The dictation feature on your iPhone can be a relief to use when you are tired of typing your thoughts or if you have hurt your hands. The dictation feature changes your voice input into text rapidly. Usually, if you are facing any issues with the dictation, it could be that your speech is garbled which is not clear enough for the dictation feature to translate. But what if there is a problem with the feature itself?
In this article, you can read about the various fixes that you can attempt to solve any issues with the dictation feature on your iPhone.
Also read: What is the arrow next to time on iPhone?
Quick fixes for a quick recovery
To fix the dictation feature in your iPhone, follow the fixes given below to make sure that your feature is working normally again:
Internet connection
Check if your iPhone is connected to the network as Dictation requires an internet connection to work at all. So make sure that you are either connected to your mobile network or Wi-Fi for the feature to work. However, on some iPhone models, Dictation does not require an internet connection to work and moreover, it can process requests in multiple languages offline. You can also try turning your data on and off, as well as switching on and off the airplane mode to get rid of any discrepancies with the network.
Enable/disable Dictation
You can switch on and off the Dictation feature by following the steps as follows:
- Head to Settings, then open the General option.
- Tap on the Keyboard option. Then tap on the toggle in front of Enable Dictation.
Switching the dictation feature on and off can also get rid of any glitches.
Restart iPhone
A simple restart can help fix problems like getting rid of excess cache or bugs that accumulate in apps. It should be a ritual to clean the cache of all apps regularly to prevent anything that might hamper the performance of another app, cause your phone to slow down, or glitch.
You can press and hold the power button until a slide to power off option appears. After your phone has switched off, you can press and hold the power button again for a couple of seconds to power it back.
Update iPhone
You can check for software updates to check if your iPhone is on the latest version. You can check for updates in your settings, under General, and in Software Update. It can help get rid of any remaining bugs.
Reset Keyboard Dictionary
You can also fix your keyboard dictionary to remove any custom words that the dictation is not able to process. Resetting your keyboard dictionary will take it back to its default settings. You can do this by following the steps given below:
- Head to Settings and tap on General.
- Tap on Reset after scrolling down.
- Tap on Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
Reset all settings
You can also reset your iPhone settings however, this will restore your current settings to the factory default settings. You can rest assured that no data or media will be lost, nevertheless taking a backup is always beneficial. You can reset your settings by following the steps given below:
- Head to Settings and tap on General.
- Tap on Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings.
Check your mic
For the Dictation feature to work, you should make sure that your microphone is working perfectly. You can check this by sending a friend voice recordings to see if your voice sounds garbled or muffled. If it is, then this is probably why Dictation is not working properly on your iPhone. If possible you can try cleaning the microphone in your iPhone using cotton buds and some cleaning liquid. Take it to your nearest Apple Store if you believe that your microphone is damaged.
Switch off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode restricts any unnecessary background running apps to conserve your iPhone’s battery when it is low. If this mode is switched on and you are unable to use Dictation, then this mode might be restricting its regular function. Head to Battery in your settings and switch off the toggle in front of Low Power Mode.
Remove from restrictions
If you have set screentime restrictions on your iPhone, you may have accidentally added Siri and Dictation to the list. You can remove them by following the steps given below:
- Head to settings and tap on Screen Time.
- Scroll down and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap on Allowed Apps.
- Choose Siri & Dictation after locating them from the list.
