Text to Speech

How to Turn Off Google Text to Speech on Android, iOS, and PC

Learn how to disable Google text to speech on Android, iOS, Windows, and Chrome, and discover why Murf is a smarter alternative for high-quality, customizable voiceovers in 20+ languages.
Supriya Sharma
Supriya Sharma
Last updated:
April 22, 2026
September 21, 2022
6
Min Read
Text to Speech
How to Turn Off Google Text to Speech on Android, iOS, and PC
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Summarize the Blog using ChatGPT

Google text to speech, a cornerstone in the realm of voice-enabled applications, has revolutionized accessibility, making digital content more inclusive for those with reading difficulties or visual impairments. From reading out notifications to aiding in language learning, its applications are vast and varied.

However, there are instances where users might find the need to disable this feature. Whether it's to focus better without auditory distractions, to conserve battery life, or simply a preference for reading text manually — the reasons vary.

This guide delves into the different methods to disable Google text to speech in Android, iPhone, and PC — updated for 2026.

Why You May Want to Turn Off Google Text to Speech

While Google's TTS is an innovative and helpful feature, there are specific situations where turning it off can enhance your device experience.

Privacy Concerns

One of the primary reasons to consider disabling Google text to speech is privacy. When enabled, this feature might access and process the content you are interacting with, leading to concerns about data security. By turning off Google text to speech, you can mitigate these concerns, ensuring that your interactions with your device remain private and secure.

Annoyance

Google TTS is designed to enhance user experience, but it can sometimes lead to annoyance, especially if it activates unintentionally. This can be particularly disruptive in quiet environments like libraries, meetings, or late at night.

Saving Battery Life

Like any active feature, TTS requires processing power, which can contribute to faster battery drain. By turning off Google's TTS, you can extend your device's battery life.

How to Turn Off Google Text to Speech?

Disabling Google text to speech on various devices can be a straightforward process. Here are the steps for turning off this feature on Android, iOS, Windows, and Google Chrome.

On Android Devices

To disable Google text to speech on Android devices, such as Samsung and Motorola smartphones, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Tap on "Audio and Video" from the menu.
  • Select "Text to speech."
  • Use the toggle to turn the voice input key switch off.

Additionally, you can disable the Google Speech service by following these steps:

  • In the Settings category of the app, go to "Personal."
  • Tap on "Language & Input" and then "Google voice typing."
  • Uncheck the "Enable Google voice typing" box.

On iOS Devices

To turn off text to speech on Apple devices like iPhone or iPad:

  • Go to "Settings," then "General."
  • Tap on "Accessibility."
  • From the menu, tap "Speech" and then "Voices and Switch."
  • Switch off the "Speak Selection."

On Windows PCs

  • Open "Settings" on your home screen.
  • On the right pane, click on "Interaction."
  • Go to "Speech."
  • Select the "Speech button" under "Start Menu."
  • Turn off "Text to speech."

With Windows 10/11, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + S to force-stop the feature.

On Google Chrome

  • Open Google Chrome on your device.
  • Click on the three dots in the upper right corner to open the Chrome menu.
  • Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
  • Scroll down and click on "Advanced" to expand the advanced settings.
  • Look for the "Accessibility" section.
  • Toggle off any settings related to Google text to speech to disable it.

How to Disable Speech Services by Google (Android — 2026)

Many Android users in 2026 are finding that even after turning off TTS, "Speech Services by Google" continues running in the background. This is a separate system service that powers multiple Google apps. Here's how to disable or restrict it:

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Go to Apps (or Application Manager on older devices).
  3. Tap the three-dot menu and select Show system apps.
  4. Find and tap Speech Services by Google.
  5. Tap Disable or Force Stop to prevent it from running.

Note: Disabling Speech Services by Google may affect Google Assistant, voice search, and other speech-dependent features. If you only want to stop TTS readout, it's better to disable TalkBack and Speak Selection individually rather than the core service.

