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Voice Options

Kidhoot speaks instructions so children can learn without needing to read. Open Settings → Voice Engine to choose a voice option.

Auto — recommended​

Auto is free, selected by default, and needs no account or key. Kidhoot automatically uses the best available voice:

  • Included audio whenever available
  • A short online voice request when included audio is missing
  • Downloaded offline voices on Android
  • The device's built-in voice as a fallback

On Android, better offline voices download automatically in the background. Keep Kidhoot open and use Wi-Fi during the first download. Once ready, those voices work without an internet connection.

Web browsers use included audio and the browser's built-in voice when offline.

ElevenLabs — optional advanced choice​

ElevenLabs offers additional online voices through a separate ElevenLabs account. It may have usage limits or costs set by ElevenLabs. Auto remains available if the service cannot speak.

Connect ElevenLabs​

  1. Create an account at elevenlabs.io.
  2. In the ElevenLabs account, create an API key with Text to Speech access. Add Voices access if you want to choose custom voices.
  3. In Kidhoot, open Settings → Voice Engine → ElevenLabs.
  4. Paste the key and tap Validate.

Treat the key like a password. Do not share it. It remains on the device and is included if you download a local data export.

Choose and test voices​

After validation, you can select a different voice for English, French, and Italian. Use the speaker button to preview a voice. Reset returns all languages to Kidhoot's default choices.

Clear Voice Cache removes generated voice files from the device. Kidhoot downloads or creates them again when needed.

Voice privacy​

Auto usually uses audio already on the device. When an online voice is needed, the short text to be spoken—including a child's name in a celebration—can be sent to Kidhoot's voice service. ElevenLabs mode sends the text through the parent's ElevenLabs account.

See Safety & Privacy for more information.

If you cannot hear the voice​

  1. Turn up the device volume and make sure it is not muted.
  2. Switch the Voice Engine to Auto.
  3. If Android is still preparing offline voices, keep the app open with a stable connection.
  4. Restart Kidhoot.
  5. If using ElevenLabs, validate the key and check the account's usage limit.

See FAQ & Troubleshooting for more help.