How to use Dictation on iPhone, iPad and Mac

This article shows you how to use Dictation on iPhone, iPad and Mac. With the “dictation” feature, the iPhone turns what you say into text. So, there’s no need to type it. You can just record the audio you want to transcribe, and the audio will be turned into text. The new format will be ready right away.

Speech-to-text has become a popular way to take notes on a Mac by dictation. It lets you talk instead of type documents, emails, and even text messages. If you want to try dictation on your Mac, you can use a helpful built-in tool. You don’t need a third-party app or dictation software.

With dictation, you can use your voice instead of the keyboard to enter text. It is also called “talk to text,” “voice to text,” and “speech to text.” But sometimes the microphone icon for dictation isn’t there on the keyboard, or it doesn’t turn what you say into text.

How to use Dictation on iPhone, iPad

Enable Dictation on iPhone and iPad

Both the iPhone and the iPad have similar ways to turn on dictation. Here’s how to do it. You can also go to the official Apple support site to know more information about this.

1. Open Settings.  
2. Tap General.  
3. Navigate to Keyboard.  
4. Turn on the Enable Dictation toggle.  
5. Confirm your selection by tapping Enable Dictation.  

Use Dictation on iPhone and iPad 

Now that you’ve turned on Dictation on your devices, keep in mind that it works with most programs that let you type in text. After that, here’s how to use Dictation on an iPhone or iPad.

1. On any app, you want to Dictate in, open the keyboard.  
2. Tap on the Microphone icon located at the bottom right of the screen.
3. You can now dictate and tap on the keyboard icon once you’ve finished.
4. If you see a blue line under the transcribed text, you can tap the word to make corrections or double-tap the word to replace it.

How to use Dictation on Mac

Enable Dictation on macOS

1. On your Mac, click the Apple Menu
2. Click System Settings
3. In the window that appears, scroll down and click Keyboard
4. Toggle on Dictation

Use dictating in macOS

1. In an app on your Mac, click where you would like to insert your text
2. Turn on dictation by either pressing the dictation button on your keyboard or clicking Start Dictation under the Edit menu
3. When the microphone appears on screen, dictate your text in a clear voice
4. When finished, tap the return key

FAQ

Can you use iPhone for Dictation?

You can dictate text on your iPhone anywhere you can type it. You can also type and use Dictation at the same time. During Dictation, the keyboard stays open, so it’s easy to switch between voice and touch to enter text. For example, you can touch text to select it and then use your voice to change it.

Why doesn’t Dictation work on Mac?

Make sure that Dictation is turned on in the settings for the keyboard. Note: If you can’t turn on Dictation, it may be because of Screen Time Content & Privacy Restrictions. A person in charge of a Family Sharing group can set up Screen Time for a child and limit their ability to use Siri and Dictation.

How do I transcribe audio to text on Mac for free?

Start playing audio in your audio player (like QuickTime Player), then switch to your text editor (like TextEdit) and choose Start Dictation from the Edit menu. The Dictation popover will appear, and audio from QuickTime Player will be sent to it. The audio will then be turned into text.

Is there a free dictation app for Apple?

Both Android and iOS can use Google’s great Gboard app, which lets you dictate text. To use it, go anywhere you can type (email, browser, text, or document) and the keyboard will appear. Tap the microphone icon in the upper right corner of the keyboard, and when asked, start talking.