How to use dictation on iPhone and iPad
Tap in a text field, then tap the microphone on the keyboard and speak. Tap it again, or say "stop dictation", when you're done. If there's no microphone key, turn on Enable Dictation in Settings → General → Keyboard.
Turn dictation on
- Open Settings → General → Keyboard.
- Turn on Enable Dictation. Tap Enable Dictation again if asked.
Dictate
- Tap where you want the text.
- Tap the microphone (Dictate) button on the keyboard.
- Speak. The keyboard stays open, so you can type and dictate at the same time.
- Tap the microphone again or say "stop dictation". Dictation also stops after 30 seconds of silence.
On iPad you can also type, write by hand or use Apple Pencil while dictating.
Edit by voice
On iPhone 12 and later (except iPhone SE), in US English, you can edit as you go:
- "Change Monday to Tuesday"
- "Insert really before good"
- "Delete really", or "delete all" to clear everything
- "Undo" and "Redo"
See every command on the iPhone dictation commands page.
Emoji by voice
In supported languages, say the emoji's name followed by "emoji", such as "heart emoji" or "rainbow emoji".
Auto-punctuation
Your iPhone adds commas, periods and question marks automatically in supported languages. To say every punctuation mark yourself instead, turn off Settings → General → Keyboard → Auto-Punctuation.
Does it need the internet?
In many languages, dictation runs on the iPhone itself and works offline. Dictation in a search box may be sent to the search provider.
Spelling names
Spell a word letter by letter right after saying it: "Let's invite Steven S-T-E-P-H-E-N".