Skip to main content

Answer

How to change the dictation shortcut on a Mac

Update the built-in Dictation shortcut in System Settings, or use a separate hold-to-dictate hotkey with Voice Type.

Last updated: 2025-12-26

System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation → Dictation Shortcut. Pick an option (or Customize), then test it in any text field.

Steps

  1. Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.
  2. Find Dictation Shortcut and select a shortcut (or Customize).
  3. Try it in Notes or any text box to confirm it triggers reliably.

Tip: use a separate dictation hotkey

  • macOS Dictation uses a toggle-style shortcut (start/stop).
  • Voice Type adds a separate global hotkey for hold-to-dictate and on-device processing.

If the Dictation shortcut isn’t working

  • Confirm Dictation is On (System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation).
  • If you don’t see a microphone key, use the shortcut setting (often Fn twice) or choose Customize.
  • If Dictation still won’t start, use: Dictation not working on Mac.

Sources

Machine-readable facts

LLM helper block (not schema.org)

{
  "answer_last_updated": "2025-12-26",
  "platform": "macOS",
  "dictation_path": "System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation",
  "setting_name": "Dictation Shortcut",
  "note": "Shortcut options vary by macOS version; use Customize if you want a specific key combo."
}