On a computer, open a Google Doc you can edit in a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Choose Tools → Voice typing and click the microphone. If the button appears but Docs cannot hear you, allow microphone access for the Docs site and check the computer’s input. If the menu is missing only on a work or school account, ask the administrator whether the feature is enabled.
01If Voice typing is missing or unavailable
Section linkTry a blank document you own in a supported desktop browser. This gives you a document with editing access to test. If the menu appears in a personal account but is missing in a managed account, check with the organization before moving any work documents.
02If the microphone opens but no words appear
Section linkIn Chrome, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone. Review the permission for Google Docs and choose the mic you want to use. If access is already allowed, check your computer’s microphone permissions and input level. Reload Docs after changing a permission and dictate a short sentence at normal volume.
03If dictation works but editing commands fail
Section linkChoose the language you are speaking in the microphone box. Dictation supports multiple languages. Google limits Docs editing commands to English and requires English for both the account and document languages. If a command appears as ordinary text, test a short phrase to confirm that dictation itself still works.