To change audible playback speed on iPhone, open the Audible app, start an audiobook, tap the Speed icon at the bottom of the player screen, and choose your desired speed from the list. This lets you listen faster to get through books quickly or slower to catch every detail.
How to change audible playback speed on iPhone from the player
Audible is not an Apple native app; it is a third-party app by Amazon. Adjusting the speed while listening is the most direct method. Follow these steps:
- Open the Audible app on your iPhone and select a title to play.
- Open your player by tapping the now-playing area at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the Speed icon located at the bottom of the player screen. The playback speed icon may be represented as '1x' or '1.0x' on the player screen.
- Choose your desired setting from the options displayed, which range from 0.5x to 3.5x.
- The audiobook will immediately begin playing at the selected speed.
You can change this setting at any time while the book is playing. The speed remains in effect until you change it again for that specific title.
How to set a default narration speed for all audiobooks
If you prefer the same speed for every book, set a permanent default. This saves you from adjusting it each time you start a new title. You can set a default playback speed for all Audible audiobooks by going to the app settings and looking for the playback speed option.
- Tap Profile in the bottom navigation bar of the Audible app.
- Tap the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Player from the settings menu.
- Tap Narration Speed, then tap Default.
- Choose the speed you want applied to all future audiobooks.
This default speed will be used every time you start a new book, but you can still override it from the player screen for individual titles.
What playback speeds are available on Audible?
Audible officially supports a speed range of 0.5x to 3.5x on both iOS and Android. The options typically include 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x (normal speed), 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x, and 3.5x. The exact list you see may depend on your app version, but the maximum and minimum limits are the same across all supported devices. Listening at a slightly faster speed can prevent your mind from wandering and help you stay engaged. Adjusting the playback speed can improve your listening skills and train your brain to process information more quickly. Slowing down the narration can be beneficial if English is not your first language and you need a slower pace for better comprehension. If you are an avid reader who also uses Amazon Kindle Unlimited (What Is Amazon Kindle Unlimited?), you may find that listening at a slightly faster speed helps you get through more titles in the same amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing playback speed affect audio quality?
No. Audible processes speed changes digitally, and the audio remains clear and understandable at any supported speed. Voices may sound slightly higher or lower in pitch, but there is no loss of fidelity.
Can I use a speed faster than 3.5x?
No. Audible’s official maximum speed is 3.5x on both iPhone and Android. Speeds above this are not available in the app’s settings.
Will my default speed apply to books I already started?
No. The default speed only applies to books you have not yet opened. For books you have already started listening to, the speed you last selected for that specific title will remain in effect.
Is the playback speed setting available for downloaded audiobooks?
Yes. The speed control works identically for both streaming and downloaded audiobooks. You can adjust it whether or not you have an internet connection.
Can I change the speed while using CarPlay or Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. The speed setting you choose on your iPhone applies to all playback, including through CarPlay, Bluetooth headphones, or any connected speaker. You must make the change on your iPhone screen.
