Can Alexa Read Text Messages From My iPhone? (The Truth!)

If you’ve been wondering: Can Alexa read text messages from my iPhone, you are on the right page. This guide will also teach you how to set it up. 

Alexa’s messaging feature allows you to send messages between your Echo devices. However, there’s a way that you can give it access to your messages. 

Read on to find out!

Yes, Alexa can read your text messages. However, there’s a catch, and you need to give it specific permissions to go through your messaging app.

Let’s find out more details about Alexa and your messages so you have a better idea on how it all works.

What to Know About Can Alexa Read Your Text Messages

We’ve established that Alexa can read text messages through the Alexa skill ping.

Opening up Alexa to developers made it possible to magnify the usefulness of your device. It’s of great help when you need a hand or an extra pair of eyes.   

✅ Alexa Messaging Feature

This feature allows you to send messages between the Alexa app and supported Echo devices. First, you’ll need to sync your phone’s contact list. 

✅ Link Alexa With Text Messaging

For you to enjoy text messaging with Alexa, it is mandatory that you set up the service first.

Be sure to grant permissions for messaging and calling. 

✅ Use Supported Software

This particular Alexa feature only works on devices that are installed with the latest software. You’ll need to update your phone to get Alexa to read your messages.

✅ Use Voice Commands for Alexa

When you link your device with Alexa, you can use your voice to command Alexa to read your messages aloud.

Now that you know the important things about Alexa’s messaging feature, let us proceed to the hows and whys. 

Can Alexa Read Text Messages From My iPhone

Have you ever considered listening to your text messages without picking up your phone? With your iPhone and Alexa, it’s a feature you can use to make your life much easier.

As long as you’re using compatible software, you can allow Alexa access to your text messages so she can read them out loud whenever you ask for it.

Let’s look at everything you need to know about this feature so you can set it up and use it correctly:

Does Alexa Read Your Text Messages

If you have an iPhone, you can set up Alexa in such a way that it can access your text messages and read the contents to you.

It’s also not limited to just reading your messages. You can take full advantage of it by replying using voice commands. 

All you need to do is set up the feature correctly and ask Alexa to read your messages using prompts.

The great thing about this feature is you can use it anywhere you are as long as you have access to an Alexa-enabled device nearby.

Here’s what you need to know about Alexa and your text messages:

1. Alexa can read your text messages on your iPhone.
2. Grant Alexa permission to access your messages.
3. Once set up, ask Alexa to read your messages through voice prompts.

Note: You can also ask Alexa to reply or send a new one to someone in your contact list.

How to Setup Alexa to Read Messages from Your iPhone

Now that you know it’s possible to grant Alexa access to read messages from your iPhone, it’s time to get it up and running. There are a few steps that you need to follow to get this feature going.

Before you get Alexa to go through your messages and read them, you will need to connect these two services together.

Doing this will specify to your phone that you’re giving Alexa permission to read your messages.

Here are the steps to set up Alexa to read your phone’s messages:

1. Get the Alexa app on your iPhone and open it.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap on Communication.
4. Select Apple and sign in with your Apple ID.
5. Grant permission to Alexa to access your messages.

Note: After setting up the permissions on your iPhone, you can now go ahead and let Alexa to read your messages.

How to Get Alexa to Read Your Messages on iPhone

Now that you’ve set up everything regarding Alexa reading your messages, it’s time to get it to read them.

The good news with Alexa is that you only need a few voice commands to make it work. It should be pretty straightforward as long as you know what to tell Alexa.

Here are the ways to get Alexa to read your messages:

1. “Alexa, read my text messages.”
2. “Alexa, read my message from [name a contact].”
3. “Alexa read my latest message.”

Note: You can also get Alexa to reply to them by saying, “Alexa, send a message to [name a contact] saying [your message].”

Why Allow Alexa to Read Text Messages

As long as you allow it to, Alexa is capable of accessing your text messages.

Yes, there are a few concerns with this particular feature. Although, there are several use cases where it can be incredibly useful.

It’s not all the time you can look at your screen and respond to important messages.

Giving Alexa access to them will allow you to get these messages by promoting them with voice commands.

Here are the top reasons why you should allow Alexa to read your messages:

1. Listen to your messages without looking at your phone.
2. Get your text messages as long as you’re near an Alexa device.
3. Great whenever you’re multitasking.
4. Allows you to respond right away.
5. Excellent for persons with disabilities.

What to Look Out For When Alexa Can Read Your Text Messages

Since there are several advantages of allowing Alexa to read your text messages, this convenience also poses a set of concerns. Security and privacy are the number one downside of using this feature.

If Alexa had access to your text messages, there is a remote possibility that it would forward them to its servers.

Even if it’s inadvertent, you don’t want other people to know about the content of your text messages, whether they are private or not.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using this Alexa feature:

1. Security and privacy concerns.
2. Inaccurate translations.
3. Feature limited to what the Message app can do.
4. Need an Alexa device to work.

Note: This particular feature is only available for iPhone users as it’s not yet enabled for Android.

Limitations Of Alexa Reading Your Messages

Alexa getting access to your messages is certainly a cool feature. Although, there are also a few limitations that you need to take into account whenever you’re using it.

Whenever you’re dealing with new features and systems, you can expect that there are going to be a few hitches.

Having this capability can be incredibly helpful. However, you don’t want to rely on it always if it doesn’t work 100% of the time.

Understanding these limitations is important so you can avoid them and not expect too much from Alexa.

Here are the main limitations of Alexa reading messages on your phone:

1. Alexa can only read messages from SMS or iMessage.
2. Alexa can’t read messages from third-party apps.
3. Alexa can only read messages sent to your phone number.
4. You will need to specify which number you want to use for Alexa.
5. Use Alexa to read text messages.

Note: Third-party apps that Alexa doesn’t support include WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, and others.

These are everything you need to know when it comes to giving access to Alexa to read your messages on your iPhone.

Now that you’re informed of the steps, benefits, and limitations, you can make the decision if you want to take advantage of this feature.

For the most part, you should not run into any issues using this as it’s private.

Bottom Line

Can Alexa read text messages from my iPhone? You sure can! As long as you’re using the latest iOS version on your iPhone, you can set up this feature.

If you run into issues setting it up and using it, you can contact Amazon customer support for additional assistance.

Read Next: What Can Alexa Do Without Internet?