Read Aloud window disappearing immediately on MacBook

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Level 1

81 points

Read Aloud window disappearing immediately on MacBook

Pressing Option + Esc only shows the Read window controller for a second, then it's gone. There is not enough time to tap on or read. For the split second the read controller is seen, it does not contain an on triangle, only pause double lines and stop square. Speak selection is on, voice is selected.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How to get Accessibility/Spoken Content/Read Aloud to read? Option+Esc MacBook. Read control will not remain on screen.

MacBook Air

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 7:25 AM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,347 points

Oct 12, 2025 6:51 PM in response to ejbpesca

Hi ejbpesca

Re: "How to get Accessibility / Spoken Content / Read Aloud to read? "

Wondering which MacOS version is installed on your MacBook Air in order to assist.

Eg: to check the settings are as you want them to be:

For MacOS 26 Tahoe:

See: Change Read & Speak settings for accessibility on Mac - Apple Support

or

For MacOS 15 Sequoia:

See: Change Spoken Content settings for accessibility on Mac - Apple Support

___________________________________________________________

Re: "Option+Esc MacBook. Read control will not remain on screen".

To check (or change) the settings:

Go to:

Apple menu > System Settings, click Accessibility > You may need to scroll down. to choose either "Spoken Content" or "Read & Speak" (depends on your Mac Os version.).

Then:

Show controller: Choose when to show the controller (Automatically, Never or Always).

If the settings are all ok, and are as you want them to be: if you still need help:

See : How to contact Apple for help with accessibility features - Apple Support

All the best:-)

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