How to type to speak using Live Speech on iPad

If you’re unable to speak or have lost your speech over time, you can use Live Speech on iPad to have what you type spoken out loud during in-person conversations and in apps like FaceTime. You can choose from dozens of system voices or use a Personal Voice you create.

On a FaceTime call, the other person hears Live Speech on their end. You can also save phrases you use often, and add them to custom categories like school or work.

Note: Live Speech isn’t available in all languages.

Have what you type spoken out loud

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Accessibility and tap Live Speech. Then turn on Live Speech.
3. Triple-click the top button or Home button (depending on your iPad model) and tap Live Speech (if the Accessibility Shortcut is set up with more than one feature).
4. Tap the Live Speech window, type what you want to have spoken and then tap Speak.

   You can also paste copied text into the window, or tap suggested words that appear above the keyboard as you type.

Live Speech is output on the other end of the call if you’re on a FaceTime call. Otherwise, your iPad’s speaker outputs Live Speech.

Have saved phrases spoken out loud

Live Speech keeps a list of phrases you use often to select from. Your phrases can go into custom categories like school or work, too.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Accessibility and tap Live Speech. Then turn on Live Speech.
3. Tap Phrases and then do any of the following:
   • Create a new category: Tap the Add Category button, enter a category name, select an icon, and then tap Add Category.
   • Add a new saved phrase: Tap a category, tap the Add Phrase button, enter a phrase, and then tap Save.
4. Triple-click the top button or Home button (depending on your iPad model). Then tap Live Speech (if the Accessibility Shortcut is set up with more than one feature).
5. Tap the Phrases window and then do any of the following:
   • Speak a phrase from a saved category: Scroll to the left to select a category, then tap a phrase.
   • Quickly add a new phrase: Tap the Add Phrase button in any category, enter a phrase, tap Done, and then tap the phrase.
   • Quickly speak a recently used phrase: Tap Recent and then tap a phrase.

To remove a phrase, swipe left on it, then tap Delete.

Allow audio from other apps in calls

Allowing audio from apps to be audible in voice and video calls is helpful when you use apps that assist with speaking and communication.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Accessibility, tap Audio & Visual, and tap Add Audio in Calls.
3. Turn on Allow Apps to Add Audio in Calls.

   When this option is on, both audio and microphone input are included in calls. To silence all audio during a call, mute the microphone.

See also

• Type instead of speaking to Siri
• Hear iPad speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback
• Accessibility features for speech on iPad