Troubleshooting · Verified 2026-09-05

Mac dictation not working?
Check settings, then the microphone

Start with Apple's first check: make sure Dictation is enabled at Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation. Settings, the selected language, an unexpected shortcut or a microphone that cannot hear you can prevent dictation. Apple does not rank these causes by frequency; work through its checks before assuming an update caused the problem.

Before you start

  • macOS 15 Sequoia or macOS 26 Tahoe for these settings paths.
  • A working microphone and a supported Dictation language and region.
  • Check the status text below Dictation in Keyboard settings to see whether your language and settings require internet.

Checks to try in order

  1. Turn Dictation on. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation and make sure Dictation is turned on.
  2. Confirm language and region. Use Keyboard > Dictation > Edit button next to Languages and choose the correct language and region. Dictation is not available in all languages or regions.
  3. Check the shortcut. Look at Keyboard > Dictation > Shortcut pop-up menu. Use the shortcut shown there, or choose Customize. You can also use Edit > Start Dictation. Press and release the Microphone key to start Dictation; holding it activates Siri if enabled.
  4. Select the microphone. If there is no internal microphone, connect an external microphone and select it in Sound or Keyboard settings. The Dictation picker is Keyboard > Dictation > Microphone source pop-up menu; Automatic lets the Mac choose.
  5. Raise the input level. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound (sidebar; may need to scroll) > Input, select the microphone and increase its input volume if your Mac is not responding to your voice.
  6. Make speech easier to hear. Keep the microphone unobstructed by clothing or your body. Speak clearly, neither too quietly nor too loudly, and reduce background noise. A headset microphone may help in a noisy or echoey room.
  7. Check whether internet is needed. Read the status text below Dictation in Keyboard settings with Dictation enabled. If your settings require internet, check Apple menu > System Settings > Network.
  8. Check for Voice Control. When Voice Control is on, you use Voice Control to dictate text; standard macOS Dictation is not available. Account for that distinction when choosing which speech feature to use.

Why this happens

Settings or shortcut mismatch

Dictation must be enabled, with the correct language, region and keyboard shortcut.

Input is too quiet

An incorrect microphone, low input volume, obstruction or background noise can keep speech from being heard.

Another speech mode is active

Voice Control provides its own text dictation while it is on; standard Dictation is unavailable.

Still not working?

Return to Apple's troubleshooting guide and compare the selected language, shortcut and microphone with your settings. Check the processing status under Dictation before treating internet access as a requirement: Apple says that depends on the language and settings. If this workflow keeps interrupting your writing, a separate dictation app can avoid relying on standard macOS Dictation. WhisperJot offers that alternative, but it still needs a usable microphone and does not change Apple's settings or repair the built-in feature.

WhisperJot is an alternative

WhisperJot is a separate dictation app with one hotkey in any app. Jot Local and Jot Local Pro use local engines by default and work offline after a one-time model download. Choose Jot Local for fast, short utterances or Jot Local Pro for long-form accuracy. This provides an alternative way to enter text; it does not repair built-in dictation. A working microphone and the permissions needed to record are still necessary.

See pricing Try the browser demo

Frequently asked questions

Why did Mac dictation stop working after an update?

Apple's guidance does not establish an update as the cause. Check that Dictation is on, then confirm language, region, shortcut and microphone input. Also check whether Voice Control is active; standard Dictation is unavailable while it is on.

Does Mac dictation need internet?

It depends on the language and settings. Enable Dictation and read the status text below it in Keyboard settings. Apple distinguishes general text Dictation from dictating in a search box; do not assume every input uses the same processing path.

Why does Mac dictation stop when I pause?

Apple documents an automatic stop after 30 seconds without detected speech. That is different from a total length limit: the current guide says you can dictate text of any length without a timeout.

Sources

Official documentation checked 2026-09-05:

Related

How to dictate on a Mac · Microphone not working for dictation? · System requirements