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How to turn on voice typing on a Mac

Voice typing on a Mac is Apple's built-in Dictation. Switch it on in Keyboard settings, pick a shortcut, and dictate in any text field.

Last updated: 2026-10-13
  1. Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.
  2. Switch Dictation On, then click Enable.
  3. Use the Microphone key, Fn-D, or the shortcut you pick in the Shortcut menu.
  4. Click into any text field and start dictating. Press Escape or the shortcut again to stop.

Troubleshooting tips

  • Select your microphone and raise its input volume in System Settings → Sound → Input.
  • Choose the correct language and region in Keyboard → Dictation.
  • If Voice Control is on, standard macOS Dictation is not available.

When built-in dictation is not enough

Dictation is free and fine for messages and notes. These are the limits Apple documents (checked 2026-10-13), and what helps with each.

  • It stops after 30 seconds of silence; start it again with the shortcut. There is no length limit otherwise.
  • On-device processing needs an Apple silicon Mac and a supported language, and excludes search boxes, so not every request stays on the Mac. The note under Keyboard → Dictation shows your case. Voice Type transcribes with a model on your Mac; see dictation app privacy.
  • There is no custom word list. Voice Control takes up to 1,000 vocabulary terms but replaces Dictation while on. Voice Type has a Custom Words list for names and jargon.
  • There are no editing commands. Dictation commands cover punctuation, formatting and capitals. To select or replace words by voice, use Voice Control, or see Dragon for Mac alternatives.

Choosing a paid app: best dictation apps for Mac and side-by-side comparisons.

Related answers

Try it on your own work

Voice Type is on-device dictation for macOS. Press a shortcut, speak, and the text goes into the app you are typing in. Your audio never leaves your Mac. Free for 7 days, then $19.99 once on the Mac App Store. No subscription and no account.

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