The iPhone dictation feature is quite helpful, especially when you need to type a vast paragraph. It provides an easy way to convert speech to text on iPhone without using your hands and it usually does a pretty good job. The new and updated function in iOS 16 even adds emojis nowadays. However, using this feature hasn’t been that smooth for everyone.
The reports of dictation not working on iPhone or having errors in some cases are quite many and it seems to happen after an iOS update. So, if you’ve been wondering, why is dictation not working on iPhone, this could be the cause.
It could also be due to problems with the internet connection, microphone, restrictions, or even your keyboard choice. Whatever the cause though, don’t fret because this post shall help. Below are several quick and easy ways you can troubleshoot your iPhone’s dictation feature and have it up and running again.
The Dictation feature which is iPhone’s keyboard voice typing feature cannot work unless it’s enabled in your iPhone’s settings. That’s the first thing you need to do, so follow these steps to do so:
You can only use the Apple Keyboard speech-to-text feature for languages that are added under the Keyboard settings. It won’t work in case you use it for any other language that’s not added or enabled under the keyboard settings. As such, you need to first add the dictation language you want to speak and then enable it as follows:
Apple’s dictation function needs a strong and stable internet connection for it to function properly. You’ll notice that the microphone icon is grey if your iPhone isn’t connected to the internet and dictation isn’t working either. So, ensure your device has a strong and stable internet connection.
Doing this soft reset may fix the dictation issue you are facing and also any other connection issues.
If the internet connection is strong and stable, and your iPhone’s microphone works just fine but you’re still facing the issue of dictation not working on iPhone, then try to refresh the Siri settings. It seems simple but it can actually work.
With the Screen Time feature, you can control the content that your children can access on their iPhone and iPad. However, enabling Screen Time could lead to dictation on iPhone not working because it’s possible that Siri and Dictation features are equally disabled through these Screen Time restrictions. To fix this:
Alternatively, you can remove the restrictions by turning off Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Note though that once you disable Content & Privacy Restrictions, the restrictions for all the apps/features will be removed.
Unlike the Apple keyboard, third-party keyboards such as Google’s Gboard don’t usually have the Dictation feature. Therefore, you have to switch to your iPhone’s standard keyboard or remove the third-party keyboards altogether in order to use Dictation. You can get these third-party keyboards on the App Store and install them on your device. From the Keyboard settings on your iPhone, you can easily add or remove them. You can even switch from one keyboard to another anytime you want using the Globe icon.
How to switch keyboard on iPhone/iPad:
How to disable third-party keyboards on iPhone/iPad:
Your Apple keyboard might have developed a fault and that’s probably why you’re having this dictation not working on iPhone issue. Removing that keyboard from your Keyboard settings and then adding it back again can fix this.
If you notice that your mic icon is grayed out, chances are your iPhone’s internet connection isn’t working or you have some other latent network issues. The way to solve this is to reset your iPhone’s settings. To do that:
Sometimes, the cause of dictation on iPhone not working could be an adamant software bug which you can get rid of by updating your iPhone’s iOS to the latest version available. Even if it’s not actually a software bug, installing the latest iOS version can clean up your iPhone and correct various other issues.
Many users have reported still experiencing dictation not working on iOS 16, even after updating their iPhone. This means that the issue is likely a software bug or glitch. The best way to handle this is to use FoneGeek iOS System Recovery which is an iOS system repair tool that can completely fix the dictation issue.
This tool is able to get rid of every iOS 16 issue within just a few minutes and will get the Dictation function up without data loss and running again. It totally reinstalls your iPhone’s iOS system and eliminates all problems in it. Follow these steps to use it:
Your iOS 16 dictation feature should now function as well as before.
Q1. Why can’t I find the Dictation feature in my iPhone settings?
When you restrict the Dictation feature, then the Enable Dictation button won’t show up on your iPhone/iPad settings. However, you can head to Screen Time settings and change the restrictions.
Q2. How to reset Dictation on iPhone?
Since voice learning in Dictation is linked to voice recognition in Siri, it’s possible to reset internal voice recognition on your iPhone by disabling Siri and Dictation simultaneously and then turning them on again. Follow these steps to do so:
Q3. How to change the volume for Dictation?
The dictation feature on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch works by converting speed to text. You speak into the keyboard for this to happen. So, adjusting the volume isn’t necessary because no volume level is associated with it. Probably this question refers to Speak Screen which is an almost similar feature.
Generally, Speak Screen is an iOS accessibility feature that makes your iPhone/iPad speak the text that’s on your screen. It’s quite helpful for those that are visually impaired. You can as well use it to listen to eBooks such as audiobooks.
Unlike Dictation, you can adjust the Speak Screen volume using the Volume buttons on your device (on the side). Just activate Speak Screen, adjust the volume, and then deactivate Speak Screen.
Q4. Why is iPhone’s microphone not working for Dictation?
Your iPhone microphone might fail to recognize your voice while using Dictation due to many reasons such as:
Try to test all your iPhone’s microphones by recording messages with the Voice Memos, the front-facing camera, and also the rear camera. In case any of these recordings has poor sound, then the respective microphone might have a problem.
We hope you were able to resolve the dictation not working on iPhone issue you’ve facing after trying the solutions we’ve highlighted above. You can skip all that jargon though and directly fix the issue using the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery.This tool will completely resolve all software issues and bugs, and you can use it to reinstall your iOS system too so that you give your iPhone a fresh start and have the Dictation feature up and running again. It’s very effective and simple to use, so give it a try.
Joan J. Mims is interested in researching all tips about iPhone, iPad and Android. He loves to share useful ideas with all users.
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