Microphone icon missing for dictation in Messages

Re: "Microphone icon missing for dictation in Messages"

If dictation is available in your country or region:

Apple Support have an article online (link below) that may be helpful

With Dictation on iPhone, you can dictate text anywhere you can type it.

Eg: says

"Make dictation possible

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General, then tap Keyboard.
3. Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation."

Article also says:

1. "In a text field, tap to place the insertion point where you want to begin dictating text.
2. Tap  on the onscreen keyboard (or in any text field where it appears).
3. If you don’t see , go to the Settings app, tap General, tap Keyboard, then turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation.
4. When  appears near the insertion point in the text field, begin to dictate your text.
5. Do any of the following:

• • Add emoji: Say the name of an emoji, such as “heart emoji” or “smiley face emoji.”
• Add punctuation: Say the name of the punctuation mark, such as “exclamation point.”
  • Note: In supported languages, Dictation automatically inserts commas, periods, and question marks as you dictate. To turn off automatic punctuation, go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then turn off Auto-Punctuation.
  • Add a line break: Say “new line” or “new paragraph.”
  • Spell a word: Say something like “Let’s invite Steven S-T-E-P-H-E-N.” 
  • Correct spelling: Say something like “Change tea to T-E-E.”
  • Edit text: Say “select” or “delete” followed by the phrase you want to change.
  • Undo or repeat a command: Say “undo” or “redo” if you change your mind or want to repeat a command.

1. To stop dictating, do one of the following: 

• • Tap .
  • Say “Stop dictation.” 
  • Remain silent for 30 seconds. Dictation stops automatically.

For a full list of the commands you can use while dictating, see Commands for dictating text."

Thank you kindly for taking the time to reply, and to let us know! Cheers :-)