How to dictate emails in Gmail
Gmail doesn't have its own dictation button. Instead, use the dictation built into your device: the microphone on your phone's keyboard, Windows + H on Windows, or Dictation on a Mac. All of them type straight into the Gmail message box.
On your phone
- Android: open Gmail, start a new email, tap in the message body, and tap the microphone at the top of Gboard. Android guide
- iPhone and iPad: open Gmail, tap in the message body, and tap the microphone on the keyboard. iPhone guide
On Pixel 9 and later (except Pixel 9a), you can also say writing commands such as "make my email more formal" or "shorten my text".
On a computer
- Windows: click in the Gmail message box and press Windows + H. Windows guide
- Mac: click in the message box and start Dictation with the Microphone key or your shortcut. Mac guide
- Chromebook: click in the message box and press Search + D. Chromebook guide
Chrome's "talk to type"
Chrome on Mac, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS has an opt-in feature called talk to type, powered by Google's Gemini. It works in text boxes on any website and adds punctuation automatically. The first time, right-click a text box and choose Talk to type. After that, press Option + Space on Mac or Ctrl + Space on Windows and ChromeOS. You need to be signed in to Chrome, and it doesn't work in Incognito. When you use it, Chrome collects your voice recording, the words typed and details about the page, so read the prompt carefully before you turn it on.
Dictate first, send later
For longer emails, some people prefer to dictate in a separate box, tidy up, then paste. The free online dictation tool keeps your draft in your browser while you work.
Tips for dictated emails
- Say "comma" and "period" if automatic punctuation is off, and "new paragraph" between thoughts.
- Read it once before sending. Names and homophones ("their" and "there") are the most common mistakes.
- See more tips for accurate dictation.