Why is dictation not working on my Mac?

The usual causes are that Dictation is off, Voice Control is on, the shortcut isn't the one you think, the wrong microphone is selected or its input volume is low, or the language doesn't match how you're speaking. Work through the ten checks above, in order.

Why does my Mac dictation stop after a few seconds?

It shouldn't stop while you're talking: Apple says there's no timeout. It stops by itself after 30 seconds with no speech. If it stops sooner, check the microphone source and its input volume, and that nothing is covering the microphone.

Why does Dictation do nothing when I press the shortcut?

Try Edit, Start Dictation. If that works, the shortcut is wrong or set to something else: check it in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation. If the menu doesn't work either, check that Dictation is on and Voice Control is off.

Does Mac dictation need the internet?

Sometimes. Apple says you may need a connection, and the text under Dictation in Keyboard settings tells you whether yours is processed on your Mac. That doesn't cover dictating into a search box.

Is there an alternative that always works offline?

Inkbie runs on your Mac and works offline after one download. Hold fn, talk, let go, and it's typed. It's free, and it listens for as long as you hold the key, so it never stops on a pause.

Mac dictation not working? Ten things to check

By petersindex, who makes Inkbie · Updated 5 October 2026 · macOS 27

Short answer: first make sure Dictation is on in System Settings, Keyboard, and that Voice Control is off, since standard Dictation doesn't work while it's on. Try Edit, Start Dictation: if that works, your shortcut is the problem. Otherwise check the language, then the microphone: the right source, enough input volume, nothing covering it. Some dictation may need an internet connection.

Check these, in order

1Dictation is turned onChoose Apple menu, System Settings, then Keyboard. Under Dictation, it should be on. If you just turned it on, click Enable.
2Voice Control is offWhen Voice Control is on, Apple says standard Dictation isn't available: you dictate through Voice Control instead. If you don't use it, check it's off in Accessibility settings.
3Try the menu instead of the shortcutClick in a text field and choose Edit, Start Dictation. If that works, Dictation is fine and the shortcut is the problem: see the next check.
4The shortcut is the one you thinkIn Keyboard settings, go to Dictation and look at the Shortcut pop-up menu. Press the Microphone key and let go: holding it opens Siri instead. More in our dictation shortcut guide.
5The language and region are rightIn Keyboard settings, go to Dictation and click Edit next to Languages. Dictation isn't available in every language or region, and features vary.
6The right microphone is selectedIn Keyboard settings, go to Dictation and check Microphone source. Automatic listens to the device your Mac thinks you're most likely to use, so if you have more than one, pick yours by name. No built-in microphone? Connect one and select it.
7The microphone can hear youChoose Apple menu, System Settings, Sound, then Input. Select the microphone and raise its input volume. External microphones need enough input volume too.
8Nothing is in the wayKeep the microphone clear of clothing and your hands, sit as you normally would, and speak clearly, not too quietly or too loudly. In a noisy or echoey room, a headset microphone helps.
9You're online, if you need to beApple says you may need an internet connection. The text under Dictation in Keyboard settings tells you whether your dictation is processed on your Mac. That note doesn't cover dictating into a search box. Check your connection in System Settings, Network.
10Restart and updateIf none of this helps, restart your Mac, then check for macOS updates in System Settings, General, Software Update. It's a last step worth trying, not a known fix.

Working, but not how you expect

It stops by itself: That's expected after 30 seconds without speech. You can dictate for as long as you like while you keep talking. Press your shortcut again to carry on.
It stops when I type: On a Mac with Apple silicon you can type while you dictate. The cursor stops pulsing while you type and Dictation carries on when you stop.
It got a word wrong: Words Dictation wasn't sure about are underlined in blue. Click one to pick an alternative, or type or say the right word.
It's using the wrong language: If you've set up more than one language, click the language shown next to the cursor, or press the Globe key if you have one, and choose the right one.
It adds punctuation I didn't say: In supported languages Dictation adds commas, full stops and question marks for you. Turn off Auto-punctuation under Dictation in Keyboard settings to stop it.
Holding the Microphone key opens Siri: Press it and let go to start Dictation. Pressing and holding activates Siri, if Siri is on.

A faster way: hold to talk

Inkbie is free voice typing for Mac. Hold fn, talk for as long as you hold it, let go and your words are typed wherever your cursor is. It runs on your Mac, works offline after one download, and learns your names and jargon. No account, no word limit.

Download for Mac How Inkbie works →

Questions

Why is dictation not working on my Mac?: The usual causes are that Dictation is off, Voice Control is on, the shortcut isn't the one you think, the wrong microphone is selected or its input volume is low, or the language doesn't match how you're speaking. Work through the ten checks above, in order.
Why does my Mac dictation stop after a few seconds?: It shouldn't stop while you're talking: Apple says there's no timeout. It stops by itself after 30 seconds with no speech. If it stops sooner, check the microphone source and its input volume, and that nothing is covering the microphone.
Why does Dictation do nothing when I press the shortcut?: Try Edit, Start Dictation. If that works, the shortcut is wrong or set to something else: check it in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation. If the menu doesn't work either, check that Dictation is on and Voice Control is off.
Does Mac dictation need the internet?: Sometimes. Apple says you may need a connection, and the text under Dictation in Keyboard settings tells you whether yours is processed on your Mac. That doesn't cover dictating into a search box.
Is there an alternative that always works offline?: Inkbie runs on your Mac and works offline after one download. Hold fn, talk, let go, and it's typed. It's free, and it listens for as long as you hold the key, so it never stops on a pause.