Apple’s Siri can do all sorts of things for you. But most of Siri’s features are only seen when you directly interact with Siri by saying, “Hey Siri.” But sometimes you need something a bit different. You may wonder how to make Siri speak text.
Apple provides are features called ‘Speak Selection’ or ‘Speak Screen,’ allows Siri to read the content displayed on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac aloud. It’s perfect for those long articles you might need more time reading, for individuals with visual impairments, or anytime you can’t look at your device.
Whether you’re new to the Apple ecosystem or a seasoned user looking to explore more capabilities of your device, this page is your step-by-step guide on how to make Siri read text out loud.
Siri has two features that allow Siri to speak text in slightly different ways. Let’s explore them.
Speak Selection
Speak Selection is an accessibility feature Apple offers on its iOS and macOS devices. The purpose of this feature is to assist users by reading out loud the text currently selected on the screen. It’s handy for individuals with visual impairments, those who prefer auditory learning, or anyone who wants to rest their eyes while still consuming textual content.
When you enable Speak Selection, a new ‘Speak’ option appears in the popup menu whenever you select text on your device. By tapping or clicking on ‘Speak,’ Siri will read aloud the selected text. The voice used for this feature is typically the same as the one for Siri, but you can customize it according to your preference.
Speak Screen
Speak screen is another accessibility feature from Apple that functions on iOS and macOS devices. Unlike Speak Selection, which reads out selected text, Speak Screen reads the entire content displayed on your screen when prompted.
The Speak Screen feature helps you go through long articles, emails, documents, or web pages without having to scroll or read the text yourself. It’s also very beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, providing an auditory method to consume digital content.
Once Speak Screen is enabled, you can easily activate it on an iOS device by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers. You can use a designated key command on a macOS device to start to Speak screen. Siri then reads all content on the screen, from top to bottom, including text in apps, settings, and web pages.
Now let’s learn how to enable these features on your Apple device.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Siri Speak Text
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to note that this feature is available on devices running iOS 8 or later and macOS Sierra or later.
For iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)
1. Enable Speak Selection:
This feature allows Siri to read out the selected text.
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Accessibility.’
- Tap on ‘Spoken Content.’
- Switch on ‘Speak Selection.’
Now, whenever you select the text, you’ll see a new option in the popup menu to ‘Speak.’
2. Enable Speak Screen:
This feature allows Siri to read out everything on the screen.
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Accessibility.’
- Tap on ‘Spoken Content.’
- Switch on ‘Speak Screen.’
Now, you can swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to make Siri read out everything displayed.
For macOS Devices (MacBook, iMac)
1. Enable Speak Selection:
- Click on the ‘Apple’ icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select ‘System Preferences’ from the dropdown menu.
- Click on ‘Accessibility.’
- Select ‘Spoken Content’ from the menu on the left.
- Check the box next to ‘Speak selection.’
2. Enable Speak Screen:
- Click on the ‘Apple’ icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select ‘System Preferences’ from the dropdown menu.
- Click on ‘Accessibility.’
- Select ‘Spoken Content’ from the menu on the left.
- Check the box next to ‘Speak Screen.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Siri read my emails or messages out loud?
Yes, Siri can read out your emails and messages. However, you’ll have to ask her specifically, saying, “Hey Siri, read my new messages.”
Can I change Siri’s speaking speed?
Yes, you can adjust the speaking rate. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Accessibility’ > ‘Spoken Content’ on an iOS device or ‘System Preferences> ‘Accessibility’ > ‘Spoken Content’ on a macOS device, and adjust the ‘Speaking Rate’ slider.
Is this feature available in languages other than English?
Yes, Siri supports multiple languages. However, the quality of text-to-speech might vary based on the language.
What other accessibility options exist?
Check out Apple’s support doc for more info.
Summary
Learning to make Siri speak text on your Apple device with Speak Screen and Speak Selection can enhance your user experience, making your device even more helpful and accessible. Whether reading your favorite article or helping you multitask, this feature can be a handy tool in your digital kit.
Remember to explore your device’s ‘Spoken Content’ settings to customize Siri’s reading capabilities according to your needs.
Want to get more out of Siri? Check out the Siri Archive.
