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Reinstalling TalkWriter

Symptom​

TalkWriter has persistent issues that simpler fixes (restart, re-grant permissions) have not resolved. A clean reinstall removes all local data and starts fresh.

Quick Fix​

Delete TalkWriter from Applications, download the latest version from talkwriter.ai/download, and install.

Complete Clean Reinstall (8 Steps)​

Step 1: Quit TalkWriter​

  1. Right-click the TalkWriter icon in the menu bar
  2. Click Quit
  3. Confirm it is closed by checking Activity Monitor — search for "TalkWriter" and force-quit if it is still running

Step 2: Remove the Application​

  1. Open Finder → Applications
  2. Drag TalkWriter to the Trash

Step 3: Delete Application Support Data​

  1. Open Finder
  2. Press Cmd+Shift+G
  3. Type: ~/Library/Application Support/TalkWriter
  4. Delete the entire TalkWriter folder

Step 4: Delete Preferences​

  1. Press Cmd+Shift+G in Finder
  2. Type: ~/Library/Preferences
  3. Look for any files starting with com.talkwriter or ai.talkwriter
  4. Delete those files

Step 5: Delete Cache​

  1. Press Cmd+Shift+G in Finder
  2. Type: ~/Library/Caches
  3. Look for a folder named TalkWriter or ai.talkwriter
  4. Delete it

Step 6: Remove Keychain Entries​

  1. Open Keychain Access (Applications → Utilities → Keychain Access)
  2. Search for "TalkWriter"
  3. Delete any TalkWriter keychain items

Step 7: Empty the Trash​

  1. Right-click the Trash icon in your Dock
  2. Click Empty Trash

Step 8: Download and Install Fresh​

  1. Go to talkwriter.ai/download
  2. Download the latest version
  3. Open the .dmg file
  4. Drag TalkWriter to your Applications folder
  5. Open TalkWriter
  6. Grant Accessibility and Microphone permissions when prompted
  7. Sign in with your account
  8. Your settings and custom dictionary will sync from the server

What You Keep After Reinstalling​

DataPreserved?Why
Account and subscription✅Stored on server
Custom dictionary✅Synced from server
TalkTone preferences✅Synced from server
Pill position❌Local setting, reset to default
Hotkey customization✅Synced from server
Accessibility permission❌Must re-grant
Microphone permission❌Must re-grant

FAQ​

Will I lose my custom dictionary? No. Your dictionary is synced to the server. It will download again when you sign in after reinstalling.

Do I need to buy a new subscription? No. Your subscription is tied to your account, not your device. Sign in and your plan is restored.

How long does a clean reinstall take? About 5 minutes, including download time.