Dictation lets you use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. It's a quick and easy way to get your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines, and capture notes.
The 16.55 version of Microsoft Word for Mac is provided as a free download on our software library. This Mac download was scanned by our antivirus and was rated as clean. This Mac app was originally developed by Microsoft. The size of the latest setup package available for download is 1.1 GB.
Before any advice can be given, we need to know what version of Word you have so we can check to see if you need updates. Please go to the Applications folder and right-click (control-click) on the Microsoft Word application. On the Insert menu, click Footnote to open the Footnote and Endnote box. In the Footnote and Endnote box, select the options you want. Choose where you want to apply the changes—the whole document or the section you’re in—and then click Insert. Tip: To restart footnote or endnote numbering at the beginning of each section, in the Footnote. Please try to set Mac into Safe Mode and check whether the issue is caused by the startup items. Move the cache folder to Desktop and check again. Go to /Library/Containers/, move the folder Microsoft Word to Desktop. Reopen Word and check again. Regards, George.
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How to use Dictation
1. Sign in to your Microsoft account using Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.
2. Go to Home > Dictate. First-time users will be prompted to enable microphone permissions.
3. A mic icon will appear - wait for it to turn on to be sure it started listening.
Tip: On Windows, use Alt + ` (backquote) to toggle the mic.
4. Insert punctuation any time by saying them explicitly.
5. Fix mistakes with your keyboard or Dictation suggestions without having to turn off the mic icon.
6. Exit dictation with Close (X) in the Dictation toolbar or pressing the button in the ribbon again.
What can I say?
- Select your language
Try saying 'new line', 'delete', 'bold that', and 'start list'. Other supported punctuation, commands, and symbols are below.
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Editing
*Tips
- Saying “delete” by itself removes the last word or punctuation before the cursor.
- Saying “delete that” removes the last spoken utterance.
- An example of using [phrase] would be dictating “what a super nice day” and then saying “delete super.” You would then be left with the phrase 'what a nice day.'
Formatting
*Tips
- You can bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough a word or phrase. An example would be dictating “review by tomorrow at 5PM”, then saying “bold tomorrow” which would leave you with 'review by tomorrow at 5PM.'
- Try phrases like “bold last word” or “underline last sentence.”
Creating lists
Adding comments
*Tips
- Saying “add comment look at this tomorrow” will insert a new comment with the text “Look at this tomorrow” inside it.
- Saying “add comment” by itself will create a blank comment box that can be manually typed into.
While dictating
*Tips
- To resume dictation, please use the keyboard shortcut (ALT + `) or press the Mic icon in the floating dictation menu.
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Markings may appear under words with alternates that we may have misheard.
If the marked word is already correct, you can select Ignore.
Click on the gear icon to see the following settings:
- Auto Punctuation: Toggle the check-mark on or off, if it is available for the language chosen.
- Profanity filter: Mask potentially sensitive phrases with ****.
- Spoken Language: View and change languages in the drop-down.
By default, Dictation is set to your document language in Office.
We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.
Supported Languages
Chinese (China)
English (Canada)
English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
German (Germany)
Italian (Italy
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Mexico)
Preview languages *
Danish
Dutch (Netherlands)
English (Australia)
English (India)
Finnish
French (Canada)
Japanese
Norwegian (Bokmål)
Portuguese (Brazil)
Swedish (Sweden)
* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Make sure you're signed into Office in your browser with a Microsoft account.
- On Windows: make sure you have Windows 10 or above.
Dictate button is grayed out
If you see the dictate button is grayed out:
- Make sure the document is not in a Read-Only state.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see 'Please check your audio settings' or 'We don’t have access to your microphone' after clicking the dictation button, you can try one of the following:
- Make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.
- Check your browser's settings, search for 'microphone', and see if you may have denied permissions in the past for Word, Office, or OneDrive by viewing it in your blocked list. Remove it from the Block list, refresh, click Dictate again, and enable permissions
Microphone isn't working
If you see 'There is a problem with your microphone' or 'We can’t detect your microphone':
- Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
- Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
- On Windows 10: check the microphone settings in Control Panel.
- On Windows 10: also see How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10.
- On a Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings.
- On Mac: check the microphone in System Preferences > Sound > Input.
Dictation can't hear you
If you see 'Dictation can't hear you' or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:
- Make sure your microphone is not muted.
- Adjust the input level of your microphone.
- Move to a quieter location.
- If using a built-in mic, consider trying again with a headset or external mic.
Accuracy issues or missed words
If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:
- Check if you are on the new Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.
- Make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.
- Try speaking more deliberately.
- Check to see if the microphone you are using needs to be upgraded.
How to use Dictation
Can't find the Dictate button? The dictation feature is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. |
- Go to Home > Dictate while signed into Microsoft 365 on a mic-enabled device.Tip: You can use Alt + ` (backquote) to toggle the mic on and off.
- Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
- Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.
- Insert punctuation at any time by saying them explicitly.
- Fix mistakes with your keyboard without having to toggle the mic icon off.
