Everything you need to know about listening to your documents with Read2Me. Still stuck? Email hello@oceanwithinstudio.com.
What can Read2Me read?
Read2Me reads PDFs, EPUBs, DOCX, and plain-text documents. Scanned PDFs may need OCR before they can be read aloud.
Is Read2Me private?
Yes - that's the whole idea. Your files, extracted text, OCR, and voice all stay on your device. There are no accounts, no ads, and no tracking. See our Privacy Policy.
Why is my scanned PDF empty?
It may contain page images instead of selectable text. Run OCR from your Library to extract readable text - it runs entirely on your device.
Does iCloud Sync copy my document files?
Yes. When iCloud Sync is on, your documents - along with metadata, reading progress, and preferences - sync through your own private iCloud account, so a book you import on one device shows up on your others. It goes only to your private iCloud, never to OceanWithin Studio, and it counts against your iCloud storage rather than ours. A document not yet downloaded to a device shows as "In iCloud" with a Download button. You can also use a Backup ZIP any time to move or protect files manually.
How do I back up my library?
Go to Settings -> Backup & Restore -> Create Backup ZIP. When it's ready, use Save / Share Backup ZIP to store it in Files or iCloud Drive.
Why does Personal Voice need preparation for lock-screen playback?
Apple Personal Voice is created and managed by iOS. To keep your selected voice from being replaced by a fallback voice when the screen locks, Read2Me may prepare private on-device audio before lock-screen playback. If preparation is still in progress, the app may briefly show "Preparing lock-screen audio..." before continuing.
Does Read2Me record or clone my voice?
No. Personal Voice is created and managed entirely by iOS. Read2Me never records, stores, uploads, or trains your voice - it only asks iOS to speak with the voice you already set up.
Can I change the reading speed and voice?
Yes. Use the speed control in the Reader, or pick any installed iOS voice (including premium voices) in the Voices tab.
Can I use Kindle or Apple Books?
Protected content from Kindle or Apple Books usually can't be imported directly. If you own a DRM-free PDF or text file, import it through Files.
Are bookmarks and highlights saved?
Yes. They're stored on your device and included in the manual Backup ZIP, and you can export your marks and notes to Markdown or Apple Notes.
Why does the app show "Missing file"?
The document's metadata or progress exists, but the file isn't on this device and isn't in your iCloud either. Re-import the document, or restore it from a Backup ZIP. (If it instead shows "In iCloud," just tap Download - no re-import needed.)
Does Read2Me work in Spanish or French?
Yes. Read2Me's interface is available in English, Espanol, and Francais - switch anytime in Settings -> App Language. This changes the app's buttons and menus; the reading voice is chosen separately in Voices.