iOS: Using Dictation

Summary

With Dictation on iOS devices, you can use your voice in any app that has a keyboard. Speak instead of typing, and your words will be entered as text.

Supported devices

  • iPhone 4S and later
  • iPad (3rd generation)

Products Affected

iPad (3rd generation), iPhone 4S

On a device that supports Dictation, you can dictate text instead of typing on the onscreen keyboard. For example, you can dictate a message in Mail or a note in Notes. To use Dictation, your device must be connected to the Internet.

Turn on Dictation: Dictation is turned on as part of Siri, Settings > General > Siri. Learn more about Siri.

Dictate text: From the onscreen keyboard, tap , then dictate. When you finish, tap Done. If you wish to add to an existing message, tap  again.

Dictation icon on iOS keyboard

Enter punctuation: Say the punctuation marks you wish to have inserted as they are needed. For example, to dictate "Pick up the new iPad and suddenly, it’s clear", say "Pick up the new iPad and suddenly comma it’s clear period".

Note: Dictation is not available in all areas.

Additional Information

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Ensure that your iOS device is connected to the Internet

Dictation works by sending your requests to Apple servers.

For Dictation to work, the device must be connected to the Internet using cellular data or Wi-Fi.

Supported languages

Dictation is available in the following languages:

  • English (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada)
  • French (France, Canada, Switzerland)
  • German (Germany, Switzerland)
  • Japanese (Japan)
  • Spanish (United States, Spain, Mexico)
  • Italian (Italy, Switzerland)
  • Mandarin (Taiwan, China)
  • Cantonese (Hong Kong)
  • Korean (South Korea)

If Dictation does not recognize your requests, ensure that the keyboard is set for the language you are speaking.

Dictation tips

You can dictate with your iOS device in different languages by using the international keyboard for that language. Add a keyboard by tapping Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard.

When you want to change the language used for Dictation:

  1. Tap the globe icon to change to the keyboard for that language.
  2. Tap the microphone icon to start Dictation.

Note: To use Dictation, the keyboard language needs to be a supported language. Dictation is designed to recognize the specific accents and dialects of the supported countries listed above. Since every language has its own accents and dialects, the accuracy rate will be higher for native speakers.

Dictation works in most places that you can enter text using the keyboard. Certain text-entry fields in third-party apps or web forms may not support Dictation.

Dictation can be enabled and disabled by disabling Siri in Settings > General > Restrictions. Find more information about using Restrictions.

Using Dictation with audio accessories

  • Dictation will work with many audio accessories, including wired and wireless headsets and car stereos.
  • Find information about troubleshooting Bluetooth headsets and headphones.
  • Find information about troubleshooting car stereo connections.
  • If you are using your iOS device with an audio device that connects using the Dock Connector, Dictation will not route through that device. You will need to continue to use your device, wired headset, or Bluetooth headset to dictate.

Dictation requires Internet access. Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all areas. Cellular data charges may apply.

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