How to Activate Voice on Kindle

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Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

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Activating Screen Reader

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Activating Text-To-Speech

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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

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This will take you a list of device settings.
This button is located at the bottom of the Settings menu and will take you to a list of user assistance options.

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“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.
Tap the “+” and “-” buttons next to “Reading Speed”. This is listed just below Screen Reader in the same menu.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Activating Text-To-Speech

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The reading toolbar appears at the top of the screen.
The settings button is in the bottom left of the reading toolbar.
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Tap “On” next to “Text-to-Speech”. 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]
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Tap the screen to show the reading toolbar again, then tap the “Play” button. 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.

Community Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tips

You may want to deactivate Screen Reader while using Text to Speech or listening to an Audiobook to avoid interruption.

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Warnings

Activating any of the voice options will cause the Kindle to use battery life more quickly.

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Note: the Kindle Paperwhite does not support any audio features without purchasing the Kindle Audio Adapter.

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