Text to Speech Not Working in Helperbird
Text to Speech silent? Check volume and tab mute, allow audio for the site, try another voice, select text first, then refresh, restart or update Helperbird.
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If Text to Speech isn't working in Helperbird, here are the most common fixes.
Step 1: Check Your Volume
Check your device volume. Make sure the browser tab is not muted.
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
- Choose Text to speech settings beside your speech controls.
- Open Select a voice.
- Choose Play sample, the play button beside a voice without a Pro label.
- Choose that voice if the sample works.
Your voice choice saves at once. Give the voices a moment to load.
If your saved voice is missing, Helperbird uses another voice. It keeps your saved choice.
Check your device volume if you still hear nothing. See the settings guide.
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 audio still does not play, save your work, close the browser, and reopen it. Then try reading a short selection again.
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.
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!
Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated October 26th, 2026
Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support