Usually it’s one of three things: Dictation is off, it’s listening to the wrong microphone, or it expects a different language. Check those in System Settings › Keyboard › Dictation first.
01 Make sure Dictation is on
Open System Settings › Keyboard, scroll down to Dictation and turn it on. If your Mac asks, click Enable.
02 Check the shortcut
In the same section, Shortcut shows which keys start Dictation, and lets you pick others. Press it while your cursor is in a text field: Dictation only starts where you can type. In most apps you can also choose Edit › Start Dictation.
03 Pick the right microphone
Next to Microphone source, choose the mic you’re actually using. With AirPods or an external mic, select it by name instead of Automatic.
04 Check the input level
In System Settings › Sound, watch the input level of your microphone while you speak. If it barely moves, raise the input volume, and make sure nothing covers the microphone.
05 Match the language
Dictation listens for the languages listed next to Languages. Click Edit to add the one you speak. With more than one, switch by clicking the language shown next to the cursor while you dictate.
06 Check your connection
Dictation may need the internet, so try again on a stable connection. The text under Dictation in Keyboard settings says whether your Mac processes it on the device.
07 Turn off Voice Control
While Voice Control is on, it handles all dictation and standard Dictation isn’t available. If you don’t use it, turn it off in System Settings › Accessibility › Voice Control.
08 Start again, then restart
Dictation stops by itself after 30 seconds without speech, so start it again if it went quiet. If it worked before, quit the app you’re typing in and try again. If that doesn’t help, restart your Mac.
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