How to Get Siri to Read to You on Your iPhone
At EasyIT, we love helping people get the most out of their technology. Your iPhone has features that can make life easier, and one of the most underrated is its ability to read text aloud. Whether you want to listen to an article while cooking, have your emails read to you on the go, or give your eyes a rest, Siri and Apple’s accessibility tools can turn your iPhone into a personal reader.
Turning on Spoken Content
The first step is enabling the correct settings. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Accessibility, and then choose Spoken Content. Here you’ll find a few useful options. Speak Selection allows you to highlight text and have it read aloud, while Speak Screen lets Siri read everything on your display with a simple two-finger swipe down from the top. There’s also Typing Feedback, which can read back words or characters as you type.
In this menu, you can adjust the speaking rate so Siri talks at a comfortable pace, and you can even choose from different voices to match your preference.
Asking Siri to Read for You
Once Spoken Content is turned on, Siri can take over. Say, “Hey Siri, read my screen,” Siri will begin reading everything in view. If you’ve highlighted specific text, you can say, “Hey Siri, read this,” and only that section will be read aloud. This is especially handy in apps like Mail, Messages, or Safari.
Choosing Between Speak Selection and Speak Screen
If you only need a small portion of text read aloud, highlight it and tap Speak in the pop-up menu. This way Siri won’t read the entire page. For longer content, such as articles or eBooks, use the Speak Screen gesture by swiping down with two fingers from the top of the screen. Siri will start reading immediately, and a control panel will appear so you can pause, skip, or adjust the speed.
Tips for a Better Experience
There are a few extra touches that make the experience even smoother. You can set up an Accessibility Shortcut so that a quick triple-click of the side button enables Spoken Content instantly. You can also download additional Siri voices, including regional accents, for a more personalized feel. And if you’re using AirPods or CarPlay, Siri can read aloud through your headphones or car speakers, making it safer and more convenient while driving or on the go.
Final Thoughts
With just a little setup, Siri can become your personal reader on iPhone. It’s a powerful tool for multitasking, accessibility, and everyday convenience. At EasyIT, we believe technology should work for you—and small tips like this can make a big difference in how you use your devices.
