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 Pencil and replace it with your voice.

On supported models, 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.

When you use on-device Dictation, you can dictate text of any length without a timeout. You can stop Dictation manually, or it stops automatically when you stop speaking for 30 seconds.

Note: Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all countries or regions, and features may vary. To see whether dictation is supported in your region and language, go to 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

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
Turn on Enable Dictation.

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

Dictate text

Tap to place the insertion point where you want to insert text.
Tap on the onscreen keyboard or in any text field where it appears (as in Messages, for example). Then speak.
If you don’t see , make sure Dictation is turned on. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then turn on Enable Dictation.
As you speak to insert text, iPad automatically inserts punctuation for you.
Note: You can turn off automatic punctuation by going to Settings > General > Keyboard, then turning off Auto-Punctuation.
As you dictate text, you can insert emoji by saying their names (for example, “mind blown emoji” or “happy emoji”).
When you finish, tap .

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Dictate text on iPad

Turn on Dictation

Dictate text