Voice Typing on Ubuntu: Setup & Dictation Guide

This guide shows you how to set up voice typing on Ubuntu so you can dictate text into any application—from LibreOffice and email to web forms and chat windows. You’ll learn two reliable methods: a built-in system-level approach using GNOME’s accessibility tools, and a browser-based alternative that works everywhere. No special hardware is needed; a standard microphone is all you require.

What You’ll Need

• A computer running Ubuntu (20.04 or newer recommended) with a working microphone (built-in or external).
• An internet connection for the speech recognition service (GNOME uses Google’s speech engine).
• Access to a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) for installing packages.
• If using the browser method, a current version of Chrome or Edge.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use GNOME’s Built-in Voice Typing (Ubuntu 20.04+)

1. Enable the feature: Open Settings from the system menu (top-right corner), then go to Accessibility → Typing. Toggle on Voice Typing. If you don’t see it, your Ubuntu version may not support it; skip to Method 2.
2. Adjust microphone settings: In Settings → Sound, ensure the correct input device is selected under Input. Test the level by speaking; the bar should move.
3. Open your target app: Launch any text field—for example, a LibreOffice document, a web form, or a text editor.
4. Activate voice typing: Click into the text field so the cursor is blinking. Then press the shortcut Super+H (the Super key is the one with the Ubuntu logo). A small microphone icon appears.
5. Start dictating: Speak clearly and naturally. Your words will be transcribed into the field. To pause, click the microphone icon or press Super+H again. To stop completely, close the icon or press the same shortcut.
6. Use voice commands (optional): While active, you can say punctuation (e.g., “comma”, “period”), new line (“new line”), or undo (“undo”).

Method 2: Use a Browser-Based Voice Typing (Works on Any Ubuntu)

1. Open Chrome or Edge: These browsers have built-in speech-to-text for web pages. Firefox does not support this by default.
2. Navigate to a web page with a text input: For example, Google Docs, Gmail, or any online form.
3. Enable voice input: In Google Docs, go to Tools → Voice typing. A microphone icon appears on the left. In other web forms, right-click the text field and select Start voice input (if available) or use the built-in dictation in the browser’s context menu.
4. Click the microphone icon: Grant microphone permission when prompted. The icon turns red, indicating it’s listening.
5. Dictate: Speak clearly. The text appears in the field. To stop, click the icon again.
6. For desktop apps (LibreOffice, etc.) using this method: You can’t use browser voice directly in desktop apps. Instead, dictate into a web field, then copy-paste. Alternatively, use a third-party tool like Speech Note (available as a Flatpak) that works system-wide.

Method 3: Install Speech Note for System-Wide Dictation (Alternative)

1. Install Speech Note: Open a terminal and run: flatpak install flathub com.github.melchisedech333.speech-note. If Flatpak isn’t set up, install it first via sudo apt install flatpak and add the Flathub repository.
2. Launch Speech Note: Find it in the applications menu. It opens a window with a text area.
3. Select language and engine: In the top bar, choose your language and the recognition engine (e.g., Google, Vosk, or Whisper). For offline use, install the Vosk model.
4. Dictate: Click the microphone button and speak. The text appears in the window. Then copy and paste it into any app.
5. Use the “type” feature: Speech Note can also simulate typing into other apps. Click the “Type” button and then select the target window; your dictated text will be typed out there.

Common Mistakes

• Not enabling the microphone: Ubuntu may block mic access for certain apps. Check Settings → Privacy → Microphone and ensure the app is allowed.
• Using the wrong input device: If you have multiple mics (e.g., webcam and headset), the system may pick the wrong one. Set the correct device in Settings → Sound → Input.
• Speaking too fast or unclearly: Voice recognition works best with clear, moderate-paced speech. Mumbling or background noise reduces accuracy.
• Forgetting to click the text field: Voice typing only works when the cursor is in a text field. If you click elsewhere, the dictation goes nowhere.
• Using unsupported browsers: Firefox doesn’t support web-based voice input by default. Stick to Chrome/Edge or use a system-level tool.

Tips

• Punctuate verbally: Say “comma”, “period”, “question mark” to insert punctuation. This speeds up editing.
• Use a quality microphone: A headset or external mic reduces background noise and improves accuracy.
• Train the system: Google’s speech engine adapts to your voice over time. The more you use it, the better it gets.
• For long documents, use Google Docs: It has the best accuracy and supports voice commands like “select all” and “bold”.
• Check for updates: Keep your Ubuntu system and browsers updated to get the latest speech recognition improvements.

Troubleshooting

• Voice typing doesn’t appear in Settings: Your Ubuntu version may be older. Update to 20.04 or later, or use Method 2/3.
• Microphone icon doesn’t appear when pressing Super+H: Ensure voice typing is enabled in Accessibility settings. Also, some keyboard layouts may conflict; try changing the shortcut in Settings → Keyboard → View and Customize Shortcuts.
• Dictation is inaccurate: Check your internet connection (GNOME uses online recognition). Speak clearly, reduce background noise, and try a different mic.
• Chrome doesn’t allow voice input: Go to Chrome settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone, and ensure the site is allowed. Also, check that the page is secure (HTTPS).
• Speech Note doesn’t type into other apps: The “Type” feature requires xdotool. Install it with sudo apt install xdotool.
• No sound input at all: Test your mic with arecord -l in the terminal. If it doesn’t show, your mic may be muted or not detected. Check hardware connections and try a different USB port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does voice typing work offline?

GNOME’s built-in voice typing requires an internet connection because it uses Google’s servers. For offline dictation, use Speech Note with the Vosk engine, which runs locally.

Can I use voice typing in LibreOffice?

Yes, you can use GNOME’s voice typing (Super+H) directly in LibreOffice, as it works system-wide. Alternatively, use Speech Note’s “Type” feature.

Why does my browser not support voice input?

Firefox lacks built-in speech-to-text for web pages. Use Chrome or Edge, or install a system-level tool like Speech Note.

How do I change the voice typing language?

For GNOME, the language follows your system input language. Go to Settings → Region & Language to change it. For Speech Note, select the language from the drop-down menu in the app.

Is there a limit to how much I can dictate?

No, there’s no practical limit. However, for very long documents, it’s better to dictate in chunks and review for errors.

Can I use voice commands like “undo” or “new line”?

Yes, GNOME’s voice typing supports basic commands like “new line”, “period”, and “undo”. Google Docs has a richer set of commands, such as “bold” and “select all”.

Related

• Message Changes in iOS 27: 13 Useful Tips
• Fix Access Control Entry Is Corrupt Error on Windows
• How to Disconnect Windows 10 From a Domain