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Dictate text on iPad

With Dictation on iPad, you can dictate text anywhere you can type it. You can use typing or handwriting with Dictation. Either the keyboard or tools palette can stay open during Dictation so you can easily switch between speaking and typing or handwriting to enter and edit text. For example, you can select text with touch or Apple Pencil and replace it with your voice.

Dictation requests are processed on your device in many languages—no internet connection is required. When you dictate in a search field, your dictated text may be sent to the search provider to process the search.

Note: Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all countries or regions, and features may vary. See the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website.

When using Dictation, cellular data charges may apply. (See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).)

Turn on Dictation

  1. Go to the Settings app  on your iPad.

  2. Tap General, then tap Keyboard.

  3. Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation.

To learn more about how Apple protects your information and lets you choose what you share, tap About Dictation & Privacy below Dictation, or see the Apple Privacy website.

If you’re using an external keyboard, see Dictate text while using an Apple external keyboard.

Dictate text

Dictate text and use voice commands to edit and format content.

The onscreen keyboard is open in the Notes app. The Dictation button at the bottom of the keyboard is selected and the Dictation button appears below the insertion point in the text field.

  1. Tap in the text field to place the insertion point where you want to begin dictating text.

  2. Tap the Dictate button on the onscreen keyboard (or in any text field where it appears).

  3. When the Dictate button appears near the insertion point in the text field, begin to dictate your text.

  4. Do any of the following:

    • Add emoji: Say the name of an emoji, like “heart emoji” or “car 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.”

    • Edit text: Say “select” or “delete” followed by the phrase you want to change.

    • Spell a word: Say something like “Let’s invite Steven S-T-E-P-H-E-N,” or “Change tea to T-E-E.”

    • Undo or repeat a command: Say “undo” or “redo” if you change your mind or want to repeat a command.

  5. When you’re done, tap the Dictate button or say “stop dictation.” Dictation stops automatically when you stop speaking for 30 seconds.

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

When you use a keyboard for another language, you can use Dictation in that language as well. See Add or change keyboards.

Turn off Dictation

  1. Go to the Settings app  on your iPad.

  2. Tap General, then tap Keyboard.

  3. Turn off Enable Dictation.

See alsoCommands for dictating text on iPadUse the onscreen keyboard with VoiceOver on iPadDictate text while using an Apple external keyboard with iPad
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