Tip: You can also move your cursor to a new comment to dictate feedback for others.
What can I say?
Try saying 'new line', 'new paragraph,' 'delete', 'bold that', and 'start list'. Other supported punctuation, commands, and symbols are below.
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Editing
*Tips
- Saying “delete” by itself removes the last word or punctuation before the cursor.
- Saying “delete that” removes the last spoken utterance.
- An example of using [phrase] would be dictating “what a super nice day” and then saying “delete super.” You would then be left with the phrase 'what a nice day.'
Formatting
*Tips
- You can bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough a word or phrase. An example would be dictating “review by tomorrow at 5PM”, then saying “bold tomorrow” which would leave you with 'review by tomorrow at 5PM.'
- Try phrases like “bold last word” or “underline last sentence.”
Creating lists
Adding comments
*Tips
- Saying “add comment look at this tomorrow” will insert a new comment with the text “Look at this tomorrow” inside it.
- Saying “add comment” by itself will create a blank comment box that can be manually typed into.
While dictating
*Tips
- To resume dictation, please use the keyboard shortcut (ALT + `) or press the Mic icon in the floating dictation menu.
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Markings may appear under words with alternates that we may have misheard.
If the marked word is already correct, you can select Ignore.
Click on the gear icon to see the following settings:
- Auto Punctuation: Toggle the check-mark on or off, if it is available for the language chosen.
- Profanity filter: Mask potentially sensitive phrases with ****.
- Spoken Language: View and change languages in the drop-down.
By default, Dictation is set to your document language in Office.
We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.
Supported Languages
Chinese (China)
English (Canada)
English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
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French (France)
German (Germany)
Italian (Italy
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Mexico)
Preview languages *
Danish
Dutch (Netherlands)
English (Australia)
English (India)
Finnish
French (Canada)
Japanese
Norwegian (Bokmål)
Portuguese (Brazil)
Swedish (Sweden)
* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Make sure you're signed in with an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Dictate is not available in Office 2016 or 2019 for Windows without Microsoft 365.
- Make sure you have Windows 10 or above.
Dictate button is grayed out
If you see the dictate button is grayed out:
- Make sure the document is not in a Read-Only state.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see 'We don’t have access to your microphone':
- Make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.
- Refresh, click on Dictate, and give permission for the browser to access the microphone.
Microphone isn't working
If you see 'There is a problem with your microphone' or 'We can’t detect your microphone':
- Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
- Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
- Check the microphone settings in Control Panel.
- Also see How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10.
- On a Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings.
Dictation can't hear you
If you see 'Dictation can't hear you' or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:
- Make sure your microphone is not muted.
- Adjust the input level of your microphone.
- Move to a quieter location.
- If using a built-in mic, consider trying again with a headset or external mic.
Accuracy issues or missed words
If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:
- Make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.
- Try speaking more deliberately.
- Check to see if the microphone you are using needs to be upgraded.
How to use Dictation
Can't find the Dictate button? The dictation feature is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. |
- Go to Home > Dictate while signed into Microsoft 365 on a mic-enabled device.Tips:
- The default keyboard shortcut for Dictate is: ⌥ (Option) + F1.
- You can set your own custom keyboard shortcut by following these instructions: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/create-keyboard-shortcuts-for-apps-mchlp2271/mac
- Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
- Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.
- Insert punctuation at any time by saying them explicitly.
- Fix mistakes with your keyboard without having to toggle the mic icon off.
Tip: You can also move your cursor to a new comment to dictate feedback for others.
What can I say?
Try saying 'new line', 'new paragraph,' 'delete', 'bold that', and 'start list'. Other supported punctuation, commands, and symbols are below.
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Editing
*Tips
- Saying “delete” by itself removes the last word or punctuation before the cursor.
- Saying “delete that” removes the last spoken utterance.
- An example of using [phrase] would be dictating “what a super nice day” and then saying “delete super.” You would then be left with the phrase 'what a nice day.'
Formatting
*Tips
- You can bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough a word or phrase. An example would be dictating “review by tomorrow at 5PM”, then saying “bold tomorrow” which would leave you with 'review by tomorrow at 5PM.'
- Try phrases like “bold last word” or “underline last sentence.”
Creating lists
Adding comments
*Tips
- Saying “add comment look at this tomorrow” will insert a new comment with the text “Look at this tomorrow” inside it.
- Saying “add comment” by itself will create a blank comment box that can be manually typed into.
While dictating
*Tips
- To resume dictation, please use the keyboard shortcut (ALT + `) or press the Mic icon in the floating dictation menu.
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Microsoft Word In Mac
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Markings may appear under words with alternates that we may have misheard.
If the marked word is already correct, you can select Ignore.
Click on the gear icon to see the following settings:
- Auto Punctuation: Toggle the check-mark on or off, if it is available for the language chosen.
- Profanity filter: Mask potentially sensitive phrases with ****.
- Spoken Language: View and change languages in the drop-down.
By default, Dictation is set to your document language in Office.
We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.
