Have you ever noticed your iPhone speaking out loud when you’re texting and wondered why it’s happening? Let’s get to the bottom of this. The reason your iPhone speaks when you text is likely because you have the “Speak Selection” or “Speak Screen” feature enabled. This feature is designed to aid visually impaired users by reading out text on the screen. But don’t worry, turning it off is a cinch!
After you complete the action to disable the speaking feature, your iPhone will stop reading out loud your texts or screen content, providing a silent and private texting experience once again.
Introduction
Have you ever been in a quiet room, diligently typing away a text message on your iPhone, only to have it suddenly start speaking the words you’re writing? If that’s happened to you, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users have encountered this somewhat startling feature without understanding why it’s happening or how to control it. This is especially puzzling and potentially embarrassing when it happens in public or at work.
So, why does your iPhone speak when you text? It’s thanks to a feature called “VoiceOver” or “Speak Selection,” which is part of Apple’s accessibility features. These features are a godsend for users with visual impairments, as they help in reading out the text on the screen. However, for those who do not require this assistance, it can be perplexing to have your phone suddenly start talking to you. Understanding the specifics of this feature and how to manage it is important for all iPhone users, whether you need the accessibility options or not. This article will provide a clear, step-by-step guide on how to stop your iPhone from speaking when you text, along with the pros and cons of this feature.
Why Does My iPhone Speak When I Text Tutorial
This step-by-step guide will walk you through disabling the speaking feature on your iPhone to stop it from vocalizing your texts.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
This is the gear icon typically found on your home screen. You’ll find a range of options here to customize your iPhone’s functionality.
Step 2: Accessibility
Tap on “Accessibility.”
This section houses all the features designed to help users with various disabilities use their iPhone more effectively.
Step 3: Spoken Content
Select “Spoken Content.”
This menu includes all settings related to speech, such as speaking rate and voice selection, in addition to the features that cause your iPhone to speak out loud.
Step 4: Turn off Speak Selection and Speak Screen
Toggle off both “Speak Selection” and “Speak Screen.”
“Speak Selection” reads out the text you select, while “Speak Screen” reads everything on the screen when you swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Aids visually impaired | The speaking feature is incredibly helpful for users who have trouble seeing their screen. |
| Helps with proofreading | Listening to your text can help catch errors you might miss when reading. |
| Language learning | Hearing words can assist in learning pronunciation in a new language. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Privacy concerns | If your phone speaks out loud, it can reveal private information in public places. |
| Can be disruptive | The speaking feature can be distracting in quiet environments like libraries or meetings. |
| Accidental activation | Users can inadvertently enable the speech feature, causing confusion. |
Additional Information
In addition to turning off “Speak Selection” and “Speak Screen,” you may also want to be aware of “VoiceOver,” another accessibility feature on your iPhone that speaks items on your screen. If “VoiceOver” is enabled, your iPhone will speak everything you tap on and require different gestures to interact with your device. To turn off “VoiceOver,” you can use Siri by saying, “Hey Siri, turn off VoiceOver,” or go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and toggle it off.
Sometimes, your iPhone might also start speaking due to accidental activation of Siri or dictation. Be mindful of these features as well when you find your device speaking unexpectedly. Remember, understanding and managing these features will not only enhance your experience but also ensure your privacy and convenience while using your iPhone.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on Accessibility
- Select Spoken Content
- Toggle off Speak Selection and Speak Screen
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my iPhone reading out my texts?
Your iPhone is likely reading out your texts because the “Speak Selection” or “Speak Screen” feature is enabled.
Can I activate speaking features for certain apps only?
No, the speaking features are system-wide and cannot be set for specific apps.
Will disabling Speak Selection affect Siri’s functionality?
No, disabling Speak Selection will not affect Siri’s ability to speak or respond to voice commands.
Can I change the voice used for spoken text?
Yes, you can change the voice by going to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Voices.
What if my iPhone speaks when I text even after disabling Speak Selection and Speak Screen?
If your iPhone continues to speak, check if “VoiceOver” is enabled and turn it off, or restart your iPhone to resolve any glitches.
Conclusion
Navigating the myriad of features on your iPhone can sometimes feel like you’re trying to crack the Da Vinci code – especially when it comes to those features that seem to have a mind of their own. But understanding why your iPhone speaks when you text and knowing how to manage these settings is crucial for both your convenience and privacy. Whether you’re someone who relies on these accessibility features or someone who got caught off guard by a chatty iPhone, it’s important to be in control of your device’s behavior.
So, the next time your iPhone decides to serenade you with your own text messages, just remember, you have the power to silence it. Happy texting, and may your iPhone speak only when spoken to!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.