Speechify Chrome Extension Not Working? 5 Easy Fixes Teachers Can Try

When Speechify stops working, it can derail everything.

If you rely on text-to-speech for focus, pacing, or accessibility, a glitchy extension feels extra frustrating.

I completely get that. Been there many times!

This guide walks you through simple, practical fixes so you can get back to listening ASAP.

We're talking five easy steps you can do between grading a stack of essays and prepping tomorrow's slides.

Here's the video walkthrough if you prefer that format:

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of them, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If your Speechify Chrome extension isn’t working, don’t panic—it’s usually a simple fix. This guide walks overwhelmed teachers (especially those with ADHD) through 5 quick, low-friction troubleshooting steps:
Pin the extension so you can see and use it.
Check permissions to make sure it can access websites.
Log out and back in to refresh your account session.
Restart Chrome fully (not just one tab).
Try a different page to rule out page-specific issues.
✅ Plus: checklists, accessibility tips for neurodivergent teachers, and guidance for brand-new users.
💡 Goal: Spend less time fighting tech and more time getting stuff done.

Understanding Common Speechify Chrome Extension Problems

The Speechify Chrome extension helps you listen to web pages, PDFs, and articles.

This can reduce reading overwhelm and support your attention.

But, sometimes you might have trouble accessing it at all.

Technology is great when it works, right?

Usually, it's because of a basic setting or a browser issue.

The goal here is to keep it simple.

I'm going to walk you through five fixes in order so you can try them without having to guess what comes next.

I've been lucky enough to not have to deal with most of these.

But several people have mentioned it, so I wanted to help!

Common symptoms you might notice:

The Speechify icon appears but doesn't respond.

The icon isn't visible in your toolbar.

The extension menu opens, but nothing plays.

Permissions seem off or Chrome feels “stuck.”

Why this matters if you're trying Speechify for the first time?

A rocky setup can make you think the tool isn't for you.

Often, it just needs a clean start, a pinned icon, or permission tweaks.

Signing Up for Speechify: A Quick Start

If you're new to Speechify, you'll start at the web app by visiting app.speechify.com and creating a free account.

Or visit the Chrome Web Store.

You'll see an upgrade prompt for premium voices and a list of benefits for listening.

It does ask for a credit card to start the free trial.

But you can explore the site without paying immediately.

Then you can decide if the premium voices and other features are worth it.

Learn more about this in Is Speechify Free and Safe to Use?

Here are the first steps:

Go to the Speechify web app and sign up for free.

Review the upgrade options and voice features.

If you want premium voices, enter your details to start the trial.

Grab your free Speechify trial today.

What to expect on first login

After you sign up, you'll land on a simple homepage.

In Chrome, look for the blue box with the white audio symbol.

That's the Speechify extension you'll use to read pages aloud.

If you want a complete walkthrough on setup, check out how to install and use Speechify Chrome extension.

Fix 1: Pin and Activate the Extension

If the Speechify icon isn't visible, it may have gotten swept away temporarily.

Pinning puts it on your toolbar so you can find it fast.

Checking the Extension Icon

Here's how to make sure the icon is pinned and ready:

Click the puzzle icon in Chrome's toolbar to open extensions.

Find Speechify in the list, then pin it by clicking the pin symbol.

Click the Speechify icon, which looks like a blue box with a white audio icon, to open the menu and confirm it's active.

If you see the icon pinned, that's a good sign it's ready to go.

Verifying activation status

If clicking the icon doesn't open settings or controls?

Toggle the extension off and on from the extensions menu, then try again.

Reviewing Permissions

Sometimes the extension needs the right access to read web pages.

From the extensions panel:

Open the extensions menu.

Select Speechify.

Review and confirm permissions, especially anything related to site access or reading data on pages you visit.

If permissions look limited, adjust them so Speechify can access the pages you want to listen to.

You control how broad that access is, so pick what you feel comfortable with.

Fix 2: Log Out and Log Back In

This is the classic “turn it off and on,” but for your account.

If you recently signed up or switched devices, your session may need a refresh.

Why logging out helps

A fresh login can sometimes clear minor glitches and helps the extension reconnect to your account.

