6 Ways to Fix Google Docs Voice Typing Not Working

Google Docs has an amazing hidden feature called voice typing.

The feature is beneficial for students trying to take notes during lectures, although anyone who isn't so good at typing speed can benefit.

However, some users have encountered issues regarding the voice typing feature. Namely, many have reported that the feature is not working at all.

It is not uncommon for this to happen, but it can be fixed.

The following article provides six possible solutions that can help you get the speech-to-text option working again.

If you like typing instead of using the speech-to-text option, check out how to insert an old-school typewriter font into your Google Docs.

Why is the voice typing in Google Docs not working?

The voice typing feature might not be working for several reasons:

1. You are not using Google Chrome.
2. The microphone access is not enabled.
3. The browser is outdated.
4. Too much data and cache accumulation in the browser.
5. Unstable internet connection.
6. An error occurred on the Google server.

Six ways to fix Google Docs voice typing

Below are seven recommended troubleshooting actions to try to fix the voice typing feature in Google Docs.

1. Use Google Chrome

Some of the best Google Docs features work only if you use the Google Chrome browser.

The same applies to the voice typing feature that is only available if you use the Chrome browser.

So, in case you are using Safari, Mozilla, Microsoft Edge, or other internet browsers, switch to Google Chrome to find the voice typing feature.

This is a screenshot of the missing feature in the Safari browser.

2. The microphone permission is not enabled

The second reason the voice typing feature doesn't work is that you haven't granted Google Chrome access to your microphone.

Here is how you can fix that:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select the 'Settings menu'.

3. Click on 'Security and Privacy'.

4. Select 'Site Settings'.

4. Click on the 'Microphone option'.

5. Click on 'Sites can ask to use your microphone'.

3. The browser is outdated

Updating your browser might fix many issues, including the inability to enable voice to speech option.

Here is how you can do that:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select 'Help' and select 'About Google Chrome'.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates; click' Relaunch' if there is a new update available.

4. Adjust the microphone volume

You might not be able to voice type if the microphone volume on your device is muted or set to the lowest levels.

Increasing the microphone's volume can help it pick up the voices in the background.

5. Remove browser cache and data

As a result of the browser accumulating data and cache for a long time, some websites and their functions will not operate properly.

Cleaning the cache, history, and cookies in your browser can help the overall performance of your computer as well.

Here is how to do that:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select 'More Tools' and click on 'Clear Browsing Data'.
3. Select the time range to 'All time'.

6. Contact google support

In case none of the listed fixes activates the voice typing option, contact Google support.

1. Navigate to the Google help website, scroll down to the Need more help section, and click on 'Contact us'.

2. Type in your issue and go through the steps that follow.

3. In the end, choose if you want to live chat or communicate via email.
4. Fill in the form and click 'Submit'.

Wrapping up

Voice typing is a valuable technology that helps many people to take notes effectively whenever they need it.

Fortunately, Google Docs, one of the most widely used writing and editing software, offers this feature.

But if you are having problems accessing this option some of the solutions offered should help you solve it.

If you want to learn more cool Google Docs features, learn how you can chat using the built-in Google Docs chat.