Dictation shortcut not working
If ParusVoice doesn’t respond to your dictation key, it’s almost always one of a few causes. Check them in this order. In the meantime, start a dictation from the ParusVoice menu in the menu bar with “Start dictation”.
1. Check Accessibility
Without this permission, ParusVoice can’t hear the key. Often the app then shows at the top of the window: “Dictation shortcut inactive: turn Accessibility for ParusVoice off and on again in System Settings.”
- Open “Settings” > “Permissions”.
- Next to “Accessibility”, click “Open in System Settings”.
- Turn ParusVoice off there and on again.
- In ParusVoice, click the gray status circle so the app checks again.
More in Allow microphone access and turn on Accessibility.
2. Are you signed in?
If you’re signed out or setup isn’t finished, the key stays off. If your session has expired, ParusVoice shows “Session expired. Please sign in again.” Sign in again in the “Account” section.
3. Is the Fn key assigned twice?
macOS dictation can also be on the Fn key. Then macOS may respond instead of ParusVoice. You have two options:
- Free up the Fn key in macOS. Change the macOS dictation shortcut under “System Settings” > “Keyboard” > “Dictation”, see Apple’s guide to dictation on Mac.
- Or set a different key in ParusVoice, see Change your dictation shortcut.
4. These messages point to a different cause
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| “Microphone access missing” | Allow the microphone, see Permissions |
| “No internet connection. Dictation is currently unavailable.” | Check your connection, see Connection lost |
| “Your quota is exhausted.” | The weekly Free quota is used up, see Free, Pro and the free trial |
| “No text recognized.” | Check the microphone, see Words are recognized incorrectly |
Still have a question? Contact support