# How to turn dictation on or off on iPhone

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

Where the Enable Dictation switch is, how to bring back the microphone key on the iPhone keyboard, and how to turn automatic punctuation on or off.

Source: https://keyspoken.com/turn-on-dictation-iphone

### Turn dictation on

- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Keyboard.
- Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation.
- Open any app, tap a text field, and tap the microphone key on the keyboard.

### Turn dictation off

Follow the same path and turn Enable Dictation off. The microphone key disappears from the keyboard.

### Turn automatic punctuation on or off

In Settings, General, Keyboard, use the Auto-Punctuation switch. With it off, the iPhone adds only the punctuation you say.

### Good to know

- The keyboard stays open while you dictate, so you can switch between typing and talking.
- Dictation uses the language of the keyboard you are on.
- Apple says dictation is processed on the iPhone in many languages and needs no internet connection.
- Apple notes that cellular data charges may apply when you use Dictation.

### A different way to dictate

Keyspoken is a separate dictation strip for iPhone. You add it once under Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards, then switch to it with the globe key. It listens as it opens, stops when you pause, and hands you back to your own keyboard.

### 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 get the microphone back on my iPhone keyboard?**
Go to Settings, General, Keyboard and turn on Enable Dictation. The microphone key returns to the keyboard.

**How do I turn off talk to text on iPhone?**
Go to Settings, General, Keyboard and turn off Enable Dictation.

**Does turning on dictation cost anything?**
No. Dictation is built into the iPhone. Apple notes that cellular data charges may apply when you use it.