Mac dictation not working? How to fix it

What should I check first when Mac dictation isn't working?

Most dictation problems come down to four things: Dictation is turned off, the shortcut isn't the one you're pressing, the Mac is listening to the wrong microphone, or the input volume is too low. Work through the steps below in order; each takes under a minute.

1. Is Dictation turned on?

Open the Apple menu › System Settings › Keyboard, scroll to Dictation and make sure it's on. While you're there, check that the language and region match the language you're speaking. Dictating English with Dictation set to another language produces nonsense or nothing.

2. Are you using the right shortcut?

In the same Dictation settings, look at the Shortcut pop-up. That's the key that starts dictation, and it may not be the one you think. If you use the Fn (Globe) key, also check System Settings › Keyboard › “Press 🌐 key to”: if it's set to Show Emoji & Symbols or Change Input Source, pressing the key does that instead. Our Fn (Globe) key guide explains each option.

3. Is the Mac listening to the right microphone?

• In Keyboard › Dictation, set Microphone source to the mic you're using, or Automatic.
• In System Settings › Sound › Input, select that microphone and speak: the input level meter should move. Raise the input volume if it barely does.
• Make sure the mic isn't covered by a sleeve, case or your hand, and that an external mic is connected.
• Bluetooth headsets sometimes switch to a low-quality mode or connect to another device. Try the built-in mic to rule that out.

4. Is it hearing you clearly?

Apple recommends speaking clearly at a normal volume from where you usually sit, and reducing background noise or using a headset microphone in noisy places. Fans, music and other voices all lower accuracy.

5. Does it need the internet?

Apple notes that Dictation may need an internet connection. In Keyboard settings you can see whether your dictation is processed on your device; if it isn't, check System Settings › Network. If you need dictation that always works offline, see how to dictate privately and offline.

6. Is it a third-party dictation app?

Apps outside Apple's own Dictation need your permission to use the microphone, and usually Accessibility access to type into other apps. Check System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and › Accessibility, and make sure the app is switched on in both. If an app was updated or reinstalled and stopped typing, remove it from the Accessibility list with the minus button, add it again, and relaunch it.

If SayWrite isn't working

• Holding Fn does nothing: SayWrite needs Accessibility access to see the Fn key while another app is in front, and “Press 🌐 key to” should be Do Nothing. Control-Option-D works either way.
• The text is copied instead of typed: the pill says so when Accessibility is off or the app you're in doesn't accept typed text. Paste with Command-V, or turn on Accessibility.
• Nothing is transcribed: make sure the speech model finished downloading in Settings, and that SayWrite has Microphone access.
• The first dictation after an install is slow: the Neural Engine compiles the model the first time. Later loads take a fraction of a second.

The install guide walks through every permission, and the FAQ covers the common questions.

Still stuck?

Turn Dictation off and on again, restart the Mac, and try in a simple app like TextEdit to rule out the app you're typing in. If it works in TextEdit but not elsewhere, the problem is that app's text field, not Dictation. And if you dictate all day, a dedicated app with its own on-device model, like SayWrite, avoids the language and connection issues entirely, though it's English only.