Voice to text not working? Fixes for Windows, Mac and Google Docs

What should I check first, on any device?

• Internet: most voice typing sends your audio online. No connection, no text.
• Microphone: does the microphone work in another app? Is the right one chosen?
• Permission: the app or browser may not be allowed to use the microphone.
• Language: the keyboard or voice language must be one the tool supports.

What if I am on a phone?

iPhone: tap the microphone on the keyboard. If it is missing, check Dictation is switched on in Settings, under General, then Keyboard. See Apple's guide, Dictate text on iPhone.

Android: with Gboard, tap the microphone at the top of the keyboard and wait for "Speak now". If it asks for microphone permission, allow it. Google notes talk-to-text does not work in every language. See Google's Gboard voice typing help.

Zefmi does not run on phones yet.

Windows 11: why is Win+H not working?

• Click in a text box first. Voice typing needs your cursor in one.
• Wait for the "Listening..." alert before you speak.
• Check you are online and that the right microphone is set in the voice typing settings (the gear icon).
• Check the language: voice typing uses your input language.

Full steps: how to use voice typing in Windows 11.

Mac: why is dictation not working?

• Check Dictation is on in System Settings, then Keyboard.
• Check which microphone it uses, in the same settings.
• If Voice Control is on, standard Dictation is not available.
• It stops by itself after about 30 seconds without speech.

Full steps: how to use dictation on Mac.

Google Docs: why is voice typing not showing?

Google says voice typing works in recent Chrome, Edge and Safari. Open Tools, then Voice typing, and allow the microphone when the browser asks. Punctuation voice commands work in English only. See Google's voice typing guide.

What if I use Zefmi?

Check you are signed in, online and inside your trial or word allowance, and that the right microphone is chosen. If it still fails, email support@zefmi.com; a person replies.

Microsoft, Apple and Google steps checked against their help pages on 31 Oct 2026.