OS X Mountain Lion: If your Mac can’t recognize dictated text
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If you’re having trouble using Dictation, you may be speaking too loudly or quietly, or you may have too much background noise.
- Be sure your computer has a microphone. If you’re using an external microphone, make sure it’s connected to your Mac and selected in the Dictation pane of Dictation & Speech preferences. To choose a different microphone, click the pop-up menu below the microphone icon.
- Be sure to turn on dictation and choose the correct language and dialect. For instructions, see this help topic:
- Position yourself as you would normally use your computer, then speak in a calm voice that’s not too quiet or too loud. As you speak, the microphone icon glows to show your speaking volume.
- Avoid background noise. If you use dictation in a noisy environment or a room with excessive echo, it may help to use a headset microphone.
- Be sure the microphone is not obstructed by objects, such as clothing or your body while you are speaking. Check the User Guide that came with your Mac to locate the built-in microphone.
- Be sure the input volume of an external microphone is sufficient. If you’re using an external microphone and the meter doesn't respond to your voice, select the microphone in the Input pane of Sound preferences and adjust its input volume higher.
- Dictation requires an Internet connection. Check Network Diagnostics to make sure your computer has a valid Internet connection.
Last Modified: Sep 4, 2015