Ever wondered how you can make your device read text aloud effortlessly? Whether you want to multitask, need accessibility support, or just prefer listening over reading, Text-to-Speech (TTS) can be a wonderful AI technology for your digital experience. But how do you enable and optimize this feature for a smoother, more seamless interaction? Thankfully, TTS is available on both Android and Windows devices, and with just a few simple adjustments, you can make your device read aloud any text you see on the screen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use TTS on Android and Windows 11, ensuring you make the most out of this powerful feature. From choosing the right voice to adjusting the speech rate and pitch, we’ll cover everything you need to know to optimize your Text-to-Speech experience. Whether you’re using TTS for accessibility purposes or just to make your life easier, you’ll be able to set up and customize it with ease. Let’s explore the setup process!

What is Text-to-Speech (TTS)?

Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology converts written text into audible speech, allowing devices to read text aloud. It enhances accessibility for individuals with visual impairments or reading disabilities and is used in applications like voice assistants and navigation systems. TTS has improved with advancements in neural technology, providing more natural-sounding voices. Let’s take a closer look at how TTS functions on both Windows 11 and Android devices.

• Text-to-Speech on Windows 11: Windows uses the Narrator feature for TTS, offering voice feedback for users with visual impairments. Integrated into accessibility settings in Windows 11, users can customize voice type, speed, and pitch. It works seamlessly with apps like Microsoft Word and Notepad, providing a versatile TTS experience.
• Text-to-Speech on Android: Android’s TTS is implemented through the text to speech class, allowing apps to read aloud text. It supports multiple languages and accents, with customization options for speech rate and pitch. Android TTS also offers offline functionality, making it convenient for use without an internet connection.

Key Differences Between Windows and Android Text-to-Speech

The primary distinction between Windows and Android TTS lies in their integration and customization options.

While both Windows and Android offer robust Text-to-Speech functionality, there are some key differences in how the technology is implemented and customized. Windows integrates TTS features primarily through the Narrator app, offering users a solid set of natural-sounding voices and extensive accessibility options. 

On the other hand, Android's TTS system is more deeply integrated into the operating system, offering a high level of customization at the app level and offline capabilities. Both platforms are designed to provide unique user experiences with their respective TTS technologies. Now, let's explore how to use Text-to-Speech on Windows 11.

How to Use Text-to-Speech on Windows 11?

Windows 11 includes built-in text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities through the Narrator tool, designed for users who prefer spoken content or need screen-reading assistance.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the Start button and select the gear-shaped Settings icon to open the Windows Settings menu.

Step 2: Navigate to the Accessibility

Navigate to Accessibility > Narrator and enable Narrator by toggling it on.

Step 3: Launch Windows Narrator

Once activated, the Narrator will begin reading aloud any text displayed on your screen. To quickly launch it, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S.

Now that you have enabled Narrator, you can further customize it to suit your preferences for an enhanced experience.

Step 4: Configuring Narrator Settings

• Select a voice (e.g., Microsoft Aria, Zira, or Mark).
• To change the speed of the narration, use the "Voice speed" slider. Move it left for slower speech or right for faster narration. 
• Additionally, adjust the "Pitch" slider to change the tone of the voice to your liking.

Step 5: Set the Volume

• Control the volume of the narration using the "Volume" slider. Move it left for a softer voice or right for a louder output.

Step 6: Choose a Language

• To switch the narration language, click on the "Language" menu and select the language of your choice from the available options.

Now, with these settings in place, you can personalize your text-to-speech experience for a more comfortable auditory interaction with your device.

Using Text-to-Speech for Various Tasks

Once Narrator is activated, use these shortcuts to control text-to-speech:

🔹 Scan Mode (Caps Lock + Spacebar) allows you to navigate documents, emails, and web pages using the arrow keys and TTS.

Now that you’ve mastered text-to-speech on Windows 11, let's explore how to enable and use text-to-speech on Android devices for an even more accessible experience!

How to Use Text-to-Speech on Android Devices?

Android includes built-in TTS functionality via Google’s Text-to-Speech Engine, which is useful for reading articles, eBooks, and messages aloud.

Enabling Text-to-Speech on Android

Method 1: Using Select to Speak (Accessibility Feature)

1. Open Settings (Swipe down from the top and tap the Settings gear icon).
2. Navigate to Accessibility > Text-to-Speech Output.
3. Tap Select to Speak and toggle it On.
4. Grant the required permissions when prompted.

