iPhone no longer reads highlighted text aloud

I used to be able to highlight messages or text and then the phone would read it out loud. It doesn’t do that now. How do I fix that?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Speaking highlighted text

iPhone 14, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 8:21 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 9:21 PM

Re: "Speaking highlighted text : I used to be able to highlight messages or text and then the phone would read it out loud. It doesn’t do that now."


Wondering if Apple Support's online article for iOS 26 can help you:

See how to: Hear iPhone speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback - Apple Support


Eg : Tap Settings > Accessibility > Read and Speak:

Then:

  • "Speak Selection: Turn on Speak Selection to have iPhone speak the text you select.

Customize the highlight style, color, and selection for in-app text that is spoken aloud."

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 21, 2025 9:21 PM in response to Buz77

Re: "Speaking highlighted text : I used to be able to highlight messages or text and then the phone would read it out loud. It doesn’t do that now."


Wondering if Apple Support's online article for iOS 26 can help you:

See how to: Hear iPhone speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback - Apple Support


Eg : Tap Settings > Accessibility > Read and Speak:

Then:

  • "Speak Selection: Turn on Speak Selection to have iPhone speak the text you select.

Customize the highlight style, color, and selection for in-app text that is spoken aloud."

iPhone no longer reads highlighted text aloud

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