How do I fix voice to text and red recording symbol on iPhone 16 Plus?

Have IPhone 16 Plus. Voice to text not working. Microphone now gone. Now somehow I have a red symbol in content bar on the right side that now "records" everything I say. Can't get rid of it. Scroll down pic please. Can someone help me???



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on May 27, 2025 9:15 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 27, 2025 9:20 AM

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Turn on Enable Dictation. When it is turned off the microphone icon will disappear and that red symbol which records audio messages appears in lieu.

5 replies

May 27, 2025 9:30 AM in response to kgard1101

kgard1101 wrote:

Hi, thank you. I did this and the microphones came back but when I press on it, it still doesn't pick up my voice???

Do you have dictation set to the correct language you want in the same Settings page? Have you tried a Forced Restart?


  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up Button
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Down Button
  • Press and hold the Side Button until you see the Apple Logo (Ignore the Power Off Slider, this can take up to 30 seconds)

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How do I fix voice to text and red recording symbol on iPhone 16 Plus?

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