iPhone Dictation Not Working - How to Fix

Make sure dictation is turned on:

1. Settings → General → Keyboard
2. Scroll down to Dictation
3. Toggle Enable Dictation ON
4. Confirm when prompted

Dictation needs internet for most languages:

• Make sure Wi-Fi or cellular is connected
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular
• Toggle Airplane Mode on and off
• Some languages support offline dictation (iOS 15+)

Test if your microphone is working:

1. Open Voice Memos app
2. Record a short message
3. Play it back — can you hear yourself?
4. If not, microphone may need cleaning or repair

Make sure the right language is selected:

1. Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards
2. Check your active keyboards
3. The dictation language matches your keyboard language
4. Add the language keyboard if needed

Reset the dictation service:

1. Settings → General → Keyboard
2. Turn Enable Dictation OFF
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it back ON
5. Try dictating again

Screen Time can block dictation:

1. Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
2. Tap Allowed Apps
3. Make sure Siri & Dictation is enabled

A restart can fix temporary glitches:

1. Hold Side + Volume buttons
2. Slide to power off
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Power on and try dictation again

Updates fix dictation bugs:

1. Settings → General → Software Update
2. Install any available updates
3. Restart and test dictation

Reset keyboard to defaults:

1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap Reset → Reset Keyboard Dictionary
3. This clears custom words but can fix issues

• Tap the microphone icon on keyboard to start
• Speak clearly and at normal pace
• Say punctuation: "period" "comma" "question mark"
• Say "new line" or "new paragraph" for formatting
• Works in any text field