How to Turn Off TalkBack on Android

TalkBack is Google's screen reader, which is separate from but related to Google TTS. If your phone is reading everything out loud when you tap the screen, TalkBack is likely the culprit — not Google TTS itself.

To turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack.
  2. Toggle TalkBack off.
  3. A confirmation dialog will appear — tap OK (or press both volume keys simultaneously on newer Android versions).

On some Samsung devices, this is found under Settings → Accessibility → Vision → Voice Assistant.

Murf: An Ideal Alternative to Google Text to Speech?

Even though Murf doesn't offer an app or cannot be directly integrated into any device, the online platform distinguishes itself as a superior alternative to Google text to speech, offering a suite of features that cater to a wide range of voiceover needs.

Enhanced Voice Quality

Murf's standout feature is its collection of over 200 AI voices that are incredibly human-like and realistic. This contrasts sharply with the more mechanical and less natural-sounding voices often associated with Google Text to Speech. Murf's diverse range of voices is available in more than 20 languages, ensuring that the voiceovers are not only engaging but also culturally resonant.

Customization at Your Fingertips

Where Google text to speech offers limited customization, Murf provides extensive control over the voiceover output. Users can adjust pitch, speed, and emphasis, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns perfectly with the intended message and tone of the content.

Seamless Integration for Businesses

For businesses looking for an efficient TTS solution, Murf's API integration offers a seamless experience. This feature allows for easy incorporation into existing systems — a significant advantage over the more basic Google TTS service.

Meet Murf Falcon: The Fastest, Most Efficient Text to Speech API

Murf Falcon is engineered to deliver human-like speech at an industry-leading model latency of 55ms across the globe. Use Falcon to deploy AI voice agents that not only talk like regular humans but also deliver speech at blazing-fast speed with ultra precision.

  • Model latency under 55ms; time-to-first-audio under 130ms
  • Edge deployment across 10+ regions
  • 35+ languages, 150+ expressive voices
  • 99.38% pronunciation accuracy
  • Priced at 1¢ per minute

Fast everywhere. Accurate always. Affordable at scale. Try Murf Falcon now!

Transform Text into Natural-Sounding Speech in 200+ Voices

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to disable Google text to speech on Android devices?

Yes, disabling Google text to speech on Android devices is straightforward. You can do this by going into the Settings app, selecting the ‘Audio and Video’ option, and then tapping on ‘text to speech.’ Here, you’ll find a toggle to turn the feature off. The process is user-friendly and can be completed in just a few steps.

Is it possible to re-enable text to speech after disabling it?

Absolutely. Re-enabling text to speech on any device is as simple. On Android and iOS devices, you just need to revisit the text to speech settings in the respective settings menu and toggle the feature back on. This flexibility allows users to switch the service on and off as per their requirements.

Can I disable text to speech on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads?

Yes, you can disable text to speech on iOS devices. The process involves going to ‘Settings,' then ‘General,’ followed by ‘Accessibility.’ In the ‘Speech' section, you’ll find the option to turn off features like ‘Speak Selection.’ The steps are designed to be intuitive and quick.

How to turn off text to speech on Android devices?

To turn off text to speech on Android devices, open the Settings app, navigate to ‘Audio and Video,’ and then select ‘Text to speech.’ Here, you’ll find a toggle to switch off the feature. This process is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to easily manage their device’s text to speech settings.

How to turn off text to speech on iOS devices?

Turning off text to speech on iOS devices involves a few simple steps. Go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘General,’ and select ‘Accessibility.’ Under the ‘Speech’ options, you’ll find the ability to disable features like ‘Speak Selection.’ This process is user-friendly, ensuring that iOS users can easily control their text to speech preferences.

Author’s Profile
Supriya Sharma
Supriya Sharma
Supriya is a Content Marketing Manager at Murf AI, specializing in crafting AI-driven strategies that connect Learning and Development professionals with innovative text-to-speech solutions. With over six years of experience in content creation and campaign management, Supriya blends creativity and data-driven insights to drive engagement and growth in the SaaS space.
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