Here's a quick process:

Click the Speechify icon in your toolbar.

Choose the menu option to log out.

Log back in with your account details.

If you used the web app during setup, make sure you're logged in there as well.

After logging back in, go back to a page you want to read and try the icon again.

Post-login check

Open a page with text, click the Speechify icon, and start playback.

If you hear audio, you're good.

If you're having trouble, learn more about Speechify login issues.

Fix 3: Restart Chrome Browser

If pinning, permissions, and logging back in don't help, restart Chrome.

Sometimes it's something that basic.

Simple restart steps

Close out your browser completely, not just one tab.

Then reopen it and try Speechify again.

Close all Chrome windows.

Wait a few seconds.

Reopen Chrome and test the Speechify icon on a webpage.

This quick reset often clears temporary conflicts with other extensions or tabs.

What to do after restart

Head back to a page with text, click the Speechify icon, and check if playback starts.

If it works, you can keep listening!

Hooray!

Fixes 4 and 5

The video I linked at the top walks through two more quick checks that are straightforward to try.

If you try the steps in order, you'll usually solve the problem without needing much tech support.

Start with pinning and permissions, then move to account and browser resets.

Troubleshooting Checklist You Can Reuse

You don't need to remember every sentence of this post.

Keep this short list handy on your desktop or notepad.

Use it the next time Speechify acts up.

Is the Speechify icon pinned to the toolbar?

Did you open the icon to confirm it's active?

Did you review site access and permissions in the extensions menu?

Have you logged out of Speechify, then logged back in?

Did you fully close and reopen Chrome?

If you're setting up Speechify for the first time and want something you can follow step by step?

Bookmark the how to get started with Speechify extension walkthrough.

Signing In and New Account Tips

If you're testing Speechify with a new account, it helps to start clean.

Open the Speechify web app, and make sure you're logged out of any other accounts.

Then, log in to the one you want to use across Chrome.

A few pointers to avoid confusion:

Use the same email on both the web app and the Chrome extension.

If you see prompts to upgrade, that's normal.

You can explore the interface before deciding if premium features are worth it for you.

Keep your login details saved in a password manager to make things extra easy.

If you're curious about pricing and safety in school settings, I have posts on that too.

How to Tell If It's Working

You can test the extension on a short article or a Google Doc you can view in the browser.

Start small.

If the icon opens and the play button starts reading, you're good!

If playback starts but stops quickly:

Refresh the page and try once more.

Check that you're on a standard web page, not a locked PDF or a site blocked by your district.

Try a different site to rule out page-specific issues.

Success signal to look for: the mini player appears and you can choose voice options.

Even if you stick with the default voice, that's progress.

Accessibility and Focus Tips for Neurodivergent Teachers

If you teach with ADHD or autism, your tools need to reduce overwhelm, not add to it.

A few friendly tweaks can make Speechify work better for your brain and your day.

Keep the icon pinned so you can start listening as fast as possible.

Use voices that sound pleasing to you!

Start with short listening sessions, then build up during planning time.

Pair listening with a simple task, like highlighting or note-taking, if that helps you retain information.

Once you're comfortable, explore features like speed control or text highlighting to support comprehension.

If you want to know more?

Read about what can Speechify do.

FAQ: Quick Answers When You're Short on Time

Why isn't the Speechify icon showing?

It's likely not pinned.

Open the extensions menu, find Speechify, and pin it.

Do I need to upgrade for it to work?

No.

The extension works with a free account.

Upgrading adds premium voices and other features.

Does logging out really help?

Yes.

It refreshes your session and clears small account glitches after signup.

Will I lose my settings if I restart Chrome?

No.

Restarting just clears temporary hiccups.

Your extension and account stay put.

What if I'm using a school device?

You might have restricted permissions.

Check site access in the extension and ask your IT team if extensions are limited.

Going Forward

You can fix a fussy Speechify Chrome extension with a few quick moves.

Pin the icon, review permissions, log out and back in, and restart Chrome.

Start with the simplest step and work your way down the list.

Your time and focus are precious.

And you deserve to find accommodations that really work for you.

Save this guide, try the steps when needed, and get back to listening!