How to Use Google's Text-to-Speech Feature on Android

Christina Wood has been covering technology for 15+ years. She has contributed to Family Circle, PC World, PC Magazine, CIO, Yahoo and many other publications.

Updated on February 5, 2024 In This Article In This Article

What to Know

Open the Settings app and go to Accessibility >Select to Speak.
Tap the toggle to turn it on, then tap Allow or OK to confirm permissions.
Open any app, tap the Select to Speak shortcut, then tap an item to read it aloud. Tap Stop to end playback.

This article explains how to use the Google text-to-speech feature on Android so that you can have texts read out loud. It includes information on managing the language and voice used for reading text aloud. Instructions apply to Android 7 and up.

How to Use Google Text-to-Speech on Android

Several accessibility features are built into Android. If you want to hear text read aloud to you, use Select to Speak.

Swipe down from the top of the phone, then tap the gear icon to open the Settings app.

How to open Accessibility features in Android settings

Tap Select to Speak.

If you don't see Select to Speak, tap Installed services to find it.

How to enable Select to Speak on Android

Tap Allow or OK to confirm the permissions your phone needs to turn on this feature.

Tap the left arrow next to the Play button to see more playback options.

Android Select to Speak playback options

Tap Stop to end playback.

Use TalkBack on your Android if you want spoken feedback as you use your device.

How to Manage Android Text-to-Speech Voices and Options

Android gives you some control over the language and voice used to read text aloud via Select to Speak. It's easy to change the language, accent, pitch, or speed of the synthesized text voice.

How to access Language and input settings on Android

Go to Settings >General management >Language and input. Or on some devices, Settings >Languages.

How to change Text to speech settings on Android

To change the language, tap Language, then choose the language you want to hear when text is read aloud.

Use Select to Speak With Google Lens to Translate Written Words

Another way you can use this text-to-speech functionality is while translating languages. Google Lens is great for this. Just point the camera at some text you don't understand and it'll be translated into your language. Select to Speak can then read that aloud.

How do I turn off Google text-to speech on Android?

To turn off text-to-speech, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak and tap the toggle switch to turn it Off.

How do I use text-to-speech in Google Docs?

The Android text-to-speech feature works in the Google Docs app, but on a computer, you must download the Screen Reader extension for Chrome. Then, go to Tools > Accessibility settings > Turn on Screen Reader Support > OK, highlight the text, and select Accessibility > Speak > Speak selection.

How do I convert speech-to-text in Google Docs?

To use voice typing in Google Docs, place your cursor in the document where you want to begin typing, then select Tools > Voice Typing. Alternatively, you can also use a keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S or Command+Shift+S.