How to Activate Voice on Kindle

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Kindle’s “Screen Reader” option (formerly Voice Guide) is an accessibility feature that uses voice narration of menu and page selections. The feature can be accessed from the “Accessibility” menu in the settings. In addition Kindle Readers and Fire tablets can use “Text to Speech” on certain titles, wherein the Kindle will read the ebook text out loud. This setting can be accessed from the reading toolbar settings menu while reading an ebook.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Activating Screen Reader

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will take you a list of device settings.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This button is located at the bottom of the Settings menu and will take you to a list of user assistance options.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Screen Reader” is located at the top of the accessibility settings under the “Vision Settings” header. The On/Off toggle is located to the right of the listing. The Screen Reader will describe any of the features you tap or interact with.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tap the “+” and “-” buttons next to “Reading Speed”. This is listed just below Screen Reader in the same menu.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Activating Text-To-Speech

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The reading toolbar appears at the top of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The settings button is in the bottom left of the reading toolbar.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-7.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Note that Text to Speech is not available for every Kindle book. Furthermore, Text to Speech is currently only available in the U.S. and in English.
    • Amazon will list if Text to Speech is supported in the “Product Details” section of a book’s store page. [1]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-8.jpg\/aid1360736-v4-728px-Activate-Voice-on-Kindle-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The “Play” button is located next to the reading progress bar and will start reading the text aloud from the start of the current page.
    • Sound will play through the Kindle's external speakers or you can use earphones plugged into the headphone jack.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use voice search on an Amazon Fire?
    Community Answer
    I don't think so, I have the latest Fire and it doesn't have voice search on it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
  • Question
    My Kindle locked up when setting up Voice, I can't open anything, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Hold the power button for about 30 seconds, then it will shut off on its own. Then hold it for 20 seconds to turn it back on.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I activate Alexa?
    Community Answer
    Simply say, "Alexa." If this doesn't work, check if it is connected to the WiFi, or check the Alexa app that you must download to activate it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You may want to deactivate Screen Reader while using Text to Speech or listening to an Audiobook to avoid interruption.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Activating any of the voice options will cause the Kindle to use battery life more quickly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • Note: the Kindle Paperwhite does not support any audio features without purchasing the Kindle Audio Adapter.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Operate the Amazon Kindle
      How to
      Put an eBook on an iPad
      How to
      Put Books on a Kindle
      How to
      Add a PDF to a Kindle
      How to
      Print from Kindle
      How to
      Install Android on Kindle Fire
      How to
      Hard & Soft Reset Most Kindle Devices
      Downloading Kindle Books on an iPad Made Easy: A Step-By-Step Guide
      How to
      Install the YouTube App on Your Kindle Fire
      How to
      Share Kindle Books with Family and Friends
      How to
      Remove or Permanently Delete Books From Your Kindle
      How to
      Replace the Battery in Your Kindle
      How to
      Access UK Library Books on a Kindle
      2 Quick Ways Connect a Kindle Fire Tablet to Your TV
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201286790#GUID-F6CD3CEB-6E55-41EC-9B65-219A9C775B51__SECTION_9B1D523DA1EF4F2799B178F40FB79D00

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 132,574 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement