# How to change the dictation language on iPhone

> Keyspoken. Markdown copy of https://keyspoken.com/change-dictation-language-iphone. Publisher: Kymata Labs LLC. Last updated: 2026-11-12.

iPhone dictation follows your keyboard. How to add a language, switch while you write, and dictate in Spanish, French or German. Plus one model for 25 languages.

Source: https://keyspoken.com/change-dictation-language-iphone

### The short answer

The iPhone's built-in dictation uses the language of the keyboard you are on. To dictate in another language, switch to that language's keyboard first. Apple puts it this way: when you use a keyboard for another language, you can use Dictation in that language as well.

### Add a language

- Open Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards.
- Tap Add New Keyboard and choose the language, for example Spanish.
- The new keyboard is now available in every app.

### Switch while you write

- Tap a text field so the keyboard appears.
- Touch and hold the globe key and choose the language.
- Tap the microphone key and speak in that language.

### If the language does not appear

Apple notes that Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all countries or regions. If a language's keyboard has no microphone key, built-in dictation does not support it there.

### One model for 25 European languages

Keyspoken's Multilingual model covers 25 European languages in a single download, so there is no keyboard to switch for each one. It runs on the iPhone and sends nothing anywhere. The full list is on the languages page.

### Source

Source: Apple, iPhone User Guide, Dictate text on iPhone (https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/dictate-text-iph2c0651d2/ios), read 13 November 2026.

### Questions

**How do I dictate in Spanish on iPhone?**
Add the Spanish keyboard under Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards. Then touch and hold the globe key, choose Spanish, tap the microphone key and speak.

**Can iPhone dictation understand two languages at once?**
Built-in dictation uses the language of the current keyboard, so you switch keyboards to change language. Keyspoken's Multilingual model is one model trained on 25 European languages.

**Why can't I find my language for dictation?**
Apple says Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all countries or regions.