Android

5 Ways to Fix Voice-to-Text Not Working on Android

Voice-to-text not working on Android can prevent you from typing by speaking into the phone. Here are the best ways to fix the issue.

By Parth ShahNovember 6, 2023

5 Ways to Fix Voice-to-Text Not Working on Android

Quick Fixes

Clean your device’s microphone for better voice input.

Verify microphone access for Gboard under App info > Permissions > Microphone .

Enable voice typing under Gboard settings > Voice typing .

Basic Fixes

Enable system-wide microphone access – Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > enable Microphone access .

Force stop Gboard and reopen – Open Android settings, locate Gboard among installed apps, open the app, and tap Force Stop .

Update Gboard – Head to Google Play Store, search Gboard , and tap Update .

Fix 1: Verify Microphone Permissions for the App

If you have denied microphone permissions for a specific app, it can’t detect your voice and convert it into text. Enabling the required permission should fix it.

Step 1: Long-press the app icon to open App info, select Permissions , and tap Microphone .

Step 2: Set Microphone access to Allow only while using the app .

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5 Ways to Fix Voice-to-Text Not Working on Android illustration 14

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Fix 2: Enable Voice Typing

If voice typing is disabled in your device’s keyboard such as Gboard, you won’t be able to use its Voice-to-text feature. Head to Gboard settings to enable it.

Step 1: Open Gboard, tap its menu in the top left, and press the Settings gear icon.

Step 2: Select Voice typing and enable its toggle. Additionally, turn on the Add punctuation feature if available.

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5 Ways to Fix Voice-to-Text Not Working on Android illustration 21

Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Multilingual Typing in Gboard

Turning off the multilingual typing in Gboard temporarily is another effective technique to fix Voice-to-text related issues on Android.

Step 1: Open Gboard settings, tap Languages , and select your preferred language.

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Step 2: Toggle off Multilingual typing .

Step 3: Alternatively, tap the Pencil icon in the top right, and select the secondary language to delete it. This will disable the Multilingual typing support.

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Fix 4: Download Languages for Better Voice Typing

You should download speech recognition languages when using Gboard to improve voice typing and fix voice-to-text issues in low network strength areas.

Step 1: Open Android settings, tap System , and press Languages .

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Step 2: Tap the Settings gear beside Voice input and press Add a language . Download relevant voice packs for a better voice typing experience.

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Fix 5: Turn On Personalization for Voice Typing

Enabling personalization for voice typing fine-tunes it and improves voice detection by analyzing your Gboard usage pattern and corrections, fixing existing voice-to-text issues.

Note: This feature may be unavailable on certain Android smartphones. Update Gboard from the Google Play Store.

Step 1: Open Gboard settings, select Voice typing , and tap Manage personalization .

Step 2: Enable the Personalize for you toggle.