How to fix iPhone dictation not working

Fast fix

If your iPhone® dictation feature isn’t working, the most common issue is that dictation isn’t enabled in your keyboard settings. To fix it:

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard.
2. Turn on Enable Dictation.
3. Try dictation again in the Messages app.

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If your iPhone dictation—or speech-to-text—feature stops working, it can disrupt your texts, notes, and daily communication.

At Asurion, we help millions of people troubleshoot, fix, and get the most out of their devices—whether you want to stop spam text messages or deep clean your phone. Here’s how to fix dictation when it isn’t working on your iPhone.

Make sure dictation is turned on

Check your keyboard settings to confirm dictation is enabled:

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard.
2. Turn on Enable Dictation.

Check your microphone

Your microphone may be the reason dictation isn’t working. To test it:

1. Open the Voice Memos app.
2. Record a short message.
3. Play it back to check if your voice was captured.

If you don’t hear your recording, your iPhone’s microphone may be damaged and could require repair.

Refresh your Siri settings

If your microphone is fine and you have a stable internet connection, refreshing Siri® can help.

1. Open Settings > Siri & Search.
2. Turn off Press Side Button for Siri, Allow Siri When Locked, and Listen for “Hey Siri.”
3. Turn them back on.
4. Open the Messages app, select a text thread, tap the microphone icon, and try dictation again.

Update your iOS

Outdated software can cause dictation glitches.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
3. Restart your iPhone and test dictation.

Perform a factory reset

If a software update doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to reset your iPhone to its original settings.

A factory reset erases your data—photos, apps, and files—so be sure to back up your iPhone first. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide to performing a factory reset.

If you’ve tried all of these steps and dictation is still not working, there may be a hardware issue. Visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a free diagnostic.

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FAQ

Why is my iPhone dictation not working?

It may be disabled in Settings > General > Keyboard, your microphone may be blocked or damaged, or you could need a software update.

Does iPhone dictation work without Wi-Fi?

Yes—dictation works offline on newer iOS versions, but some advanced features may still need an internet connection.

How do I enable speech-to-text on my iPhone?

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and turn on Enable Dictation. Then tap the microphone icon in apps like Messages to use speech-to-text.

What if dictation still doesn’t work after updating iOS?

If dictation still won’t work, it may be a hardware issue with your microphone. Bring your device to your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for expert help.