To talk to Claude Code instead of typing, install the free Readwalk for Mac. In its menu bar menu, open Claude Sessions, choose Connect to Claude Code…, and switch a session on. When Claude finishes a turn, Readwalk reads the reply aloud, chimes, and listens. Your spoken answer goes back to that session as its next instruction.
Why talk to Claude Code instead of typing?
You can keep a coding session going while your hands are busy. Hear what Claude did, answer out loud from across the room, and let the session keep working while you make dinner.
Trevor, Readwalk's maker, described it while using it: "Right now I don't have my fingers on the keyboard. I'm cooking dinner."
You don't have to return to the keyboard for each reply. Readwalk reads it to you and listens for what you want Claude to do next.
How do I set up Readwalk for Claude Code on Mac?
You'll need Claude Code and Readwalk for Mac 1.6 or later. Here's how to talk to Claude Code on Mac with Readwalk:
- Download and open Readwalk for Mac. It's free and needs macOS 15 or later on a Mac with Apple silicon.
- Open the Readwalk menu in the menu bar, then choose Claude Sessions › Connect to Claude Code….
- Under Claude Sessions, switch on each session you want Readwalk to read aloud. The menu lists your running Claude Code sessions, each with its own on/off switch.
- Allow microphone access and speech recognition when macOS asks. Readwalk needs both to listen for your answer.
Connecting adds a Stop hook to ~/.claude/settings.json, which lets Readwalk respond when Claude finishes a turn. Readwalk keeps a backup of that file. Choosing Disconnect removes the hook.
How does Readwalk handle Claude Code voice output?
When a session finishes a turn, Readwalk reads Claude's messages aloud. Tool calls and tool output aren't read. You hear Claude's reply, then a chime that tells you Readwalk is listening.
Speak your answer. Readwalk sends it to the session you just heard as its next instruction. After Claude finishes that turn, Readwalk reads the new reply and listens again. There's no key to press between turns.
For text outside your coding sessions, see how to make your Mac read text aloud.
What can I say to Readwalk?
You can give Claude your next instruction out loud. You can also use these spoken commands:
- Say "pause" or "that's all" when you're done talking.
- Say "say that again" to hear the reply again.
- Say "read the rest" to continue hearing the reply.
- Say "tell me more" to have Claude explain what it did without changing anything.
- Say "switch to" followed by a session's name to move to that session.
If you switch on several sessions, Readwalk takes turns reading them. Each session's name is spoken first, so you know which one you're answering.
How does Readwalk compare with Claude Code's built-in voice dictation?
Claude Code's built-in voice dictation, enabled with /voice, turns speech into your prompt. You hold or tap a key to record; the default is Space. It needs a Claude.ai account and a local microphone.
Readwalk adds Claude Code text to speech and listens for your answer after each turn. You can hear the reply and speak your next instruction without pressing a key. You can use both Readwalk and Claude Code's built-in dictation.
Does Readwalk send my voice anywhere?
Readwalk uses Apple's on-device speech recognition, so it recognizes your speech on your Mac. The voice that reads Claude's replies also runs on your Mac. Your answer goes only to your Claude Code session. See Readwalk's privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I talk to Claude Code with my voice?
Yes. With Readwalk for Mac connected and a session switched on, you can talk to Claude Code with voice after each reply. Wait for the chime, then say your next instruction.
Can Claude Code read its replies aloud?
With Readwalk for Mac 1.6 or later, you can hear Claude Code's replies aloud after each turn. Readwalk reads Claude's messages and then listens for your answer.
Does it work with several Claude Code sessions at once?
Yes. Switch on the sessions you want in Readwalk's Claude Sessions menu. They take turns and say their name first. You can also say "switch to" followed by a session's name.
Is Readwalk for Mac free?
Yes. Readwalk for Mac is free to download and use, including the Claude Code voice feature. It needs macOS 15 or later and a Mac with Apple silicon.
How do I turn it off?
Switch off a session under Claude Sessions in Readwalk's menu bar menu. To remove the connection, choose Disconnect; Readwalk removes the Stop hook it added to ~/.claude/settings.json.
