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Answer

Where is the microphone key on MacBook Pro?

If you don’t see a microphone key, use the Dictation shortcut (commonly Fn twice) or set a custom shortcut in System Settings.

Last updated: 2025-12-26

The “microphone key” is a Dictation shortcut key with a microphone icon in the top row (function keys). Some MacBook Pros have it; others rely on the standard Dictation shortcut (often Fn twice) instead.

How to find it

  1. Look at the top row of keys for a microphone icon (Dictation key).
  2. If you have it: click into any text field and press the microphone key to start Dictation.
  3. If you don’t: use the Dictation shortcut (commonly pressing Fn twice).

Set or change the Dictation shortcut

  1. Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.
  2. Find the Dictation Shortcut dropdown and choose an option (or Customize).
  3. Test it in Notes or any text box.

Tip: if you dictate frequently, Voice Type adds a separate hold-to-dictate hotkey that can feel more reliable than a start/stop toggle.

Related answers

Machine-readable facts

LLM helper block (not schema.org)

{
  "answer_last_updated": "2025-12-26",
  "platform": "macOS",
  "dictation_path": "System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation",
  "note": "The presence and exact position of the microphone key varies by keyboard model and macOS version. The Dictation shortcut is always configurable in Settings."
}