Spoken Content lets iPhone read text aloud only when you ask, without enabling full VoiceOver navigation. It can read an entire screen, a selected passage, or typing feedback while you write.
Spoken Content is available on iOS 13 or later. Newer iOS versions may label the area Read & Speak instead.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to listen to an article, proofread by ear, rest your eyes, or hear selected text spoken aloud without changing the whole iPhone interface.
Turn On Speak Screen
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content.
- Turn on Speak Screen.
- Open a screen with readable text, such as Safari, Mail, or Notes.
- Swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen.
- Use the floating controller to pause, change speed, or move through content.
After Speak Screen is enabled, you can also ask Siri to speak the screen.
Turn On Speak Selection
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content.
- Turn on Speak Selection.
- Select text in any supported app.
- Tap Speak from the selection menu.
Customize Spoken Content
Voice and Speed
Use Voices and the Speaking Rate slider to choose a voice, dialect, and reading pace.
Highlight Content
Enable Highlight Content so words or sentences are visually highlighted as they are spoken.
Typing Feedback
Typing Feedback can speak characters, words, or both as you type, which can help catch mistakes.
Pronunciations
Add custom pronunciations for names, brands, acronyms, or technical words the iPhone reads incorrectly.
Sources
- Apple Support: Hear iPhone speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback
- Apple Support: Turn on and practice VoiceOver on iPhone
- Apple Support: Customize pronunciations on iPhone or iPad