In 2011, Apple introduced a game-changing feature that revolutionized digital interactions: “Siri. ” This was not an evolution, this was a revolution to the next level.
A personal, invisible helper in our devices, ready to call people, wake us up, play music, and do whatever we ask.
For instance, if you are driving your car and receive an important text message, Siri can read what is on the message without you having to take your attention from the road.
In this blog post, I’ll explain how to use Siri’s TTS on an iPhone and Mac devices because those are the two operating systems I have personal experience with.
We will also provide examples as a way of making the process as easy to understand and as much fun as is possible.
How to activate Siri on your device?
Want to keep up with your messages without lifting a finger?
Siri’s got you covered! If you are just feeling lazy, Siri can read your texts aloud on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Let’s explore how to make Siri read text aloud on your Apple devices.
On iPhone or iPad:
Open Settings: Press the Setting application icon.
Find Siri & Search: Follow down to Siri & Search and tap it.
Turn on Siri: Allow ‘Say ‘Hey Siri’ to turn on’ and ‘Press the Side button for Siri’ (or ‘Press the Home button for Siri if you have an old version of an iPhone).
Use Siri When Locked: To be able to make use of Siri with a locked device then enable the “Siri When Locked” feature.
On Mac:
Open System Settings: Press the Apple button at the top-left part of the screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on various earlier macOS versions).
Find Siri: Press Siri & Spotlight.
Turn on Siri: Next to “Enable Ask Siri. ” check the box.
Set Up 'Hey Siri': To use “Hey Siri” the steps to enable the option will be explained below:
Once enabled, you can simply say, “Read my messages”, and Siri will read text out loud.
How to Use Siri to Read Texts on iOS (iPhone and iPad)- Step-by-step guide
- Activate Siri and Say "Hey Siri"
- Ask Siri to Read Messages Just say, "Read my messages" Siri will read your latest unread texts out loud.
- Listen and Interact You can tell Siri to repeat, skip, or reply to a message with commands like, "Repeat that" "Reply."
What are the Benefits of Siri Text to Speech?
Hands-Free Helper: Cooking, cleaning, or just chilling? Let Siri read your texts while you keep doing your thing—no hands needed!
Drive Safe: Siri’s got your back on the road, reading messages so you can stay focused and keep your hands on the wheel.
Stay in the Loop: Busy day? Siri keeps you updated on your messages while you multitask like a pro.
Screen Break: Give your eyes a rest and let Siri do the reading—perfect for when you’re tired of staring at screens.
Inclusive and Awesome: Siri’s voice makes sure everyone, including those who find reading screens tough, stays connected.
Instant Updates: In a lively group chat? Siri will keep you posted on the latest without you lifting a finger.
Fun Factor: Siri’s TTS even makes boring texts sound entertaining—because who knew hearing texts could be this fun?
How to Interact with Siri While She Reads Your Texts?
Apart from reading your texts Siri can assist you in managing them hands free. Here's how you can interact with Siri while she reads your messages;
- Repeat a Message: If you missed something say "Repeat that " and Siri will read it again.
- Skip to the Message: Not interested in a message? Simply say " message,". Siri will move on.
- Reply to a Message: Want to respond? Simply say, “Reply,” followed by your message, like “I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” Siri will confirm before sending it.
- Manage Multiple Messages: Say, “Skip,” to move to the next message.
- Dictate Responses: Speak clearly, and add punctuation (e.g., “comma” or “period”).
Now you can easily manage your texts without lifting a finger!
How to use Siri text to speech?
This will be done by going to the settings of the device that one is using and then activating the text to speech option.
It can be in Accessibility > Spoken Content or in Siri & Search depending on the model of the device.
To get Siri to read something, just use ‘Read this’ or ‘Read aloud’.
Just listen to Siri as she reads the text on your screen!
How does Siri text to speech work?
Siri text to speech is an apple product which enables Siri to read most of the text on your display. As for how it operates, little is known, but it employs a deep learning technique to turn written text into spoken words with speech voice.
Here’s how it works:
- Text Normalization: Siri listens to what you’re saying and understands your words.
- Phonetic Transcription: It then converts your speech into text, accurately recognizing different voices and accents.
- Speech Synthesis: Siri figures out how to respond—whether it’s answering your question, doing what you asked, or even making a joke.
- Deep Learning: Finally, Siri converts its text response back into speech, sounding natural with proper pitch, speed, and pronunciation.
Examples of how Siri features can improve daily productivity.
- Morning Routine: Easily send a text to your boss without lifting a finger as you prepare for the day.
- Cooking Time: Have Siri read out your messages while you're busy, in the kitchen.
- Exercise Sessions: Use Siri to manage your messages allowing you to concentrate fully on your workout.
- On the Go: Stay safe on the road by letting Siri handle texts and responses while you focus on driving.
Limitations of Siri and Practical Alternatives
Siri’s Limitations
- Hit-or-Miss Accuracy: Siri can struggle with understanding accents or complex commands, leading to mistakes.
- Limited App Support: Siri shines with Apple apps but doesn’t play well with many third-party apps.
- Internet Dependent: No internet, no Siri—she needs a connection to work.
- Privacy Worries: Siri reads messages out loud, which can be risky in public or shared spaces.
- Basic Understanding: Siri sometimes doesn’t grasp the full context, leading to answers that miss the mark.
Cool Alternatives to Siri
Google Assistant: Google’s great for better voice recognition and works well with non-Apple apps.
Amazon Alexa: Alexa is perfect for controlling smart home devices and has tons of useful features.
Samsung Bixby: Bixby is designed specifically for Samsung devices, making it a good fit for Galaxy users.
Conclusion
To summarize, using Siri to read texts on iOS and macOS is a tremendous way not to glance at the screen while staying updated.
All you need to know is how to have Siri read texts for you so that you can perform other tasks during the day and be more efficient in the process.
Take a test and find out how much it helps to stay in touch!
FAQs
No, Siri can’t read messages from third-party apps. Siri only reads messages from the Apple Messages app.
Having Siri read your messages out loud is secure, but be aware of who’s around. Siri only reads messages when you ask, so your texts stay private unless you’re in a public space.
Siri text to speech is an activated tool on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other apple devices that assist in the accomplishment of several tasks. Follow these steps: Press the Settings icon on the device and select Siri and Search. Activate the feature named as Listen for “Hey Siri” or Press Side Button for Siri, based on the device type and user convenience. Choose the option of “Enable Siri. ” After this, simply follow the on-screen prompts to help teach Siri to identify your voice. Other options involve the ability to alter Siri’s voice, language it uses, and even the feedback it gives.
Here’s how: Settings > Notifications. Tap Announce Notifications. Flip the switch for Announce Messages with Siri.