Transcription Failing or No Output
Fix recordings that do not produce text or produce inaccurate text.
No Text Appears
If VoiceInk records but no text appears, check these first.
1. Check Permissions
VoiceInk needs Microphone permission to record audio.
It also needs Accessibility permission for reliable paste delivery and selected-text context. Screen Recording permission is needed only when a Mode uses screen context.
Open System Settings -> Privacy & Security and review:
- Microphone.
- Accessibility.
- Screen Recording, if you use screen context.
After changing permissions, restart VoiceInk.
2. Check Audio Input
Open Audio in the VoiceInk sidebar.
- Use Selected Microphone if you want one specific device.
- Use Priority Order if you want VoiceInk to fall back through multiple microphones.
- Click Refresh Microphones after connecting a new device.
Also open System Settings -> Sound -> Input and confirm the input level moves when you speak.
3. Check the Active Mode
Open Modes and select the Mode you are recording with.
Confirm:
- The Mode is enabled.
- It has a valid transcription model selected.
- The selected provider or local model is available.
- The language setting matches what you are speaking.
- AI enhancement is not the only place you expect output from.
If a trigger is selecting the wrong Mode, see Model or Language Changing Automatically.
4. Check AI Models
Open AI Models.
- For local models, confirm the model is downloaded and available.
- For cloud transcription providers, confirm the API key is configured and the provider supports transcription.
- For custom models, confirm the endpoint and model name are correct.
If you are using an imported local Whisper .bin model, make sure it is still present and readable.
Inaccurate Transcription
If VoiceInk produces text but it is inaccurate:
- Try the Mac built-in microphone or a dedicated external mic instead of a wireless headset mic.
- Move closer to the microphone and reduce background noise.
- Try a different transcription model in the active Mode.
- Add deterministic fixes in Word Replacements.
- Add important names and terminology in Vocabulary when the Mode uses AI enhancement.
Still Not Working
Open Dashboard -> Copy System Info and Settings -> Diagnostics -> Export Logs, then contact support with those details.