iPhone dictation not working? Check these, in order

1. The microphone key is missing

This is the most common cause, and Apple's guide gives the fix: go to Settings, General, Keyboard, and turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation. The microphone key then appears on the keyboard.

2. It types in the wrong language

Built-in dictation follows the keyboard you are using. Touch and hold the globe key and switch to the keyboard for the language you are speaking. If that language is not listed, add it under Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards.

3. It stops before you finish

Built-in dictation stops by itself after 30 seconds of silence, and when you tap the microphone or the keyboard. If you pause to think, tap the microphone again and carry on.

4. Nothing is typed

• Check that another app is not using the microphone, such as a phone call or a recording.
• Check that nothing is covering the microphones, such as a case or a screen protector.
• Close the app you are typing in and open it again.
• Restart the iPhone.

5. It mishears names and terms

You can correct as you go. Say "Change tea to T-E-E", or spell a name after you say it. See the full list of commands for more.

If you use Keyspoken

• Check that Full Access is on for the Keyspoken keyboard in Settings.
• If the strip says "Mic asleep", tap it once. Keyspoken rests the microphone after a few minutes.
• Check that the speech model finished downloading in the Keyspoken app.

What we have not verified

Other fixes are passed around online, such as resetting settings or changing Screen Time restrictions. We list only what Apple documents or what is plainly safe to try. For anything else, Apple Support is the right place.

Source

Source: Apple, iPhone User Guide, Dictate text on iPhone support.apple.com, read 13 November 2026.