What to do if dictation doesn't work on your iPhone or iPad - AppleToolBox (2023)

With dictation on iPhone and iPad, you can vocalize your text messages, jot down your notes, or speak on the keyboard whenever you're typing normally. It's a great feature that makes hands-free calling an easy option. At least it's great when it works!

Also known as Speech to Text or Speech to Text,With dictation, what you say is converted to text on the screen.. It's invaluable when cooking, driving, carrying lots of stuff, or any other time you don't have your hands free.

In fact, it's often faster to express your thoughts than it is to spell them out.Dictate is even available on all your Apple products. But the saying is not perfect.

Sometimes it translates poorly or has spelling mistakes. In other cases, the dictation option will completely disappear from your iPhone or iPad. Whatever the problem, we're here to help and have all the advice you need to solve it.

quick tips

Use these quick tips if dictation isn't working on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Enable dictation in keyboard settings.
2. Turn off screen time restrictions for Siri and dictation.
3. Remove or stop using third-party keyboards.
4. Remove and re-add your default Apple keyboards.
5. Unplug or unplug your headphones.
6. Clean your iPhone, iPad or iPod microphones.
7. Test your device's microphones.
8. Reset network settings and reconnect to the Internet.
9. Factory reset your device.

Related:

• How to Use Dictation on Apple Watch
• How to use dictation: iOS and iPad plus Apple Watch

What if dictation doesn't work on my other iOS devices?

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch work with the same software: iOS. This means anyone can use dictation (as long as you have an iPhone 6S or later). And the troubleshooting steps are the same for everyone.

Regardless of your iOS device, follow the steps below. However, start by upgrading tothe latest version of iOSto ensure that your issue is still not fixed.

1. Connect your device to a trusted Wi-Fi network.
2. BecomesIdeas>Generally>Software update.
3. Wait for your device to check for new updates.
4. Download and install any updates found.

How do I use dictation on my iPhone or iPad?

tap onmicrophone Symbolthat appears when you show the keyboard to use dictation on your iPhone or iPad. It should be directly to the left of the spacebar. Start talking to your device as a sound wave replaces the keyboard.

Be sure to dictate any punctuation as you speak, e.g. B. "Line break" or "Exclamation point".Smileys, frowns and winks can also be inserted when dictating.

tap onkeyboard iconwhen you finish dictating. Then wait for your iPhone or iPad to convert that language to text.

Once the text is displayed, you can correct the spelling or punctuation if necessary. Your iPhone or iPad underlines the words you weren't sure about in blue. Tap these blue underlined words to rewrite them if they are wrong.

Why is dictation no longer working on my iPhone or iPad?

Many users find that dictation stops working on iPhone or iPad after an iOS update.This could be due to a bug in that particular update or because you reset some of your settings.

Other times, dictation works because of problems with:

• microphones
• restrictions
• keyboard choice
• The Internet connection.

We explain how to fix each of these issues in the next section. Let us know which solution works for you in the comments at the bottom of the post. This allows us to keep this article up to date for future readers.

How do I fix saying it doesn't work on my iPhone or iPad?

Use the eight troubleshooting steps below to fix your dictation issues. Try the dictation on your iPhone or iPad again after each step and tell us your story in the comments at the end.

1. Enable dictation in keyboard settings

The first thing to do when dictation isn't working is to check if it's turned on in your iPhone or iPad settings.

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>keyboard.
2. Scroll down and tap the button tooturn on dictation.
3. confirm that you wantturn on dictation.
4. Now restart your iPhone by holding down the side button and volume buttonswipe to delete.

If dictation is already enabled, turn it off and restart your device. Then follow the steps above to turn it back on.

2. Turn off screen time restrictions for Siri and Dictation

iOS restrictions allow parents to restrict adult content on their children's devices. These restrictions can also disable dictation.

You used to access your restrictions through your iPhone or iPad's general settings.But with iOS 12 and later, you can find them in Screen Time settings.

1. BecomesIdeas>screen time>Content and privacy restrictions.
2. Enter your Screen Time password, if you have one.
3. To knockallowed appsand make sureseries and dictationIt's on.
4. Alternatively, you can turn everything off.Content and privacy restrictionsfrom the previous screen.

3. Stop removing or using third-party keyboards

third party keyboards,it was Google's Gboard, may not offer dictation like the Apple keyboard. Switch back to the default keyboard whenever you want to use dictation. Or remove third-party keyboards entirely.

Third party keyboards can be downloaded for your device from the App Store.You can add or remove them in thekeyboardSettings and change keyboards at any time withGlobus-Symbol.

How do I change keyboards on my iPhone or iPad?

1. Tap a text field to open the keyboard. You can do this in Notes, Messages or Safari.
2. Tap and hold theGlobus-Symbolto see the other available keyboards.
3. Select the standard Apple keyboard with the name of the selected language.

How do I disable third-party keyboards on my iPhone or iPad?

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>keyboard.
2. tap onkeyboardsI like.
3. Tap in the upper right cornerTo editand use the red circle to remove third-party keyboards.
4. ETo editis grayed out, tapAdd a new keyboard...and add a default apple keyboard in your native language and try removing third party keyboards again.

4. Remove and re-add your default Apple keyboards

Your Apple keyboard may have developed a bug that caused dictation to stop working on your iPhone or iPad. You can fix this by removing this keyboard and adding it again.

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>keyboard.
2. tap onkeyboardsI like.
3. To chooseAdd a new keyboard...and add any alternative keyboard. Choose a third-party keyboard or a different language, e.g. B. English (UK).
4. Tap in the upper right cornerTo editand remove the original Apple keyboard.
5. Also remove the emoji keyboard if present.
6. Then press and hold side button and volume buttonswipe to deleteand restart your device.
7. Go back to step one above, but add the original keyboard and remove the new one.

