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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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  • troubleshooting
  • reading

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.


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 August 13th, 2026

Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support

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makes reading easier for dyslexics

Really makes reading easier for dyslexics.
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This app has changed everything f...

I've been meaning to write this review for a while now. My daughter is newly diagnosed with dyslexia and I heard an interview with Robert on a Newstalk podcast and sought it out. I wasn't sure if I had it installed correctly on her laptop and Robert was on straight away to help. He was amazing. This app has changed everything for my daughter. Everything is accessible to her and everyday tasks and schoolwork are so much easier. She also has visual stress so the coloured overlay feature is a game changer for her. I would highly recommend this app to anyone, she couldn't be without it now!
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readings become so much easier

Hugely helpful app, readings become so much easier since I installed this.Saved me so much time for a couple of bucks
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