Method 2: Enabling Google’s TTS as Default

1. Go to Settings > General Management (or System on some devices).
2. Tap Language & Input > Text-to-Speech Output.
3. Select Google Text-to-Speech Engine as the preferred engine.
4. Adjust the speech rate, pitch, and language settings as needed.

Using Text-to-Speech for Various Tasks

Once enabled, you can use TTS for different applications:

Tip: You can also use Google Assistant (Hey Google, read this aloud) to have content spoken to you.

Customizing Text-to-Speech Settings

You can personalize TTS settings for a better experience:

1. Go to Settings > General Management > Language & Input.
2. Tap Text-to-Speech Output.
3. Adjust speech rate (speed) and pitch for a more natural voice.
4. Change the default language to match your preferences.
5. (Optional) Enable Offline Voice Packs to use TTS without an internet connection.

Now that you know how to use text-to-speech on Android and Windows devices, you can enhance your reading experience, accessibility, and productivity. For even more natural and high-quality speech output, consider exploring Smallest.ai, which offers advanced text-to-speech solutions. 

Enhance Your Text-to-Speech Experience with Smallest AI’s Wave

While Windows Narrator and Google’s Text-to-Speech Engine offer basic speech synthesis, Wave by Smallest AI takes TTS technology to the next level with lifelike, customizable voices, instant voice cloning, and real-time processing.

Designed for content creators, educators, businesses, and accessibility users, Waves provides studio-quality speech with advanced AI-driven enhancements, making it a superior alternative to built-in TTS solutions.

Key features:

• Instant Voice Cloning – Generate high-fidelity voice clones with just 5 seconds of recorded input, perfect for branding, narration, and interactive voice experiences.
• Hyper-Realistic Speech Synthesis – Delivers human-like intonation, emotion, and studio-grade clarity, far surpassing traditional TTS engines.
• Multi-Language & Accent Support – Access 100+ voices across 30+ languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, French, and more.
• Real-Time Processing with Ultra-Low Latency – Generates speech in under 100 milliseconds, ensuring smooth, real-time interactions.
• Customizable Speech Parameters – Adjust tone, pitch, speed, and emphasis to create dynamic, natural-sounding voice outputs.
• Seamless API Integration – Easily integrate Wave into apps, websites, e-learning platforms, customer support systems, and voice assistants.
• Offline Mode Support – Generate TTS output without an internet connection, making it reliable for on-the-go use.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan – Get up to 30 minutes of premium-quality text-to-speech per month.
• Basic Plan ($5/month) – Includes 3 hours of TTS, API access, and one instant voice clone.
• Premium Plan ($29/month) – Enjoy 24 hours of TTS, enhanced API access, and two instant voice clones for professional-grade voice applications.

With Wave by Smallest.ai, you can transform text into captivating, human-like speech in seconds. Whether for business, education, or entertainment, unlock the future of TTS today!

Conclusion

Text-to-Speech technology in Windows 11 and Android enhances accessibility, productivity, and user convenience. Whether you’re using Narrator on Windows to read emails or Google’s TTS engine on Android for hands-free reading, these tools transform text into spoken words, making content more accessible and engaging.

By customizing settings, adjusting voice speed and pitch, and exploring third-party TTS solutions, you can enhance your experience and tailor it to your specific needs.

For those seeking ultra-realistic, studio-quality voice output, Wave by Smallest AI goes beyond standard built-in solutions. With instant voice cloning, multilingual support, and real-time AI-powered speech synthesis, it delivers a cutting-edge TTS experience perfect for content creators, businesses, and accessibility users.

Try Wave for free today and bring your text to life with human-like speech! 

FAQs

1. How do I enable Text-to-Speech on my Android device?

To enable Text-to-Speech on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Accessibility.
3. Tap on Text-to-speech output.
4. Choose your preferred engine, language, speech rate, and pitch.

2. How can I use Text-to-Speech in Microsoft Word on Windows?

In Microsoft Word, you can utilize the "Speak" feature to have text read aloud:

1. Highlight the text you want to hear.
2. Click on the Review tab.
3. Select the Read Aloud or Speak button.

3. Why isn’t the Text-to-Speech feature working on my device?

First, check if the TTS feature is enabled in your device’s settings. Also, ensure that the selected language and voice are supported. If the issue persists, try updating the speech engine or restarting your device.

4. Can I change the Text-to-Speech voice on my device?

Yes, most devices allow you to customize the TTS voice. You can choose from built-in voice options or download additional voices through system settings or third-party apps.

5. Can I disable Text-to-Speech for specific apps only?

Yes, some apps have individual settings to disable TTS. However, this option isn’t available for all apps, so you may need to adjust system-wide settings if necessary.