There’s something so comforting about holding a Kindle, being wrapped in a soft blanket, and getting lost in a good book.

But let’s be honest, while that’s the ideal way to spend a night in…life gets busy, our eyes often get tired, and sometimes we just want to listen instead of reading.

That’s where Kindle’s Text-to-Speech feature comes in.

If you’ve ever wished your Kindle could read to you while you’re walking, cooking, or driving, you’re not alone. And to answer the question that is probably in your mind by now, yes, it’s possible to do so, with a few conditions, though.

So, now let’s walk you through how you can use this feature, what to expect from it, and if there are any alternatives out there in case your device doesn’t fully support it.

What Is Text-to-Speech on Kindle?

Text-to-Speech is often called TTS. It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a feature that reads text out loud. It converts the word on your Kindle screen into verbal audio. Whether you are multitasking or you want to give your eyes a break, this feature allows you to stay on top of your reading list in a hands-free way.

Amazon introduced this feature to help with accessibility, but it quickly became useful for anyone who wanted more flexibility with how they consume books. This experience is not quite like a professionally narrated audiobook, but it serves a purpose well enough if you’re looking for convenience.

How to Enable Text-to-Speech on Kindle Fire

Do you have a Kindle Fire? If yes, you’re in luck because it supports TTS. Here’s how to turn it on.

Here’s how to turn it on:

1. Open the book you want to read.

2. Tap the screen to bring up the menu.

3. Select the “Aa” icon in the top right corner.

4. Scroll down to find the “Text-to-Speech” toggle.

5. Turn it on. Once activated, you’ll see a play button on the reading screen.

6. Tap play, and the book will start reading itself to you.

You can plug in headphones or connect Bluetooth speakers for private or amplified listening. It’s easy to adjust the playback speed, too, so this lets you fine-tune the voice’s pace depending on what level you’re comfortable with.

Just keep in mind that this feature only works with Kindle books that allow TTS. Some publishers restrict this option so that it won’t be available on every title.

How to Use VoiceView Screen Reader (For Other Kindles)

Now, if you’re using a Kindle Paperwhite or any model that does not support TTS, don’t worry. There’s another route, VoiceView. VoiceView is an Amazon screen reader designed for visually impaired users. However, it works just as well for anyone who wants to listen to books. Here’s how to enable it.

Here’s how to enable it:

·Make sure Bluetooth is on and pair your Kindle with a Bluetooth audio device.

·Press and hold the power button for 9 seconds.

·Place two fingers apart on the screen for about one second.

·If VoiceView starts successfully, you’ll hear instructions guiding you through the setup.

Once it’s active, everything you navigate on the screen will be read aloud. This includes the book text. You’ll need to get used to its gestures, like swiping and tapping in a specific way. Once you get the hang of it, it works fairly well.

Limitations of Kindle Text-to-Speech

While the TTS feature is handy, it’s still far from perfect. A few limitations do stand out, and if you are aware of them beforehand, it just helps set expectations.

·Monotone Voice:

Unlike audiobooks, the voice used for TTS is quite robotic. There’s no emotional range, no pauses for dramatic effect. It just reads. This works fine for some books, but it might not do justice to a suspenseful novel or poetic text.

·Compatibility Issues:

As we said, not all Kindle books allow TTS. Some publishers disable it. So, even if your device supports this feature, it may not work with every title, so that is a limitation.

·Limited Control:

Yes, you can adjust speed and volume, but you can’t pick from multiple voices, accents, or tones. So, if you’re looking for a customizable listening experience, this isn’t it.

·Navigation Friction:

If you’re using VoiceView, it’s not smooth to navigate through the book. You cannot easily jump page or chapter. Sometimes it even takes a few steps to pause or rewind. And to be honest, it can get frustrating.

Alternative Solutions for Non-Compatible Devices

So, if you’re wondering why your Kindle device doesn’t support TTS, or you’re not satisfied with the robotic voice, there are smarter alternatives you can utilize. The best part? They offer a lot more flexibility.

