Text to Speech Not Working in Helperbird

Troubleshoot text to speech not working in helperbird. Get help with common Helperbird issues and find solutions quickly.

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If Text to Speech isn't working in Helperbird, here are the most common fixes.


Step 1: Check Your Volume

Make sure your device volume is turned up and not muted. This sounds obvious, but it's the most common cause. Check both your system volume and any in-app volume controls.

On desktop, also check that your browser tab isn't muted. Look for a speaker icon in the tab - if it has a line through it, right-click the tab and select "Unmute."


Step 2: Check Browser Permissions

Your browser might be blocking audio from playing.

Chrome/Edge: Look for a speaker or blocked icon in the address bar. Click it and allow audio for the site.

Firefox: Check the permissions icon (usually a lock) in the address bar and ensure autoplay is allowed.

Safari: Go to Safari > Settings > Websites > Auto-Play and make sure it's set to allow audio.


Step 3: Try a Different Voice

Sometimes a specific voice fails to load. Open Helperbird, go to Text to Speech settings, and try selecting a different voice. If another voice works, the original voice may have a temporary issue.


Step 4: Select Text First

Some Text to Speech modes require you to select text before clicking play. Try highlighting the text you want read, then click the play button.


Step 5: Refresh the Page

Text to Speech can sometimes stop working if a page has been open for a long time. Refresh the page and try again.


Step 6: Check Your Internet Connection

Some premium voices require an internet connection to work. Make sure you're connected to the internet and try again.


Step 7: Restart Your Browser

If nothing else works, close your browser completely and reopen it. This clears any temporary issues that might be blocking audio.


Step 8: Update Helperbird

Make sure you're running the latest version of Helperbird. Updates often fix audio-related bugs. Check your browser's extension page for updates.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

Still having Text to Speech issues? Reach out to our Helperbird support team with details about your browser and the problem, and we'll help you fix it!

What People Are Saying

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This is my first google review ever! I have to share that the accessibility and support for independent access for students that Helperbird provides, is a game changer. It is constantly being updated with new features based on feedback and it is extremely user friendly. The ability to customize the settings allows students to have control over their own learning, aligning with Universal Design for Learning. Looking forward to sharing with students and fellow educators on a daily basis. Thanks, Helperbird team!

Kelli Suding

Kelli Suding

Assistive technology specialist

This tool helps so many of our students at school - not only those students who have dyslexia, but students and adults who have other learning differences (and those who don't!). It helps ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their learning!

Kim Norris

Kim Norris

Helperbird user

Love the new ruler. Thank you so much and cant wait for the Google docs add on.

A Google User

A Google User

Helperbird user

Best website reading enhancer

Sandeep K.

Sandeep K.

Domain Trainer

wonderful

Ayman Mahrous

Ayman Mahrous

Helperbird user

Amazing tool, love the new overlay feature!!

James Connel

James Connel

Helperbird user

Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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