Voice to Text on iPhone: How to Turn It On, Use It & Fix Issues
Dec 31, 2025
Key Takeaways:
Voice to text on iPhone lets you type messages, notes, and documents hands-free using dictation.
You can enable or disable voice-to-text directly from your iPhone keyboard settings.
iPhone also allows you to send voice messages through Messages and Voice Memos.
If voice-to-text is not working on your iPhone, simple settings and system checks usually fix it.
For more accurate transcription and structured notes, apps like Audionotes offer advanced voice-to-text features.
Voice typing on iPhone has become one of the easiest ways to write faster without using the keyboard. Whether you’re sending quick messages, taking notes, or drafting documents, the voice-to-text feature on an iPhone helps you turn spoken words into written text instantly.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how voice-to-text works on iPhone, how to enable and use it, how to send voice texts, and what to do if dictation stops working.
What Is Voice-to-Text on iPhone?
Voice-to-text on iPhone, also known as Dictation, is a built-in feature that converts your spoken words into written text in real time. So, instead of typing manually, you can speak into your iPhone’s microphone and see your words appear on the screen.
This feature works across apps like Messages, Notes, Mail, and other text fields. It’s especially helpful for faster typing, accessibility support, multitasking, and reducing screen time while still capturing ideas accurately. Users who need more flexibility can also explore third-party dictation apps designed for longer recordings and higher transcription accuracy.
How to Turn on Voice-to-Text on iPhone
Before using voice-to-text, you need to activate the Dictation feature on your iPhone. Here’s how:
Open the Settings app.
Navigate to General > Keyboard
Scroll down and toggle on Enable Dictation.
If prompted, confirm by tapping Enable Dictation
Once enabled, a microphone icon will appear on your keyboard, indicating that dictation is ready for use.
Also Read: Best Speech-to-Text Apps
How to Use and Edit Voice-to-Text on iPhone
Once dictation is enabled, you can start using voice-to-text across various apps with a few simple steps:
Open an app with a text input field, such as Messages or Notes.
Tap on the text field to bring up the keyboard.
Tap the microphone icon and begin speaking clearly. Your words will appear in real time.
To insert punctuation or emojis, say their names (e.g., “comma,” “smiley face emoji”).
Tap the microphone icon again or say “Stop dictation” when finished.
To refine and format your text, you can use voice commands:
Punctuation & Emojis: Say the names aloud to insert them.
Formatting: Use commands like “new line” or “new paragraph” to structure text.
Editing: Say “select [word or phrase]” to highlight text and “delete that” to remove it.
Undo/Redo: Say “undo” to revert changes and “redo” to restore them.
Also Read: How to Transcribe Voice Memos to Text
However, several users have reported issues with the voice-to-text functionality on newer iPhone models, citing inaccuracies and inconsistencies in transcription, as seen in Reddit discussions. If you find that dictation isn’t working as expected or prefer an alternative solution, you can disable the feature using the following steps:
How to Disable Voice-to-Text on iPhone
If you no longer need voice-to-text, you can disable Dictation:
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
Toggle off Enable Dictation.
This removes the microphone icon from your keyboard, deactivating the dictation feature.
While Apple's built-in voice-to-text feature offers basic dictation capabilities, some users seek more advanced functionalities to enhance their note-taking experience. Third-party applications like Audionotes provide a robust alternative, offering superior transcription accuracy and a suite of additional features tailored to diverse user needs.
How to Send a Voice Text on iPhone
Apple offers multiple ways to record and send voice texts, depending on how much control or speed you want.
Method 1: Using the Apps Button (More Options)
This method is helpful when you want to review your message before sending it.
Steps:
Open the Messages app on your phone and select a conversation.
Tap the “+” (Plus) button next to the text field.
Scroll and select Audio from the app options.
Start speaking. A waveform will appear as your voice is recorded.
Tap Stop to finish. You can preview the message or tap Send.
To discard the message, tap the X icon.
Method 2: Quick Send (Press & Hold)
This is the fastest way to send a voice message without extra steps.
Steps:
Open a conversation in the Messages app.
Press and hold the microphone icon in the message bar.
Speak your message while holding the icon.
Release your finger to send, or slide up to lock recording before sending.
Method 3: Create & Send a Voice Message With Voice Memos
This method works well for longer or more detailed voice messages.
Steps:
Open the Voice Memos app and tap the red Record button.
Speak your message. The recording duration appears as you talk.
Tap Stop when finished.
Tap Play to review the recording.
Tap the three dots next to the recording name.
Rename it if needed, then select Share to send it via Messages or other apps.
How to Fix Voice-to-Text Not Working on iPhone
If voice-to-text is not working on your iPhone, it’s usually caused by a setting, microphone issue, or software restriction. Here are the most common fixes:
Make sure dictation is turned on in Keyboard settings.
Check your microphone for dust, damage, or blocked access.
Update your iOS version to ensure compatibility.
Change the dictation language to match your system language.
Enable and disable Voice Control to refresh system permissions.
Disable Screen Time restrictions for Siri and Dictation.
Turn off Low Power Mode, as it can limit background features.
Reset network settings if dictation relies on connectivity.
Most issues resolve after checking these settings.
Still Not Working? Try Audionotes Voice-to-Text App for iPhone
If Apple’s dictation feels inconsistent or limited, Audionotes offers a more accurate and flexible voice-to-text experience. The app helps you convert voice notes, recordings, and spoken ideas into clean, structured text.
With Audionotes, you can:
Transcribe long voice recordings accurately.
Convert voice memos into organized text.
Generate summaries and action items.
Access notes across mobile and web.
How you can Get Transcript of your audio in Audionotes?
Step 1: Login in to your Audionotes account and Click on Record
Step 2: Click on stop once done it will start processing your audio.
Step 3: Click on transcript to get the transcript of your audio
Conclusion
Voice-to-text on iPhone makes typing faster, easier, and more accessible. From dictating messages to sending voice texts and fixing dictation issues, Apple’s built-in tools cover most everyday needs.
For users who want higher accuracy, better organization, and smarter note handling, Audionotes takes voice-to-text beyond basic dictation. It turns spoken ideas into structured, searchable content so that it fits seamlessly into your daily workflow!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What languages does iPhone's voice-to-text support?
iPhone dictation supports multiple languages, depending on your keyboard and system settings.
Can I use voice-to-text on iPhone for long documents?
Yes, but longer dictation sessions may stop automatically. On newer iPhone devices and iOS versions you can record longer dictations, as long as the keyboard stays active and you’re speaking, but third-party apps work better for extended recordings.
Why does dictation stop after a few seconds?
Dictation might stop on the iPhone due to Low Power Mode, connectivity issues, or microphone restrictions.
Does iPhone dictation work without Wi-Fi?
Some languages support offline dictation, but most require an internet connection.