Ways for Android to read text aloud for you

It's not always convenient to read text messages on Android phones, especially while driving. To avoid danger, you can use Android's built-in feature to read text aloud.

This feature is also useful for people with low vision or who want to reduce screen time. There are also a number of third-party applications that help read texts to you.

Use Google Assistant to read text aloud

How to install Google Assistant on your phone

Google Assistant is built into most Android smartphones and you can set it up to read messages aloud.

If you don't see Google Assistant on your phone, you can install it yourself. The application is associated with a Google account. Once installed, you can use it to do everything from finding weather forecasts, controlling smart devices to reading and replying to messages.

After installing Google Assistant, there are several ways you can activate this virtual assistant. Just say Ok Google or Hey Google to get started. Alternatively, you can touch the Google app (if it's already installed on the device) or Google Assistant and touch the microphone icon.

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On some devices, you can also hold the home button for a few seconds to access Assistant.

You need to train or retrain the voice model if Google Assistant doesn't hear the command.

Set up Google Assistant to read text notifications

When the Google Assistant is ready, say ' Read my text message '.

The first time you activate this feature, the application may request permission to read the notification, tap Ok to agree.

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In the Notification Access menu that appears, touch the button next to Google.

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Touch Allow in the next window to grant access to Google.

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Return to Google Assistant or say Ok / Hey Google again and then repeat the Read my text messages command.

Google Assistant will start reading aloud text message notifications as well as message notifications from other sources like WhatsApp.

The virtual assistant also tells you the sender, reads the message and then asks if you want to reply.

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If yes, say Yes and then reply and Google Assistant will automatically send your answer.

Set up Google Assistant to read previously received text messages

Unfortunately, the Google Assistant cannot read previously received text messages. It has been able to do this before, but it seems that this feature has been removed or is no longer working.

On Google's user forums, many people report this feature no longer working or causing the Google Assistant app to crash.

However you can try it on your device. To enable this feature, say OK / Hey Google, Read my most recent messages .

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If the assistant replies There aren't any new messages or Google Assistant crashes, this feature doesn't work on your device. In this case you need to use another application.

If it works, Google Assistant will read the old text messages one by one.

How to enable Text-to-Speech

Google Assistant is very useful, but Android has another built-in feature you can use to read text aloud as Text-to-Speech. However, this feature requires you to use your hands, making it less useful in situations such as driving.

But for people with low vision, this feature is very useful. To work properly, you must use an additional module in Google's Android Accessibility Suite called Select to Speak.

1. Download Android Accessibility Suite for Android

After downloading and installing Android Accessibility Suite from Google Play, access Settings on your device. You can find it from the app drawer or scroll down the notification area and touch the gear icon.

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From here, the process will vary depending on the device and version of Android running. Here are the steps to follow on Samsung devices running Android 9 Pie.

In Settings , tap Accessibility .

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Touch Installed Services . The Select to Speak menu may be on the list of options here on some devices. In that case, touch it and skip to the next step.

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Here, you will see a list of Android accessibility options. Touch Select to Speak .

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Turn on Select to Speak and then touch Ok to confirm.

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After enabling this feature, you will see a person icon in the last menu bar.

Tap on it to bring up the Select to Speak playback options. Touch any text on the screen that you want to read aloud. The selected text will turn blue and will be read aloud to you.

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This feature also works on other apps like the email app on your phone, web browser, or messaging app like WhatsApp.

Use a third party application to read the text aloud

There are several third-party applications in the Google Play Store that provide similar features. For example, ReaditToMe reads incoming message notifications in default SMS apps and other messaging apps.

Another option is Out Loud. With this application, you can set up your own profile to automatically enable or disable the feature in specific situations such as when connecting a Bluetooth speaker or plugging in a headset. Refer to article 7 best text-to-speech applications for Android to find the app you like.

I wish you successful implementation!