How to Stop Airpods from Reading Texts Out Loud

AirPods have become an essential accessory for many Apple users, offering convenience and great audio quality. However, one common complaint among users is the automatic text-to-speech feature that reads texts out loud when received. If you find this feature more distracting than helpful, fear not! In this article, we will provide you with simple solutions to stop your AirPods from reading texts out loud.

Q&A:

Why do AirPods read texts out loud?

This feature is part of the iOS settings and is intended to assist users with hands-free communication. It was designed to help visually impaired or busy individuals stay connected. Although it can be a useful feature, it might not be suitable for everyone.

How do I turn off the text-to-speech feature on AirPods?

There are several methods to disable this feature depending on your device:

iPhone or iPad:

– Open the Settings app on your device.
– Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
– Select “Spoken Content.”
– Toggle off the switch that reads “Speak Screen” or “Speak Selection.”

Apple Watch:

– Go to the “Settings” app on your Apple Watch.
– Tap on “General” and then choose “Accessibility.”
– Turn off the switch next to “Speak Screen.”

Are there any alternative solutions?

Yes, if you prefer not to disable the text-to-speech feature entirely, there are alternative settings that allow you to customize its behavior:

iPhone or iPad:

– Follow the same steps mentioned previously to access the “Spoken Content” settings.
– Under “Voices,” you can choose to change the voice to one that suits your preference.
– You can also adjust the speaking rate to make it faster or slower.

Apple Watch:

– Access the “Settings” app on your Apple Watch.
– Tap on “General” and then select “Accessibility.”
– In the “Speech” section, you can change the voice and adjust the speaking rate.

Can I stop AirPods from reading text messages but allow them to read other notifications?Yes, you can customize AirPods to selectively read notifications. Here’s how:

iPhone or iPad:

– Open the Settings app.
– Scroll down and tap on “Notifications.”
– Select “Messages” and disable “Allow Notifications.”
– Go back and choose “Words with Friends,” for example, and enable “Allow Notifications.”

Are there third-party apps or alternatives available?

Yes, there are third-party apps available that offer more advanced options to control text-to-speech functionalities on your AirPods. For instance, “Silence” is an app that allows you to personalize your settings and create multiple profiles for different situations, giving you more control over notifications.

While the text-to-speech feature on AirPods was designed with good intentions, it may not suit everyone’s preferences or needs. Fortunately, there are straightforward methods to disable or customize this feature to your liking. Whether you want to completely turn it off or just fine-tune its behavior, these tips should help you gain better control over your AirPods and ensure a more tailored and enjoyable user experience.