How to Turn Off Speech to Text on iPhone in 2025: Complete Guide for Developers

Introduction

Understanding Speech to Text, Dictation, and Voice Control on iPhone

• Speech to Text (Dictation): Converts spoken input into text within any input field, such as messaging apps, IDEs, or note-taking tools.
• Voice Control: Allows users to navigate and control the device entirely with voice commands, including launching apps or editing text.
• Siri: Apple’s virtual assistant, capable of executing a broader range of tasks via natural language, such as setting reminders, sending messages, or fetching code documentation.

• Developers dictating quick code comments.
• Power users hands-free texting.
• Accessibility use cases for those with limited motor function.

Reasons to Turn Off Speech to Text on iPhone

Why turn off speech to text on iPhone?

• Accidental Activation: Brushing against the microphone button can activate dictation, interrupting workflow or producing unwanted text.
• Privacy Concerns: Speech data may be processed by Apple servers, raising security questions—especially when handling sensitive code or client information.
• Battery and Data Usage: Continuous listening for voice input consumes additional resources.
• Accessibility: Some users prefer alternative input methods for accessibility or to avoid confusion between dictation and other features.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off Speech to Text on iPhone (Dictation)

For iOS 16 and Later

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to General > Keyboard.
3. Toggle off Enable Dictation.

1// Disabling Dictation programmatically (not directly exposed, but you can check dictation status)
2import UIKit
3
4let isDictationEnabled = UITextInputMode.activeInputModes.contains(where: { $0.primaryLanguage == "\"dictation\"" })
5
6if !isDictationEnabled {
7    print("\"Dictation is disabled.\"")
8} else {
9    print("\"Dictation is enabled.\"")
10}
11

• Once toggled off, the microphone icon will disappear from all keyboard layouts.
• This setting applies system-wide, including third-party apps and IDEs.

For Older iOS Versions (iOS 15 and Earlier)

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Keyboard.
3. Find and switch off Enable Dictation (may be labeled as Dictation or Speech-to-Text).

Visual Guide: Removing the Microphone Button

• Once completed, the microphone button vanishes from the iPhone keyboard.

Turning Off Voice Control and Siri Separately

Disabling Voice Control

• For iPhone X and newer:
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Accessibility > Side Button.
  3. Under Press and Hold to Speak, select Off.
• For iPhone 8 and older:
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Accessibility > Home Button.
  3. Set Press and Hold to Speak to Off.

Disabling Siri

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Siri & Search.
3. Toggle off Listen for "Hey Siri", Press Side Button for Siri, and Allow Siri When Locked.

What Happens After You Turn Off Speech to Text on iPhone?

• Keyboard Impact: The microphone icon disappears from all keyboards, including in code editors, messaging apps, and browsers.
• Voice Messaging: You can still send audio messages via the dedicated audio button in Messages and other apps.
• Accessibility: Users who rely on dictation for accessibility must use alternative input methods.
• Potential Trade-Offs:
  • Some keyboards may display a different icon in place of the microphone.
  • You lose the ability to dictate directly into text fields.
  • No impact on third-party voice assistants unless separately disabled.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues After Turning Off Speech to Text iPhone

• Missing Microphone Button: If you want to re-enable dictation, follow the steps above and toggle Enable Dictation back on. The microphone button should instantly reappear.
• Accidental Voice Message Recordings: Disabling dictation does not disable voice message features in apps like Messages or WhatsApp. To minimize accidental recordings, check each app’s settings for voice messaging options.
• Re-enabling Dictation:

1// Re-enable Dictation via Settings
2// There is no public API for enabling dictation, but you can prompt users:
3if !isDictationEnabled {
4    print("\"Prompt user to enable Dictation in System Settings > General > Keyboard.\"")
5}
6

• Keyboard Not Updating: If the microphone button persists, try restarting your iPhone or updating to the latest iOS version.

Alternatives to iPhone Speech to Text

• Third-Party Keyboard Apps: Tools like Gboard or SwiftKey offer alternative dictation and voice input features, sometimes with more granular privacy controls.
• Accessibility Options: Leverage iOS Accessibility settings for custom input, switch control, or external keyboard integration.
• Typing Tips: For faster input, use keyboard shortcuts, text replacement, or consider hardware keyboards for code-heavy tasks.

Conclusion