Voicenotes Dictation lets you speak into any app with a text box. You can use it in Messages, emails, notes, comments, documents, and anywhere else you would normally type.
Once it’s set up, you can switch to the Voicenotes keyboard, tap the mic, and start dictating. You can also set up Quick Dictation with the iPhone Action Button, so you can dictate without opening the Voicenotes app at all.
Set up dictation in the Voicenotes app
To start using dictation, first turn it on inside Voicenotes.
Open the Voicenotes app on your iPhone.
Tap Dictation from the sidebar menu.
Follow the setup steps shown in the app, as described below:
Tap Turn on button
Allow Microphone access
Choose the language you'll be speaking in
Turn on full access for Voicenotes keyboard - you'll be redirected to Settings from here. You'll also see a walkthrough video demonstrating how to enable full access for the keyboard. Follow the instructions.
Turn on both toggles and allow access in the pop up.
Tap Voicenotes again.
Tap the mic icon to try out the dictation for yourself. This is a required step to complete the set up.
After you successfully try out the first dictation and complete the onboarding process, you will be directed to the dedicated Dictation page where you can view the dashboard with dictation usage, stats, and history.
Note: Apple shows a standard warning when enabling full access for third-party keyboards. This is expected. Voicenotes needs keyboard access so dictation can work across apps.
Switch to the Voicenotes keyboard
After the keyboard is enabled, you can use it anywhere you type.
Open any app where you want to dictate.
Tap the text box to bring up the keyboard.
Tap and hold the globe icon on your keyboard.
Select Voicenotes.
Tap the mic button to start dictating. You'll be auto-redirected to the Voicenotes app where you'll be notified that the Dictation is turned on. Now you should switch back to the app.
When you’re done, stop dictation and review the text before sending or saving it.
Note: Dictation toggle turns off automatically after 3 minutes of inactivity to prevent battery draining off.
Use Quick Dictation from the Action Button
If your iPhone has an Action Button, you can assign it to Voicenotes Quick Dictation. This lets you start dictating without opening the Voicenotes app first.
To set it up:
Open your iPhone Settings.
Go to Action Button.
Choose Shortcuts.
Select Voicenotes.
There will be two options relevant to dictation:
One is for quick dictation
Second is for toggle dictation (turn on/off dictation). We recommend that you choose Quick Dictation for ease of use anytime.
Once this is set up, press your Action Button whenever you want to quickly dictate something. Voicenotes will start Quick Dictation without needing to open the app manually.
This is helpful when you want to capture a thought quickly, reply to something, or dictate while moving between apps.
How to use dictation well
You can speak naturally while using Voicenotes Dictation. You don’t need to overthink punctuation or structure while speaking. A few tips:
Speak clearly and at a natural pace.
Pause briefly between thoughts.
Add context when needed, especially for longer dictation.
Review important text before sending it.
Use Quick Dictation when you want to capture something quickly without opening the app.
For example, instead of typing a long message, you can say:
“Hey, I reviewed the proposal. The timeline looks good, but we should confirm the final budget before Friday.” And Voicenotes will turn your speech into text so you can review and send it.
How to turn dictation off
You can turn dictation off from the Voicenotes app.
Open Voicenotes.
Tap Dictation from the sidebar menu.
Turn off the dictation toggle.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I use Voicenotes Dictation?
You can use it in most apps that have a text box, including messages, emails, notes, documents, comments, and search fields.
Why do I need to enable the Voicenotes keyboard?
The keyboard lets Voicenotes Dictation work across apps. Without enabling the keyboard, you won't be able to use dictation feature at all.
Why does iPhone ask for full keyboard access?
iOS requires full access for third-party keyboards that need to process input across apps. Voicenotes needs this access so it can convert your speech into text wherever you use the keyboard.
How do I switch back to my normal keyboard?
Tap and hold the globe icon on your keyboard, then choose your regular keyboard.
Can I use dictation inside the Voicenotes app?
Yes. You can create a text note in Voicenotes and use the Voicenotes keyboard to dictate directly into it.
Does Quick Dictation work without opening the app?
Yes. If you assign Voicenotes > Quick Dictation to your iPhone Action Button, you can start dictating without opening Voicenotes first.
I don’t see Voicenotes in my keyboard list. What should I do?
Make sure you’re using the latest version of Voicenotes from the App Store. Then open Voicenotes, go to Dictation, and follow the setup steps again.
Dictation isn’t working. What should I check?
Please check that:
Voicenotes is updated to the latest version.
Microphone permission is enabled.
The Voicenotes keyboard is enabled.
Allow Full Access is turned on for the Voicenotes keyboard.
You selected the Voicenotes keyboard from the globe icon.
If it still doesn’t work, reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll take a look.