Quick Dictation on iOS
Dictate from anywhere on iPhone or iPad, then paste the result.
Quick Dictation lets you record with VoiceInk without opening the VoiceInk keyboard. Trigger it with your iPhone's Action Button or Back Tap, then paste the finished transcript into any app.
Before You Start
- Use iOS or iPadOS 18 or later.
- Open VoiceInk and complete its initial setup.
- Allow VoiceInk to use the microphone.
- Select a working Mode and make sure its transcription model is ready.
- Keep Live Activities enabled for VoiceInk in Settings -> Apps -> VoiceInk -> Live Activities.
Add the Quick Dictation Shortcut
Open Shortcuts in VoiceInk
In VoiceInk, open Settings -> Shortcuts.
Open the installer
Tap Add Shortcut. VoiceInk opens the shared Quick Dictation shortcut.
Add Quick Dictation
Tap Get Shortcut or Add Shortcut to finish installing Quick Dictation.
You can also open the Quick Dictation shortcut directly on your iPhone or iPad.
Choose a Quick Trigger
Action Button
On a supported iPhone:
- Open Settings -> Action Button.
- Swipe to Shortcut.
- Tap Choose a Shortcut.
- Select Quick Dictation.
Press and hold the Action button once to start recording. Speak, then press and hold it again to stop and copy the transcript. When your iPhone vibrates, tap the destination text field and tap Paste.
Back Tap
- Open Settings -> Accessibility -> Touch -> Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Scroll to Shortcuts and select Quick Dictation.
Use the selected tap gesture once to start recording. Speak, then use it again to stop and copy the transcript. When your iPhone vibrates, tap the destination text field and tap Paste.
Use the same trigger twice
The first press or tap starts recording. The second stops recording, waits for transcription, and copies the result. Quick Dictation does not paste automatically.