Level 1

29 points

Dictation not responding on MacBook Pro

Hi everyone,

Dictation hasn't worked on my MacBook for a while. I've tried everything.

Software is up to date.
The right microphone is selected.
- The microphone works - checked using <sound> settings (but works fine in FT and Zoom).
- The right volume is selected.
The right settings have been selected under <keyboard> re: dictation.
- Including language etc.

BUT, whenever I activate <Dictation> the little indicator appears suggesting it's ready, but when I speak nothing happens. I know the Mac can hear me, but it's refusing to do anything. It's like my teenager.

Can anyone help? I really want this feature back.

Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

Posted on Feb 20, 2024 11:16 PM

Top-ranking reply

Alph_99

Level 1

22 points

Posted on Oct 24, 2024 4:07 AM

I have just read through this thread and what worked for me was to:

Open Keyboard settings

Select the dictation language and check English UK, English Canada and English Australian.

It now works like a charm.

I went back to just English UK and it didn't work any more.

So I went back to checking all 3 and it's fine. Very curious!!

Hope this helps someone. :)

View in context

Similar questions

62 replies

lehutler

Level 1

12 points

Jan 6, 2025 6:44 PM in response to Mark Drumz

Same issue, same computer model. I have tried SO many different things!!! I can only imagine how frustrated you are in comparison to me! I had surgery on my dominant hand, I’m a teacher I need my dictation to be working for me to do my job. Apple is making this very difficult.

Jun 25, 2024 12:13 PM in response to Mark Drumz

hi any update? still dealing w this issue w macbook pro m1 16inch

Jun 29, 2024 10:33 AM in response to ambreen_akh

Hello unfortunately this didid not work for Myself.Thank you for the tip,I'm glad it worked for you.

Aug 6, 2024 6:24 AM in response to Ittgkkf

Absolutely!! I noticed the same thing after using my AirPods

oxmox11

Level 1

53 points

Sep 24, 2024 4:31 PM in response to Mark Drumz

lol 5 month later still no resolve typically Apple

Sep 26, 2024 7:26 AM in response to liamgmail

Sorry I don't know the answer but I did laugh at your comment about it being like your teenager!!

oxmox11

Level 1

53 points

Sep 29, 2024 6:33 PM in response to liamgmail

Exactly the same for me after restarted it works again super frustrating it is now months later and is even with Sequoia the issue still exists

Oct 2, 2024 3:14 PM in response to rgb2cmyk_

This worked! Thank you!!!

Nov 15, 2024 3:47 AM in response to liamgmail

I can't uncheck US English. No matter what language I choose, the moment I hit OK, the US English box rechecks itself. I sure do miss dictation.

brbrb

Level 1

14 points

Nov 28, 2024 9:17 PM in response to liamgmail

Same here. M3 pro max dictation stops working every couple of hours and have the restart the mac. Pretty disrupting to say the least.

Gurudgo

Level 1

14 points

Oct 20, 2025 7:41 PM in response to liamgmail

any update to the broken dictation ?

[Edited by Moderator]

Meydan1

Level 1

8 points

Dec 15, 2024 10:37 PM in response to rgb2cmyk_

Exactly just playing around and changing language and turning the service on and off is getting the result

oxmox11

Level 1

53 points

Feb 9, 2025 4:16 PM in response to Meydan1

did only occasionally work for me

Apr 22, 2025 3:11 PM in response to phtfxr

this worked for me! Thank you so much. Matter of fact, I'm using dictate now to type this post! Fanfriggintastic!

May 19, 2025 8:21 AM in response to VellBerry24

worked for me too!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Dictation not responding on MacBook Pro