Chinese Text to Speech Not Working: Fixes for the Panel, Audio and MP3
When text to speech stops working, the cause is usually one of a few things: the page is restricted, the text is not real text, the daily allowance is used up, or the connection dropped. Work through the checks below in order. Each one explains the symptom and what to try.
The panel does not open
Reload the tab, check that the extension is enabled at chrome://extensions, and try an ordinary public web page.
A tab that was already open when you installed or updated the extension needs a reload. Chrome does not allow extensions on its internal pages and on some protected destinations, so the Chrome Web Store, new tab page and settings will not work. A page that blocks scripts or replaces its content may need the passage selected again.
No Chinese text was found
The text may be inside an image, a canvas, or an embedded document that the page does not expose.
Select a sentence and copy it into a text editor to see whether it is real text. If it is a picture or scan, use the website reader to import the image or PDF, which recognises simplified Chinese and English, and check the recognised characters.
Audio will not play or stops
Speech is generated online, so check your connection, then try a shorter passage.
Reload and try one sentence. If a short sentence works and a long passage does not, split the text. Other tabs or system audio settings may mute the page, so check the browser tab’s sound indicator.
The daily limit message
You have used your daily allowance: 3,000 characters without signing in or 5,000 with a Google account.
Sign in with a Google account to raise the allowance, or continue the next day. Repeated attempts do not bypass it.
MP3 download fails
MP3 export is available on the website only and requires a connection; shorten the text and check your browser’s download list.
The Chrome extension does not export MP3, and its download option opens the website. On the website, confirm that the text box holds Chinese characters, try a shorter paragraph, and check whether the browser blocked or paused the download.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does it not work on chrome:// pages?
- Chrome blocks extensions on its internal pages.
- Does it work offline?
- No. Speech is generated online.
- Where can I get help?
- Use the support or contact options on the product listing or website.
Related reading
- How to Use Chinese Text to Speech: Voices, Pinyin, Speed, PDF and Chrome
- Chinese Text to Speech Chrome Extension: Read Aloud
- Read Chinese Text Aloud: Web Pages, PDFs, Docs and Email
- Chinese Text to Speech MP3: Text to Voice and Audio Download
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