If you’ve ever powered on your PlayStation 5 and been greeted by a robotic voice reading every menu item aloud, you’re not alone. Many users search for how to turn off text-to-speech on PS5 as it can be an unexpected and sometimes jarring experience.
Whether you’re setting up your console for the first time or helping someone else streamline their gaming experience, disabling this feature is a straightforward process.
Why your PS5 is speaking to you
The text-to-speech function on the PS5 is part of Sony’s built-in accessibility features, specifically the Screen Reader.
It was designed to help visually impaired users navigate the PlayStation interface.
However, it can easily be activated unintentionally during setup, which leads to confusion among users who don’t need the feature.
According to PlayStation Support, the Screen Reader reads out on-screen text and provides audio cues for menu navigation.
While useful for some, for others it’s simply an extra voice they didn’t ask for.
How to turn off text to speech on PS5 in a few easy steps
To disable the text-to-speech feature on your PS5, follow these simple instructions:
1. Go to Settings
From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings icon in the top-right corner. It looks like a little gear symbol.
2. Open Accessibility settings
Scroll down and select Accessibility from the settings menu.
3. Select Screen Reader
Within the Accessibility settings, choose Screen Reader. This is the feature that controls the text-to-speech functionality.
4. Turn off the Screen Reader
Toggle the Screen Reader Off. Once disabled, your PS5 will no longer read menu items aloud.
“The PS5’s accessibility features are some of the most advanced in console gaming, but they are easy to toggle on and off depending on a player’s needs.” — IGN Tech Guide
Disabling additional voice features on your PS5
Sometimes users confuse other audio features with the text-to-speech system.
If you’re still hearing narration after turning off the Screen Reader, you might need to check these other options:
Voice chat transcription
This feature converts voice chats into text and vice versa, but it’s not technically text-to-speech in the traditional sense. To disable:
- Go to Settings
- Select Accessibility
- Choose Chat Transcription and turn it off
Voice command options
Sony has also introduced voice command functionalities in beta, such as “Hey PlayStation.” These can be turned off under:
- Settings > Voice Command (Preview)
While useful for hands-free gaming, they can overlap with AI-driven audio features like AI TTS streaming.
Why text-to-speech may have turned on automatically
There are a few ways the PS5’s text-to-speech feature could be turned on without your knowledge:
- Accidentally enabling accessibility during initial setup
- A system update resetting preferences
- Another user activating it for testing or accessibility reasons
Always double-check your settings after an update or when using a shared console.
How AI TTS streaming is changing accessibility in gaming
While many users prefer to disable text-to-speech on the PS5, there’s no denying that AI-based audio tools are reshaping gaming.
AI TTS streaming technologies now allow streamers to synthesize speech in real-time, adding new layers of interaction with their audiences.
Tools like Text-to-Speech from Typecast.ai are advancing rapidly, giving creators lifelike voiceovers and narrations without needing to record every line manually.
These tools are not only revolutionizing accessibility but also creating new storytelling possibilities for developers and content creators alike.
When you should keep text-to-speech on
Before you rush to turn it off, consider whether the feature might actually be helpful.
Text-to-speech can benefit:
- Visually impaired players navigating menus
- Kids who aren’t yet reading proficiently
- Anyone who prefers audio cues over visual ones
It’s easy to forget that what feels like an annoyance for one user can be an essential tool for another.
Troubleshooting if text-to-speech won’t turn off
If you’ve followed all the steps above and the text-to-speech feature is still active, here are a few things to check:
- Restart your PS5: A reboot can help finalize setting changes.
- Check for system updates: Sometimes a firmware update resolves persistent glitches.
- Review user profiles: Make sure another profile isn’t overriding your preferences.
- Reset accessibility settings: If all else fails, restoring default accessibility settings might help.
“Don’t forget to check your profile settings—some accessibility options are saved per user, not per system.” — GameSpot Accessibility Review
Make your PS5 truly yours
Learning how to turn off text-to-speech on your PS5 gives you better control over your console experience.
Whether you’re customizing your gaming environment for comfort or just removing an unexpected voice, turning off Screen Reader is quick and easy.
With the rise of AI TTS streaming and evolving accessibility tools, it’s likely that more nuanced voice features will arrive on consoles in the future.
For now, knowing how to manage them ensures you get the best experience possible—on your terms.
