Mac dictation not working? 9 fixes to try
Apple Dictation can stop working when a setting is off, the wrong microphone is picked, or the shortcut changed. Here is every fix Apple lists, as a checklist you can tick off, and what to do if you dictate a lot.
1. Dictation is turned offTurn it on in Keyboard settings.
Open System Settings›Keyboard and scroll down to Dictation. Turn Dictation on, then press your Dictation shortcut again.
2. The language or region is wrongDictation listens for the language you picked.
Under Dictation in System Settings›Keyboard, check that the language matches the one you speak. Click Edit next to Languages to add or change one.
3. You're pressing the wrong shortcutUse the shortcut shown in Keyboard settings.
The Dictation shortcut is set under Dictation in System Settings›Keyboard. Use the one shown there, or choose another.
4. Your Mac has no built-in microphoneConnect a microphone and choose it.
Desktop Macs like Mac mini and Mac Studio have no built-in microphone. Connect a microphone or headset, then choose it in System Settings›Sound›Input.
5. An external microphone isn't selectedPick it and raise its input volume.
Open System Settings›Sound›Input, select your microphone, and raise the input volume until the level moves when you talk.
6. Something is covering the microphoneKeep hands, cases and clothing clear of it.
Keep your hands, clothing and other objects away from the microphone while you speak. The Getting Started guide for your Mac shows where its built-in microphone is.
7. It doesn't recognize what you saySpeak clearly at a normal volume.
Sit as you normally would at your Mac and speak clearly at a moderate volume.
8. Background noise or echoMove somewhere quieter, or use a headset.
Reduce background noise. In a noisy or echoey room, a headset microphone can help.
9. It needs an internet connectionSome languages are transcribed on Apple's servers.
Check that you're online in System Settings›Network. The text under Dictation in Keyboard settings says whether your language is transcribed on your Mac or sent to Apple.
Why dictation stops after 30 seconds
Apple Dictation has no time limit, but it stops on its own after 30 seconds without speech. If you pause to think, start it again with your shortcut.
Dictate a lot? Try Speechy
Speechy is a dictation app that runs on your Mac. Hold Fn and talk for as long as you like: it keeps listening until you let go. If it hears nothing, it tells you and plays your recording back, and one click opens the microphone picker with a live input meter.
Download SpeechyFixes from Apple's own guide, If Dictation on Mac doesn't work as expected, checked on 21 October 2026.