ChromeVox is ChromeOS’s built-in screen reader, reading aloud everything from menus and settings to web page content. It’s built into every Chromebook, so there’s no extension or app to install.
Quick answer: Press Ctrl + Alt + Z at any time to toggle ChromeVox on or off — you’ll hear a tone and an announcement when it activates. On a tablet, hold Volume Up + Volume Down together for 5 seconds instead. You can also enable it permanently via Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-Speech.
How to Turn ChromeVox On
- Press
Ctrl + Alt + Zanywhere on the Chromebook. - Wait for the tone and the “ChromeVox spoken feedback is ready” announcement.
- Alternatively, go to Settings, search for “ChromeVox” in the settings search bar, or navigate to Accessibility > Text-to-Speech and toggle it on there.
On a Chromebook tablet without a keyboard, press and hold Volume Up and Volume Down together for about 5 seconds until you hear the activation tone.
Basic ChromeVox Navigation
- Use
TabandShift + Tabto move between focusable elements, same as normal browsing - Use the arrow keys to read line by line once ChromeVox is focused on a page
- Press
Ctrlat any time to stop the current announcement if it’s reading something you don’t need to hear - ChromeVox has its own modifier key (by default,
Search) for its full command set, letting you jump by heading, link, or form field
Adjusting ChromeVox Settings
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-Speech.
- Find the ChromeVox section and open its options.
- Toggle settings like “Automatically read page after it finishes loading” or “Speak text under the mouse” depending on your preference.
- Adjust speech rate and pitch if the default speed feels too fast or slow.
Turning It Off
Press Ctrl + Alt + Z again to disable it, the same shortcut used to turn it on. If you enabled it through Settings instead, toggle the switch back off there.
FAQ
Is ChromeVox the same as Select-to-Speak?
No — ChromeVox is a full screen reader that narrates the entire interface, while Select-to-Speak only reads text you specifically highlight or select. Both live in the same Accessibility settings section.
Does ChromeVox work on the login screen?
Yes, you can enable it directly from the login screen using the same Ctrl + Alt + Z shortcut, which is useful if you need it before signing in.
Can I use ChromeVox with an external Bluetooth keyboard?
Yes, all standard ChromeVox shortcuts work the same way with an external keyboard as with the built-in one.
