Restore voice dictation for Messages and Pages

How do I restore voice dictation for texting and Pages?


iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 7:45 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 6:58 PM

Re: How do I restore voice dictation for texting and Pages?


Wondering what has happened to voice dictation on your iPad,

and

whether you use Speak Screen or Voice Control for Dictation

___________________________________________________________________

You might want to check whether dictation has been accidentally turned off:

For iPad with iOS18: Dictate text on iPad - Apple Support

Eg: says:


Turn on Dictation

  1. Go to Settings  > General > Keyboard.
  2. Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation.

_____________

Still need help?


If you don't have "automatic updates" in use:

Keeping the iPad OS version: up-to-date with either iOS 18 or iOS 26 can often help avoid issues.

Eg: The newest iPadOS 18 version is iOS 18.7.3 About iOS 18 Updates - Apple Support

says "This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users".


You can check iif updates are available for your iPad in Settings > General > Softtware updates.

Reminder: It is wise to back-up your iPad first, if you choose to update or upgrade the iPadOS version.

If needed: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

________________________________

If your iPad OS is already up-to-date:


You might want to try re-starting your iPad. A restart often restores order if something is not working as expected.

See how to: Restart your iPad - Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 15, 2025 6:58 PM in response to Montessori_6

Re: How do I restore voice dictation for texting and Pages?


Wondering what has happened to voice dictation on your iPad,

and

whether you use Speak Screen or Voice Control for Dictation

___________________________________________________________________

You might want to check whether dictation has been accidentally turned off:

For iPad with iOS18: Dictate text on iPad - Apple Support

Eg: says:


Turn on Dictation

  1. Go to Settings  > General > Keyboard.
  2. Turn on Enable Dictation. If a prompt appears, tap Enable Dictation.

_____________

Still need help?


If you don't have "automatic updates" in use:

Keeping the iPad OS version: up-to-date with either iOS 18 or iOS 26 can often help avoid issues.

Eg: The newest iPadOS 18 version is iOS 18.7.3 About iOS 18 Updates - Apple Support

says "This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users".


You can check iif updates are available for your iPad in Settings > General > Softtware updates.

Reminder: It is wise to back-up your iPad first, if you choose to update or upgrade the iPadOS version.

If needed: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

________________________________

If your iPad OS is already up-to-date:


You might want to try re-starting your iPad. A restart often restores order if something is not working as expected.

See how to: Restart your iPad - Apple Support

Restore voice dictation for Messages and Pages

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.