Speech to text on Mac

How do I use Apple Dictation?

Apple Dictation is built into macOS. Turn it on in System Settings, then Keyboard, then Dictation. Start it with the Microphone key, your Dictation shortcut, or Edit, then Start Dictation. Our step-by-step guide is how to use dictation on Mac.

Why is Mac dictation not working?

• Check Dictation is turned on in System Settings, then Keyboard.
• Check the microphone it uses, in the same Dictation settings.
• If Voice Control is on, macOS uses Voice Control for dictation instead, so standard Dictation is not available.
• Dictation stops by itself after about 30 seconds without speech. Start it again.

Apple's full instructions: Apple's Dictation guide.

What will Zefmi add on Mac?

The Mac version has not been built yet, so we give no date. The plan is the same as on Windows: a hold-to-talk key, AI clean-up that removes filler words and false starts, and a Word for word mode. For now Zefmi runs on Windows only.

How do I join the Zefmi for Mac waitlist?

Email support@zefmi.com with "Mac" in the subject and we will write once, when a Mac build is ready to try. Nothing else.

Does Mac dictation work offline?

Apple Dictation can process some speech on your Mac, which you can check in its settings. Zefmi, when it comes to Mac, will need an internet connection, as it does on Windows.

Apple steps checked against Apple's guide on 31 Oct 2026. Menu names can change between macOS versions.