Dictation shortcut on Mac: change it (macOS)                        Skip to main content




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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.
← Back to Answers  |    Voice typing overview

Last updated: 2025-12-26  System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation →  Dictation Shortcut . Pick an option (or Customize), then test it in any text field.

Steps

Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.

Find Dictation Shortcut and select a shortcut (or Customize).

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

Apple: Dictate messages and documents on Mac (includes Dictation shortcut settings)


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." }







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