5. Clean your iPhone, iPad or iPod microphones

First, clean the entire device with a microfiber cloth; They often accumulate dirt, debris, and lint that can block your device's microphones.

Next, locate the exact location of your iDevice's microphones and examine them closely, preferably with a magnifying glass or theMagnifier function on another iOS/iPadOS device.

If you see or suspect residue, follow the advice in this article:Here's How to Clean Your iPhone's Speaker and Microphone

6. Unplug or unplug your headphones

When you use dictation with a headset connected, your device tries to hear you through the headset's microphone. This could be the cause of your problems.

Disconnect your headset or Bluetooth and try dictation again. If that works, you should repair the headset's microphone.

You should also inspect the device's headphones or Lightning connector for lint and dirt. Turn a light on inside and clean with compressed air or a straightened paperclip.Be careful not to damage the delicate inner connector pins!

How do I unpair the wireless headphones from my iPhone or iPad?

1. BecomesIdeas>Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones in the list of Bluetooth accessories and tap the buttonEUI like.
3. To chooseforget this device.

7. Test your device microphones

Voice to text conversion may not work on your iPhone or iPad due to a microphone issue. If your device can't hear your voice, it can't convert it to text!

An iPad only has one microphone, but an iPhone has three. And you can try using one of these when enabling dictation. Follow the steps below to test each microphone on your device to see if any of them are faulty.

1. Openvoice memosand record a short message. When listening, it should be clear and easy to understand.
2. open thisCameraand record a short video message. When playing the video, it should be clear and easy to understand.
3. Now record a short video message with the selfie or front camera. Again, the video must be clear and easy to understand.

If your voice sounds low or muffled, there may be a problem with your device's microphone. Make sure it is not covered by a case or screen protector andRemove dirt with a clean, dry toothbrush.

If that doesn't work,Contact Apple Support to request hardware diagnostics and repairs.

8. Reset network settings and reconnect to the Internet

Some languages ​​require an internet connection to convert speech to text on your iPhone or iPad. Because of this, an issue with your network settings could be why dictation has stopped working.

If you reset network settings, your device will also forget all WiFi passwords you have saved. It must not interfere with any other content or data on your device,but you should make a backup first anyway.

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>Starting over.
2. To chooseReset Network Settingsand enter your access code, if you have one.
3. Reconnect to the Internet and test your connection by streaming a short video.

9. Factory reset your device

If all else fails, factory reset your device. This will erase all content and data on your iPhone or iPad,So you need to backup with iCloud or iTunes first.

1. Make a new backup of your device using iCloud or iTunes.
2. BecomesIdeas>Generally>Starting over.
3. To chooseErase all content and settings.
4. Enter your Apple ID password and password when prompted.
5. After the restore is complete, restore your device from backup.
6. If dictation still doesn't work on your iPhone or iPad, erase the device again andset as new.

common questions

If we don't answer all of your questions, you'll find a selection of frequently asked questions from the Internet here.

How do I add languages ​​to dictation on my iPhone?

The dictation language is linked to the keyboard used. If you want to dictate in another language, change your keyboard accordingly and everything will be fine.

Please note that some languages ​​require your iPhone or iPad to have an internet connection to convert speech to text.

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>keyboard.
2. To knockAdd a new keyboard...and find the language in which you want to dictate.
3. The next time you use a keyboard on your device, tap and hold itGlobus-SymbolThen select the language you want to use.
4. tap onmicrophonedictate in that language.

Why can't I find dictation in my iPhone settings?

ANDturn on dictationThe button will disappear from your iPhone or iPad settings if restricted. You can change your restrictions in the Screen Time settings on your device.

1. BecomesIdeas>screen time>Content and privacy restrictions.
2. Enter your Screen Time password, if you have one.
3. To knockallowed appsand make sureseries and dictationIt's on.

How do I reset dictation on my iPhone?

Voice learning during dictation works with voice recognition in Siri. You can reset your iPhone's internal speech recognition by disabling Siri and dictation at the same time. Then turn them back on.

1. BecomesIdeas>Generally>keyboard.
2. Scroll down and toggle the switch to offturn on dictation.
3. confirm that you wantturn off the dictation.
4. now go toIdeas>siri and fetch.
5. To switch offListen to "Hey Siri"..
6. To switch offPress Home for Siri.
7. confirm that you wantDelete Siri.
8. Restart your device and return to previous settings to activate Siri and dictation.

Why is my iPhone microphone not working for dictation?

There are many reasons why the microphone may not recognize your voice when dictating:

• It may have dirt and grime clogging it.
• Your case or screen protector may cover it up.
• Your iPhone may be trying to use the headphone microphone.
• There may be a hardware issue with the microphone that needs to be repaired.

Test each microphone on your iPhone by recording messages using Voice Memos, the rear camera and the front camera.If any of these recordings have poor audio, there is a problem with the corresponding microphone.

How do I set the volume for dictation?

When dictating on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you speak into the keyboard and convert that speech into text. As a result, no volume level is assigned to it. So I assume this question is related to a similar iOS feature:conversation screen.

Speak screen is an accessibility feature that allows your device to speak the text on your screen. It is useful for visually impaired users. It also lets you listen to eBooks as audiobooks.

To adjust the Speak Screen volume, use the volume buttons on the side of your device while using the feature. Example: turn on Screen Speak, change the volume, then turn off Screen Speak.

We hope this covers all your dictation questions and concerns. If speech to text is still not working on your iPhone,Try contacting Apple directly for further assistance. Otherwise, have fun dictating messages to your friends.

This post was dictated but not read by Dan Helyer.