Use the Kindle App with Built-in Accessibility Features

Install the Kindle app on your phone, iPad, or Android device, as these are the platforms that offer built-in screen-reading options:

·On iOS, enable Speak Screen in Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content. Then swipe down with two fingers to hear the text read aloud.

·On Android, turn on Select to Speak under Settings > Accessibility and tap on the text to start playback.

This solution offers natural voice options as well. It’s simple to use for regular Kindle app readers.

Use Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice

If you’re someone who likes to switch between reading and listening, WhisperSync for voice might just be the best solution for you. It works for Kindle books that have matching Audible books. When both versions are available and purchased, you can:

·Read on your Kindle or Kindle app.

·Switch seamlessly to audio without losing your place.

·Pick up from where you left off, whether you were reading or listening.

Keep in mind that it’s a premium option, so you need to buy both formats, but it’s incredibly convenient if you’re looking for professional narration.

Use Screen Readers on Laptops or Desktops

If you use Kindle Cloud Reader to access your books via browser, you can enable a screen reader like VoiceOver for Mac or NVDA for Windows. These tools are built for accessibility. They offer keyboard navigation and natural-sounding voice outputs. It’s a practical option if you prefer reading on a larger screen.

To use Kindle Cloud Reader with a screen reader:

·Open your book in the browser.

·Launch the screen reader software.

·Use the screen reader’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate.

Happy listening!

It may take a bit of practice to get used to the interface, but it works well for users who spend a lot of time at their computers.

Try AI for Custom Audio Narration

If you’re looking for a more personalized listening experience, All Voice Lab is a strong contender. You can copy Kindle content from personal documents or highlights into All Voice Lab and then turn it into high-quality voiceovers:

All Voice Lab gives you access to a range of natural voices, language options, and advanced controls like:

·Speed and pitch adjustments

·Emotion-based delivery (like calm, serious, or storytelling modes)

·Custom pronunciation and pauses

While All Voice Lab doesn’t directly sync with the Kindle app, you can download the audio and play it through any device. It’s especially useful for content creators, language learners, or anyone who wants a polished TDS experience beyond what Kindle’s built-in tools offer.

Use Google Assistant or Siri

Another simple trick is using your phone’s voice assistant to read Kindle content. What you can do is copy or highlight a passage, ask, “Hey Siri, read this”, or “Hey Google, read this screen”.

It’s not meant for full-book reading, but if you’re reviewing short paragraphs or reading highlights, this can be surprisingly handy.

Conclusion

Kindle’s Text-to-Speech feature is a practical solution for people who are looking for hands-free reading or busy readers. If you have a Kindle Fire or use a Kindle app, using TDS is just a few taps away. For other models, you can use VoiceView to get the job done, though it’s more of an accessibility tool than a mainstream TDS solution.

However, if you’re looking for a richer, more human-sounding experience, or in case your Kindle does not support TTS, platforms like All Voice Lab offer alternatives that bridge the gap. With all these tools available, you don’t have to choose between resting your eyes or finishing a good book. Now you can have both. Cool, right?

If you have tried Kindle’s TDS or another tool that worked well for you, feel free to share your experience. You never know who you might be helping.

FAQs

Can Kindle Paperwhite use Text-to-Speech?

Not directly. Kindle Paperwhite does not support the standard TDS feature. You can use VoiceView with Bluetooth audio. It’s more of a screen reader. It gets the job done if you’re looking for audio output only.

How do I turn off TTS on Kindle?

If you’re using Kindle Fire, just tap the screen, go to the AA setting, and toggle off the TDS option. If you are using VoiceView, go to Settings, Accessibility, VoiceView Screen Reader, and switch it off.

Does TTS support other languages like Chinese or Spanish?

Yes, but with some exceptions. Kindle’s built-in TDS supports a few major languages. However, the variety is pretty limited compared to platforms like Murph. If you want broader language options and natural voice quality, third-party tools are probably your best bet.

Read more：How to Change Your Voice: A Simple Guide to Voice Modification