Skip to main content

Answer

How to turn on voice typing on a Mac

Enable Apple's Dictation toggle, set your shortcut, and add Voice Type for private, hold-to-dictate control.

Last updated: 2026-04-23
  1. Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.
  2. Switch Dictation to On.
  3. Use the microphone key or choose your Dictation shortcut in settings.
  4. Click into any text field and start dictating.

Troubleshooting tips

  • Make sure your microphone input shows activity in System Settings → Sound.
  • If Voice Control is on, standard macOS Dictation is not available.
  • Grant microphone access to the app you are using if needed.
  • Restart the target app if Dictation feels stuck.

Related answers

Sources

Try it on your own work

Voice Type is on-device dictation for macOS. Hold a hotkey, speak, and release to insert text in any app. Your audio never leaves your Mac. Free for 7 days, then $19.99 once on the Mac App Store. No subscription and no account.

Start the free trial