voice dictation d

Hi 4bhv6367,

Thanks for contacting Apple Support Communities!

We understand that you're unable to dictate messages in the Messages app.

Do you have headphones connected to your iPhone or are you using the built-in microphone to dictate text?

Are you able to record a voice memo in the Voice Memo app and listen to the recorded message?

You can also check that the microphone has access to Messages as outlined here: Control access to hardware features on iPhone - Apple Support

1. "Go to Settings  > Privacy & Security.
2. Tap a hardware feature, such as Camera, Bluetooth, Local Network, or Microphone.

The list shows the apps that requested access. You can turn access on or off for any app on the list.

Note: Whenever an app uses the camera (including when the camera and microphone are used together), a green indicator appears. An orange indicator appears at the top of the screen whenever an app uses the microphone without the camera. Also, a message appears at the top of Control Center to inform you when an app has recently used either."

We look forward to your reply.

Cheers!

Hi 4bhv6367,

The icon that you describe is expected and functions as a way to end the current dictation. The support article Dictate text on iPhone outlines the process and notes that tapping that icon is how to finish:

"Dictate text

1. Tap to place the insertion point where you want to insert text.
2. Tap  on the onscreen keyboard or in any text field where it appears (as in Messages, for example). Then speak.
3. If you don’t see , make sure Dictation is turned on. Go to Settings  > General > Keyboard, then turn on Enable Dictation.
4. As you speak to insert text, iPhone automatically inserts punctuation for you.
5. Note: You can turn off automatic punctuation by going to Settings  > General > Keyboard, then turning off Auto-Punctuation.
6. As you dictate text, you can insert emoji by saying their names (for example, “mind blown emoji” or “happy emoji”).
7. When you finish, tap ."

While that icon is displayed your dictation should be active and transcribing your spoken words. If that is not happening, are you getting any specific errors when trying to dictate?

Regards.