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Microphone Not Detected

Symptom​

TalkWriter shows a microphone error or does not respond when you hold Fn to dictate. The dictation pill may not appear, or it appears but shows no audio activity.

Quick Fix​

Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and make sure TalkWriter is enabled.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic​

✅ Step 1: Check macOS Microphone Permission​

  1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
  2. Find TalkWriter in the list
  3. Make sure the toggle is on
  4. If TalkWriter is not listed, you may need to reinstall the app to trigger the permission prompt

✅ Step 2: Verify Your Microphone Works in macOS​

  1. Open System Settings → Sound → Input
  2. Select your microphone from the list
  3. Speak and watch the Input level meter — it should move when you talk
  4. If it does not move, your microphone may be muted, unplugged, or broken

✅ Step 3: Check Which Microphone Is Selected​

If you have multiple microphones (built-in, headset, external), make sure the right one is active:

  1. Open System Settings → Sound → Input
  2. Select the microphone you want to use
  3. TalkWriter uses whatever macOS has set as the default input device

✅ Step 4: Test External Microphones​

If you are using an external microphone (USB or Bluetooth):

CheckAction
USB microphoneUnplug and replug the USB cable
Bluetooth headsetDisconnect and reconnect from System Settings → Bluetooth
Audio interfaceMake sure the interface is powered on and selected in Sound settings
Headset with micEnsure the headset is connected, not just the headphones

✅ Step 5: Close Conflicting Apps​

Some apps can take exclusive control of the microphone:

  1. Check if another app is using the microphone (look for the orange dot in the menu bar)
  2. Close or quit that app
  3. Try TalkWriter again

✅ Step 6: Restart TalkWriter​

  1. Quit TalkWriter from the menu bar
  2. Reopen it from your Applications folder
  3. Try dictating again

Still Not Working?​

FAQ​

Why does the orange dot appear but TalkWriter does not work? Another app may be using the microphone. Close that app, or check if TalkWriter's microphone permission was revoked.

Do AirPods work with TalkWriter? Yes. Make sure your AirPods are connected and selected as the input device in System Settings → Sound → Input.

Does TalkWriter work with the MacBook's built-in microphone? Yes. The built-in microphone works well in quiet environments. For noisy environments, an external microphone or headset improves accuracy.