Introduction
Your iPhone and iPad have powerful built-in accessibility features that can read any text on your screen. Whether you are reviewing documents, reading long articles, or want to give your eyes a break, Siri can read text aloud with natural-sounding voices. This guide walks you through every setting and option to get the most from your device text-to-speech capabilities.
Why Use Siri Text-to-Speech Feature?
Text-to-speech is not just for accessibility – it is a productivity tool that can help you multitask, review documents while doing other things, or simply enjoy content hands-free. In our experience helping clients set up these features, we have found that most people only use basic text selection reading, missing out on the powerful screen reading and customization options available.
Complete Setup Process
Step 1: Access Accessibility Settings
Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
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Step 2: Navigate to Spoken Content
Tap Accessibility → Spoken Content.
Quick Note: This is where you will find all the text-to-speech options for your device.
Core Text-to-Speech Features
1. Speak Selection – Read Specific Text
What it does: Enabling this will show you a Speak option after selecting any text section on your device.
How to use: Select any text (like in Messages, Notes, Safari, or any app), and you will see a “Speak” option appear in the context menu.
Pro Tip: This works in virtually every app that displays text, making it perfect for reading specific paragraphs or sentences.
2. Speak Screen – Read Everything on Screen
What it does: This option makes Siri read everything on your screen. You just need to swipe with two fingers from top to bottom.
When to use: Perfect for reading entire articles, long documents, or web pages without manually selecting text.
Quick Note: The two-finger swipe gesture works from anywhere on the screen, making it easy to activate even with one hand.
3. Speech Controller – Quick Access Tool
What it does: Toggling on the Speak Screen will give you the option of Speech Controller.
How it works: On enabling it, a square black icon will pop up on your screen. It provides quick access to Speak Screen and Speak on Touch features.
Customization options: You can further customize actions for long-press and double-tap to make the controller work exactly how you prefer.
Pro Tip: Position the speech controller where it is easily accessible but does not interfere with your normal device use.
Enhanced Reading Experience
4. Highlight Content – Visual Reading Aid
What it does: Enabling this allows you to observe the words as Siri reads them.
Customization options: You may choose your preferred highlight type, style, and colors.
Why it is useful: This feature comes in handy while reviewing documents on your iPhone, as you can see exactly which words are being read.
Pro Tip: Use contrasting colors for the highlight to make it easier to follow along, especially in bright lighting conditions.
5. Typing Feedback – Voice Confirmation
What it does: Enabling this provides voice feedback as you type.
Available options: You can enable Siri to read out the characters, words, auto-corrections, or predictions while typing something.
When to use: Great for learning to type, ensuring accuracy, or when you want audio confirmation of what you are writing.
Quick Note: This can be especially helpful for people learning to type or those who want to verify their text input.
Voice and Language Customization
6. Voices – Choose Your Narrator
What it does: Select a different voice and language for narration.
Available options: iOS offers multiple voices in different languages, with both male and female options available.
Pro Tip: Try different voices to find one that is easiest for you to understand and listen to for extended periods.
7. Speaking Rate – Control Reading Speed
What it does: You can also adjust the narration speed using the Speaking Rate slider.
How to adjust: Move the slider left for slower reading or right for faster reading.
Finding the right speed: Start with the default speed and gradually adjust until you find the pace that works best for your comprehension and comfort.
Quick Note: Slower speeds are better for complex content, while faster speeds work well for familiar material.
8. Pronunciation – Teach Siri Correct Names
What it does: If Siri mispronounces words, you can add their correct pronunciation here.
How to use: Tap on the pronunciation option and follow the prompts to teach Siri how to say specific words correctly.
Pro Tip: This is especially useful for proper names, technical terms, or words in other languages that Siri might struggle with.
How to Use the Features
Activating Speak Screen
Now, summon Siri → Say, “Speak Screen” to let Siri read everything on your screen.
Alternative method: You can also use the two-finger swipe gesture from the top of the screen to activate Speak Screen without using Siri voice commands.
Controlling Playback
Pause/Resume: Tap the speech controller or use the pause button that appears when text is being read.
Stop reading: Tap the stop button or say “Stop” to Siri.
Skip sections: Use the speech controller to navigate through different parts of the text.
Common Issues and Solutions
Text Not Reading
Check these settings:
- Ensure Speak Selection or Speak Screen is enabled
- Verify your device is not on silent mode
- Check that the volume is turned up
- Make sure the app supports text selection
Voice Sounds Unnatural
Try these adjustments:
- Change to a different voice in the Voices section
- Adjust the speaking rate to a more comfortable speed
- Test different languages if available
Highlighting Not Working
Enable these features:
- Make sure Highlight Content is turned on
- Choose a highlight style and color that is visible
- Ensure the text has sufficient contrast
Advanced Tips for Power Users
Customizing the Speech Controller
Long-press actions: Set up custom actions for long-pressing the speech controller, such as jumping to specific sections or changing reading speed.
Double-tap actions: Configure double-tap to pause/resume or skip to the next paragraph.
Positioning: Move the controller to different screen locations based on your hand preference and usage patterns.
Using with Different Apps
Web browsing: Use Speak Screen in Safari to read entire articles hands-free while doing other tasks.
Document review: Perfect for reviewing long documents, emails, or notes without straining your eyes.
Social media: Have Siri read posts and comments in social media apps for easier consumption.
Accessibility Benefits
These text-to-speech features are part of iOS comprehensive accessibility suite, designed to make your device usable by everyone. Whether you have visual impairments, prefer audio learning, or simply want to give your eyes a rest, these tools can significantly improve your device experience.
Conclusion
This is how you can make Siri read every text on your iPhone and iPad. The setup process takes just a few minutes, but the benefits can last for years. By customizing the voice, speed, and highlighting options, you can create a text-to-speech experience that is perfectly tailored to your needs.
If you are interested in setting Siri to read incoming messages in a different language, follow these steps to customize your experience further.
Need help setting up these features or experiencing issues? If this did not solve your problem or you would prefer professional assistance, call Chapin Business Services at (203) 262-1869. We offer both remote support and on-site visits throughout the Chapin area.