Getting ebooks to read aloud on your iPhone or iPad is a breeze with the built-in accessibility features. By enabling the Speak Screen function, you can have your device read any ebook to you, whether you’re on the go or just prefer listening to reading.
After you complete the action of enabling the Speak Screen feature, your iPhone or iPad will be able to read aloud the contents of the screen, including ebooks, web pages, and even your emails.
Introduction
Have you ever wished you could have your favorite ebooks read to you while you’re driving, cooking, or just resting your eyes? Well, if you have an iPhone or iPad, you’re in luck! These devices come with a fantastic feature that can make this wish a reality. It’s called Speak Screen, and it’s a part of Apple’s commitment to accessibility. This feature can read out loud the text displayed on your screen, making it a perfect tool for those times when you’d rather listen than read.
Whether you’re an avid reader looking for a way to enjoy books while multitasking, someone with visual impairments, or a parent looking to entertain a child with a story, Speak Screen can enhance your ebook experience. Not only does it have practical uses, but it’s also incredibly easy to set up and use. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to get your ebooks talking!
How to Get Ebooks to Read Aloud on iPhone or iPad
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of turning your ebooks into audiobooks, let’s first understand what we’re accomplishing here. By following these steps, you’ll activate an accessibility feature on your iPhone or iPad that reads out any text on the screen. This means not only ebooks but also web pages, emails, and even your social media feeds can be read aloud to you.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
The first step is to go to your device’s Settings.
In the Settings app, you’ll find a host of options to customize your iPhone or iPad. This is the control center for all the features your device can offer, including the Speak Screen function.
Step 2: Tap on Accessibility
Navigate to the Accessibility section in the Settings to adjust features for your needs.
Accessibility is where Apple has placed all the features designed to make their devices easier to use for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Step 3: Select Spoken Content
Under Accessibility, you’ll find the Spoken Content option, which houses the Speak Screen feature.
Spoken Content is where you’ll find all of the text-to-speech options, including Speak Selection (which reads out only the text you select) and Speak Screen.
Step 4: Toggle on Speak Screen
Turn on the Speak Screen feature by toggling the switch to the green ‘on’ position.
Once Speak Screen is enabled, you can swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to have any text read aloud to you.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Multitasking | Speak Screen allows you to listen to your ebooks while doing other activities, freeing up your hands and eyes. |
| Accessibility | This feature is particularly helpful for individuals with visual impairments or reading disabilities, as it makes content more accessible. |
| Convenience | Speak Screen can turn any text into an instant audiobook, making it easy to consume information without committing your full attention. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Robotic Voice | The computer-generated voice may lack the emotional range and nuance of a human reader, making the listening experience less engaging. |
| Mispronunciations | The text-to-speech engine might struggle with complex words or names, leading to mispronunciations that can be disruptive. |
| Battery Usage | Using Speak Screen extensively can drain your device’s battery faster than usual. |
Additional Information
While the Speak Screen feature is a game-changer for many, there are a couple of tips and insights that might help you get the most out of it. First, you can adjust the reading speed and voice to your liking. If the default voice is too fast, slow, monotonous, or just not to your taste, you can change it in the Spoken Content settings.
Another useful trick is to use Speak Screen together with the ebook app’s night mode or sepia tone to reduce eye strain. Imagine relaxing in bed, lights off, with your favorite book being read to you in a soothing voice. Sounds great, right?
Also, don’t forget that Speak Screen is not limited to only ebooks. It can read aloud any text that is displayed on the screen. This makes it a valuable tool for proofreading your own writing or for learning a new language by hearing the correct pronunciation of words.
Lastly, if you’re worried about privacy, you can use headphones to listen to your ebooks aloud without disturbing others.
Summary
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Select Spoken Content.
- Toggle on Speak Screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Speak Screen read every ebook format?
Speak Screen can read any text that is displayed on the screen, regardless of the ebook format.
Is there a way to change the voice that reads the text?
Yes, you can change the voice and speed of the reading in the Spoken Content settings.
Can I use Speak Screen to read web pages and emails?
Absolutely! Speak Screen can read any text displayed on your screen, including web pages and emails.
Does using Speak Screen affect my device’s battery life?
Yes, using Speak Screen can drain the battery faster, so it’s best to keep an eye on your battery level or use the feature while your device is charging.
Is Speak Screen available in languages other than English?
Yes, Speak Screen supports multiple languages, so you can have text read to you in the language of your choice.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to multitask efficiently can be a true lifesaver, and that’s where the Speak Screen feature on your iPhone or iPad shines. It offers a hands-free way to consume ebooks, making it perfect for busy bees, bookworms, and everyone in between. So, whether you’re looking to dive into a new novel while commuting or learn something new without staring at the screen, getting ebooks to read aloud on iPhone or iPad is a functionality you’ll love to use. Give it a try, play around with the settings to find your perfect listening experience, and never let a busy day keep you from a good story again!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.