Getting your iPhone to read text messages out loud isn’t rocket science! In fact, it’s a pretty nifty feature that can come in handy when you’re busy with other tasks and can’t look at your screen. With just a few taps in the settings, your iPhone will be reading your texts to you, and you can listen and respond without ever having to pick up your phone.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get iPhone to Read Text Messages
Let’s dive into how you can set up your iPhone to read your text messages out loud.
Step 1: Go to Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
In the Settings menu, you’ll find a plethora of options to customize your iPhone experience. For text message reading, we’ll focus on the ‘Accessibility’ section.
Step 2: Select Accessibility
Scroll down and tap on ‘Accessibility’.
Accessibility features are designed to make the iPhone easier to use for those with various disabilities, but they can be useful for everyone.
Step 3: Tap on Spoken Content
In the Accessibility menu, choose ‘Spoken Content’.
‘Spoken Content’ includes all the settings related to text-to-speech features on your iPhone.
Step 4: Toggle on Speak Selection and Speak Screen
Turn on both ‘Speak Selection’ and ‘Speak Screen’ by sliding the toggle to the right.
‘Speak Selection’ will read aloud the text you select, while ‘Speak Screen’ will read everything on the screen when you swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen.
Once these settings are enabled, your iPhone will read text messages to you when you receive them. Simply ask Siri to "Read my messages," or use the ‘Speak Screen’ feature to have your texts read out loud.
Tips: Maximizing the Use of iPhone Text-to-Speech
- Customize the voice and speed of the speech in the ‘Voices’ and ‘Speaking Rate’ settings within ‘Spoken Content’.
- Use headphones or a Bluetooth speaker to hear the text read out loud more clearly.
- Enable ‘Speak Notifications’ to have Siri read out all your notifications, not just text messages.
- Remember that you can stop the speech at any time by tapping the screen.
- Practice using the ‘Speak Selection’ feature with other apps to get used to how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the voice that reads my texts?
Yes, you can choose from a variety of voices and accents under the ‘Voices’ option in the ‘Spoken Content’ settings.
Will this feature work with third-party messaging apps?
Yes, the ‘Speak Selection’ and ‘Speak Screen’ features will work with most third-party messaging apps.
Can I use this feature with my AirPods?
Absolutely! The text-to-speech feature works seamlessly with AirPods and other Bluetooth devices.
Can Siri read my messages without unlocking my phone?
For privacy reasons, Siri will usually ask you to unlock your iPhone before reading text messages.
Is there a way to only have specific texts read out loud?
Currently, there isn’t a built-in feature for this, but you can select specific texts you want to be read aloud using ‘Speak Selection’.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Select Spoken Content.
- Enable Speak Selection and Speak Screen.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you’re a pro at getting your iPhone to read your text messages. This handy feature can truly be a lifesaver when you’re driving, cooking, or just have your hands full. It’s one of the many ways technology makes our lives a bit easier. So go ahead, give your eyes a rest and let your iPhone do the talking. Just remember, the more you use it, the more natural it’ll feel. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself exploring other text-to-speech benefits. Happy texting!