Android has long offered a text-to-speech engine, but accessing it hasn’t been straightforward. With Google’s Reading Mode app, you can now easily read aloud text on any screen on Android smartphones. The app also includes features like reading speed adjustment, text customization, and more. Additionally, you can use this feature in private apps like WhatsApp and Gmail. To install the Reading Mode app and enable this feature on Android, follow these steps.
Installing and Enabling Google’s Reading Mode App
- Download the Reading Mode app for free from the Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to enable Reading Mode.
- It will open the “Accessibility” settings page. Locate and tap on “Reading Mode.“
- Turn on the “Reading Mode” shortcut. In the pop-up window, grant the service full control of your device.
Using Google’s Reading Mode App on Android
After enabling Reading Mode, you can customize the shortcut to launch it on any screen on your Android phone. You have the option to add an accessibility button or trigger it by pressing and holding both volume buttons.
To use Reading Mode, open any webpage in Chrome or your favorite Android browser. Tap the Reading Mode shortcut icon on the side of your screen or use any other trigger method you’ve selected. You can also use Google Assistant by simply asking it to “open Reading Mode.”
After enabling Reading Mode, the content on your phone’s screen will be presented in a more readable and user-friendly format. This mode eliminates the need to view floating ads, pop-up ads, or intrusive video ads on certain websites. Google’s Reading Mode also functions in private apps like WhatsApp and Gmail, as well as in offline mode.
In Reading Mode, tap the “Play” button at the bottom center to have the app read the text aloud. You can also customize the text’s appearance, reading speed, and reading voice from the Settings menu.
Using Read Aloud Texts in Google Assistant on Android
Google Assistant includes a built-in Read Aloud feature that functions well without requiring the installation of a separate Android app. However, it can be buggy at times and may not work in all apps. Here’s how you can use it to read aloud texts on Android.
- Open any webpage and activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google.”
- Then, just say “read aloud,” and Google Assistant will begin reading the text displayed on the screen. It also offers features like reading speed adjustment and text synchronization.
So, that’s how you can activate Reading mode on Android to have text read aloud from your screen. This feature will come in handy if you prefer listening to news or articles instead of podcasts while driving or traveling. If you are looking for new accessibility features in Google apps, we have discussed some of them in our coverage linked here. Finally, if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
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