Supported Languages
Chinese (China)
English (Canada)
English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
German (Germany)
Italian (Italy
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Mexico)
Preview languages *
Danish
Dutch (Netherlands)
English (Australia)
English (India)
Finnish
French (Canada)
Japanese
Norwegian (Bokmål)
Portuguese (Brazil)
Swedish (Sweden)
* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Make sure you're signed in with an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Dictate is not available in Office 2016 or 2019 for Mac without Microsoft 365.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Make sure you're signed in with an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Dictate is not available in Office 2016 or 2019 for Mac without Microsoft 365.
Dictate button is grayed out
If you see the dictate button is grayed out:
- Make sure the document is not in a Read-Only state.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see 'We don’t have access to your microphone':
- Make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.
Microphone isn't working
If you see 'There is a problem with your microphone' or 'We can’t detect your microphone':
- Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
- Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
- Check the microphone in System Preferences > Sound > Input.
Dictation can't hear you
If you see 'Dictation can't hear you' or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:
- Make sure your microphone is not muted.
- Adjust the input level of your microphone.
- Move to a quieter location.
- If using a built-in mic, consider trying again with a headset or external mic.
Accuracy issues or missed words
If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:
- Make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.
- Try speaking more deliberately.
- Check to see if the microphone you are using needs to be upgraded.
How to use Dictation
- Tap the small microphone icon to toggle to the dictation experience.
- Tap on the large microphone icon and start speaking.
- Insert punctuation at any time by saying them explicitly or using the punctuation toolbar.
- At any time, tap the microphone again to pause dictation or tap the keyboard button to switch back to the keyboard.
- Fix mistakes by using touch to delete the content and speak again or toggling on the keyboard.
What can I say?
- Select your language
Try saying 'new line', 'delete', 'bold that', and 'start list'. Other supported punctuation, commands, and symbols are below.
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Editing
delete [1-100] |
Formatting
Creating lists
Adding comments
While dictating
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Windows 365 Word
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Office Mac For Windows
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Tap on the gear to see the following settings:
- Spoken Language: View and change languages in the drop-down.
- Auto Punctuation: Toggle the check-mark on or off, if it is available for the language chosen.
By default, Dictation on iPhone is set to your devices' current language.
Fully supported Languages
Chinese (China)
English (Canada)
English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
German (Germany)
Italian (Italy)
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Mexico)
Preview languages *
English (Australia)
English (India)
French (Canada)
Japanese (Japan)
Portuguese (Brazil)
* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.
We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Your device language may not be supported.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see 'We don’t have access to your microphone':
- Make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.
Microphone isn't working
If you see 'There is a problem with your microphone' or 'We can’t detect your microphone':
- Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
Dictation can't hear you
If you see 'Dictation can't hear you' or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:
- Move to a quieter location.
Accuracy issues or missed words
If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:
- Make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.
- Try speaking more deliberately.
How to use Dictation
- On an Android Phone, tap the small microphone icon to toggle on the dictation experience.
- Tap on the large microphone icon and start speaking.
- Insert punctuation at any time by saying them explicitly or using the punctuation toolbar.
- At any time, tap the microphone again to pause dictation or tap the keyboard button to switch back to the keyboard.
- Fix mistakes by using touch to delete the content and speak again or toggling on the keyboard.
What can I say?
- Select your language
Try saying 'new line', 'delete', 'bold that', and 'start list'. Other supported punctuation, commands, and symbols are below.
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Editing
Formatting
Creating lists
Adding comments
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
Punctuation
Phrase(s) | Output |
Symbols
Phrase(s) | Output |
Mathematics
Phrase(s) | Output |
Currency
Phrase(s) | Output |
Emoji/faces
Phrase(s) | Output |
- Spoken Language: View and change languages in the drop-down.
- Auto Punctuation: Toggle the check-mark on or off, if it is available for the language chosen.
By default, Dictation on Android is set to your devices' current language.
Fully supported Languages
Chinese (China)
English (Canada)
English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
German (Germany)
Italian (Italy)
Spanish (Mexico)
Spanish (Spain)
Preview languages *
Danish
Dutch (Netherlands)
English (Australia)
English (India)
Finnish
French (Canada)
Hindi
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian (Bokmål)
Polish
Portuguese (Brazil)
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Swedish (Sweden)
Thai
* Preview Languages may have lower accuracy or limited punctuation support.
We are actively working to improve these languages and add more locales and languages.
Can't find the dictate button
If you can't see the button to start dictation:
- Your device language may not be supported.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see 'We don’t have access to your microphone':
- Make sure no other application or web page is using the microphone and try again.
Microphone isn't working
If you see 'There is a problem with your microphone' or 'We can’t detect your microphone':
- Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
Dictation can't hear you
If you see 'Dictation can't hear you' or if nothing appears on the screen as you dictate:
- Move to a quieter location.
Accuracy issues or missed words
If you see a lot of incorrect words being output or missed words:
- Make sure you're on a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Avoid or eliminate background noise that may interfere with your voice.
- Try speaking more deliberately.