enabled.
The issue happens when a feature called Select to Speak is turned on, according to a support document shared by Google.
Select to Speak is an accessibility tool designed to help people with reading difficulties or low vision. It can read text out loud, describe what is on the screen, and even read text from documents or images when users point their phone’s camera at them. While the feature is helpful, it is now linked to an unexpected problem with how volume buttons behave.
Users have reported that when Select to Speak is active, pressing the volume buttons no longer controls media volume as expected. Instead of adjusting the sound for music, videos, or other audio, the buttons change the accessibility volume. This can be confusing for users who are trying to quickly lower or raise the sound while listening to media.
The bug also affects the camera app. Many Android users rely on the volume buttons as a shortcut to take photos, but with Select to Speak enabled, pressing the volume keys does not capture a picture at all.
Google community manager Aadil Shaikh acknowledged the issue, saying the company has received reports of volume keys not working properly on Android devices with Select to Speak turned on. He explained that the problem includes volume buttons controlling accessibility volume instead of media volume and failing to take photos when the camera is open.
Google has not shared how many users are affected, which Android versions are impacted, or when a fix will be released. In most cases, Google addresses software bugs through system updates that are rolled out gradually to devices.
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Until a permanent solution is available, Google suggests a temporary workaround. Users experiencing the issue can disable Select to Speak by opening Settings, going to Accessibility, selecting Select to Speak, and turning off the shortcut. This should restore normal volume button behavior until the bug is fixed in a future update.
