How do I add voice typing to my keyboard?

What is voice typing?

Voice typing, also known as voice input, allows you to speak into your device’s microphone to input text instead of typing. It converts your speech into text, allowing you to dictate messages, emails, documents, and more hands-free. Voice typing services like Google’s voice typing use advanced speech recognition technology to transcribe your words.

With voice typing, you can speak naturally as you would when talking to another person. The software automatically adds spacing and punctuation as needed. It’s designed to allow for quick and efficient hands-free typing, making it easier to compose long emails or documents.

Voice typing is built into many smartphone keyboards and operating systems, like Gboard on Android and the default keyboard on iPhones. It provides a convenient alternative to typing and allows you to text, write, and search without ever needing to touch your screen.

Benefits of using voice typing

One of the main benefits of using voice typing is that it saves time typing. According to this article, speech recognition software can produce documents in less than half the time it takes to manually type them. This allows users to get their thoughts and ideas down faster without having to worry about typing speed or accuracy.

Voice typing is especially beneficial for those who find typing difficult or painful due to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions. Dictating text can help reduce joint strain or fatigue. Voice typing enables people to express themselves easily without physical barriers.

Students can also benefit from voice typing. It allows them to get their ideas out quickly without worrying about spelling, grammar or legible handwriting. Voice typing can help students with learning disabilities or attention deficits succeed with writing tasks. According to research from KQED, speech-to-text technology unlocks opportunities for literacy and communication in the classroom.

Requirements for using voice typing

To use voice typing, you need a device with a working microphone. Both Android and iOS devices have built-in microphones, so you don’t need any additional hardware to start voice typing on a smartphone or tablet.

On a computer, you’ll need a microphone. Most modern laptops have built-in microphones, but you may need an external USB microphone if your computer doesn’t have one.

You’ll also need an internet connection for voice typing services that rely on the cloud, like Google’s voice typing. This allows your speech to be transmitted to Google’s servers for processing before the text is sent back to your device.

Finally, you need voice typing software. On mobile, the default keyboard on both Android and iOS comes with integrated voice typing. On desktop, Google’s voice typing is built into Chrome, so you can start voice typing in documents, emails, forms, and more.

How to enable voice typing

Enabling voice typing allows you to dictate text instead of typing on your mobile device’s keyboard. Here are the steps to enable voice typing on Android and iPhone devices:

On Android

To enable voice typing on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Languages & input > Virtual keyboard > Gboard.
3. Turn on the switch next to Voice Typing to enable it.

You can also go directly to the Gboard settings by opening the Gboard app and tapping the Settings icon. Then tap Voice Typing and turn on Use Voice Typing (cited from https://support.google.com/gboard/answer/11197787?hl=en).

Using voice typing on Android

To use voice typing on an Android device, first make sure you have Gboard installed as your keyboard. Then open any app where you can enter text such as Gmail, Messages or Keep. Tap on the text field, then tap the microphone icon on the on-screen keyboard. This will start Google’s voice typing feature.[1]

When you tap the mic, you’ll see the words “Speak now” on the keyboard. Start speaking whatever you want to type out. Gboard will transcribe your speech into text in real-time. Once you’re done dictating, tap the mic again or tap a key on the keyboard to end voice typing. The text you spoke will be entered into the text field.

Some tips for using voice typing on Android:

• Speak clearly and enunciate words.
• Reduce background noise by moving to a quiet area.
• Speak at a natural pace, not too fast.
• Say punctuation marks out loud like “period” or “comma” to auto-insert them.

With voice typing, you can quickly enter text hands-free on your Android device. Just tap the mic, speak, and Gboard will transcribe your speech into written words.

How to enable voice typing on iPhone

Enabling voice typing on an iPhone is easy and only takes a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Go to the Settings app and select General. Then choose Keyboard from the list of options. In Keyboard settings, turn on the switch next to Enable Dictation (Apple support, https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/dictate-text-iph2c0651d2/ios). This will activate the microphone for dictation anytime you have a keyboard open.

Once dictation is enabled, you can start voice typing anytime by tapping the microphone icon on your keyboard. Speak what you want to type and your words will be transcribed. You can speak punctuation as well to have it automatically inserted.

With just those couple quick steps, you’ll be able to use your voice to type hands-free on your iPhone. Enable dictation and give voice typing a try for efficiency and convenience.

Using voice typing on iPhone

To start using voice typing on an iPhone, you first need to enable the dictation feature in your device settings:

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.

2. Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation. (Apple Support)

Once dictation is enabled, you can start using it to dictate text in any app that uses the keyboard:

1. Tap inside a text field where you want to enter text.

2. Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard.

3. Speak clearly into your phone’s microphone to dictate your text.

4. Tap Done when you’ve finished speaking to insert the dictated text.

You can also use additional commands like “new line” or “new paragraph” to format your dictated text. Experiment with the different options to find what works best for you.

Voice typing tips

When using voice typing, speaking clearly and precisely will optimize accuracy. Pronounce each word fully and avoid mumbling or trailing off at the end of sentences. Speak at a steady pace, pausing briefly between each word. It can help to articulate each syllable. Maintain good posture and keep your mouth about 6 inches from the microphone. Minimize background noise like music or conversations which can interfere with the microphone picking up your voice. You may need to adjust your speech patterns from casual conversation to be more deliberate when voice typing. With practice, you can find the right balance for your natural speech while still enunciating in a way that maximizes accuracy.

According to Google’s support documentation, speaking clearly when voice typing into Google Docs leads to fewer transcription errors (https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en). PCMag also recommends speaking slowly and clearly when using Google Docs voice typing for best results (https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/rest-your-fingers-try-google-docs-voice-typing).

Optimizing voice typing accuracy

There are a few tips that can help improve the accuracy of voice typing and reduce errors:

Reduce background noise. Background noise like music, talking, or environmental sounds can interfere with voice recognition and increase errors. Try to voice type in a quiet environment without much competing noise.

Troubleshooting Voice Typing

If voice typing is not working properly, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:

Check that your microphone has permission to access your device’s audio. On Android, go to Settings > Apps and notifications > App permissions > Microphone and ensure the keyboard app has access. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and check it is enabled for the keyboard app.

Make sure your device software is fully updated. Outdated operating systems can cause issues with voice typing. On Android, go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update to check for updates. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Try using a headset with a microphone if you are having issues with your built-in mic picking up your voice. The microphone on a headset may provide better accuracy.

Turn off vibration on your device, as it can sometimes interfere with speech recognition. On Android go to Settings > Sound > Advanced > Vibrate for calls and toggle it off. On iOS, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and toggle off vibration.

If voice typing is still not working, you may need to uninstall and reinstall your keyboard app, or contact the developer for further support.