Why Is My Text to Speech Not Working? 

Over the years, text to speech (TTS) technology has made content more accessible, from voiceovers for videos to improved learning experiences and helping individuals with visual impairments. In fact, the TTS market, which was valued at $2.8 billion in 2021, is expected to expand to $12.5 billion by 2031.

Since TTS is integrated into industries like education, content creation, customer service, and accessibility, when it stops working, it disrupts not only personal tasks but business operations as well. Whether you’re a developer, content creator, or simply relying on TTS for personal use, you need to identify and resolve issues quickly to maintain workflow efficiency.

In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the most common causes and provide efficient solutions for text to speech (TTS) issues across various devices. Read on!

Top 5 Reasons Why Your Text to Speech Isn’t Work 

When it comes to text to speech (TTS) technology, there are several factors that can cause it to malfunction. While some issues may seem technical, many are often related to simple settings or device limitations. 

The top five reasons why your TTS might not be working and practical solutions to get it up and running again:

1. TTS Configuration

Incorrect TTS settings are a common but often overlooked cause of issues. For example, a small misconfiguration in a third-party app—such as selecting the wrong voice or language preference—can lead to distorted or unclear speech output, affecting the overall experience.

Also, if you're using external audio devices like Bluetooth headphones, misconfigurations can easily lead to TTS malfunctions. Lastly, ensure that no privacy restrictions are blocking TTS features, as this can prevent the system from working properly. Double-check your settings to make sure everything is configured correctly for optimal performance.

2. Volume Settings

Volume settings are another deceptively simple but common issue. If the media volume, not just the device's ringer or notification volume, is too low or muted, TTS will seem unresponsive. 

For example, if you accidentally adjust the ringtone or notification volume instead of the media volume, text to speech, and voice typing will appear unresponsive, even though the system functions correctly. This is a common issue on mobile devices, which often have multiple volume controls for different functions.

3. Internet Connection

Another frequent issue is an unstable or weak internet connection, especially with online TTS services that rely on real-time data processing. Without a stable network, voice synthesis may lag, produce incomplete outputs, or fail entirely. Restarting the device, phone, or router often helps restore connection stability.

4. Device Compatibility

Device compatibility can also be a major obstacle, especially when using older hardware or software that may not support newer TTS applications.

For instance, if you're using an older smartphone or tablet , it may not support the latest text to speech features, causing issues with voice output or functionality.

5. Application Updates

Updates for TTS applications are equally essential. Otherwise, missing patches can lead to bugs, which could further disrupt workflows, especially for businesses relying on consistent, high-quality voice outputs.

How to Fix Text to Speech Malfunction on Any Device?

When TTS malfunctions, the issue could range from a minor app setting to more complex problems like software compatibility. Fortunately, troubleshooting TTS issues is often straightforward.

Here’s how to diagnose and resolve TTS problems on any device:

1. Check Text to Speech Settings

Settings such as language, voice type, or engine selection can sometimes change after system updates or due to new apps you’ve installed. These changes might prevent TTS from working properly.

Here's how to fix it:

• Open your phone’s settings.
• Navigate to the TTS or Accessibility section. (For iOS devices, you can simply say, 'Hey Siri, open accessibility settings.')
• Confirm that the correct TTS engine is enabled.
• Make sure the chosen language matches your preferences.
• Reboot the device to apply these changes.

#For Developers: If integrating TTS into an app, check for API changes after software updates or platform modifications that could affect how the app interacts with the TTS engine.

2. Verify Volume Settings

As we said, misconfigured volume settings on iPhone or Android devices can block TTS functionality. For example the iPhone dictation not working can also be a part of the issue with TTS functionality. But it’s a quick fix once identified and can help fix iPhone dictation as well.

Here's how you can do it:

• Open the sound settings on your device. (For phones and tablets, press the side button > click on the settings icon.)
• Adjust the media volume, not just the system volume, as TTS falls under media outputs.
• If using Bluetooth devices, make sure they are properly connected and their volume is also enabled and adjusted.

#Pro Tip: Try plugging in headphones or using external speakers to check if the issue is hardware-related.

3. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Cloud-based TTS services need a steady network to function correctly. Even slight drops in connectivity can cause the TTS to stop or delay its voice to text outputs.

Here's how you can do this:

• Make sure your Wi-Fi or cellular data is connected and stable. A minimum of 1-3 Mbps is generally sufficient for basic TTS tasks, while 5 Mbps or more is recommended for more intensive use cases, such as generating longer voiceovers.
• Restart your router or switch to a different network if the issue persists.
• If using online TTS services, test them on a different device or network to identify the source of the problem.
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#For Developers: Monitor network latency and timeouts for smooth integration of cloud-based TTS APIs in your app.

4. Check for Application Updates

Outdated software often carries bugs that may interfere with the TTS system’s functionality.

• Navigate to the app store or platform where your TTS application is downloaded (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store). Look for any available updates for the TTS app.
• Similarly, Go to your device's settings and look for the "Software Update" or "System Update" section. Updating to the latest iOS version or whichever OS you're using can fix the issue.
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If there is a software update available, download and install it.
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• After both the app and operating system updates are complete, perform a restart. Check the app permissions to ensure the TTS app has access to necessary features (like microphone or external audio devices) after updates.

5. Confirm Device Compatibility

Some TTS features require more processing power or compatibility with the latest operating systems. Using outdated devices may limit functionality and cause the same issue of TTS malfunction.

• Review the TTS app’s requirements and compare them to your device’s specifications.
• If your device is outdated, consider upgrading the OS or using an alternative TTS tool.
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#Additional Troubleshooting Tips:

• For third-party TTS apps, clearing the app cache can resolve glitches or lag.
• Sometimes, a fresh install or a factory reset to restore the original settings is the only way to fix iPhone and Android device's persistent TTS issues.
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Final Word

TTS technology has become essential in making content accessible. However, even the most sophisticated tools need regular updates and maintenance to function optimally. Beyond just troubleshooting, staying proactive by trying out alternative platforms can open up new possibilities.

For example, newer tools may offer better multilingual support, voice customization, or advanced features that could simplify your content creation process.

If your current TTS solution isn’t meeting your needs, consider trying Murf AI. With 120+ AI voices in over 20 languages, customizable voice profiles, and seamless integration capabilities, Murf AI is designed to enhance your audio experience.

Sign up on Murf and take your content to new heights today!