How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs (Step-by-Step Guide)

What Is Google Docs Voice Typing?

Google Docs Voice Typing is a free, built-in speech-to-text feature available in Google Docs. It uses Google's cloud-based speech recognition to convert your spoken words into text in real time. No installation, no sign-up, no cost — it's already in your Google Docs.

How to Enable Voice Typing

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Navigate to docs.google.com and open a new or existing document. Voice Typing works in Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers. Safari and Firefox are not supported.

Step 2: Activate Voice Typing

Go to Tools > Voice typing, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S (Cmd+Shift+S on Mac). A microphone icon will appear on the left side of your document.

Step 3: Allow Microphone Access

Your browser will ask for microphone permission the first time. Click "Allow" to grant access. If you accidentally denied it, click the camera icon in the address bar to change the permission.

Step 4: Start Dictating

Click the microphone icon — it turns red when listening. Start speaking clearly at a moderate pace. Your words will appear in the document in real time. Click the microphone again or say "stop listening" to pause.

Voice Commands

Google Docs Voice Typing supports several voice commands for punctuation and formatting:

Punctuation: "period", "comma", "question mark", "exclamation point", "colon", "semicolon", "open quote", "close quote"

Formatting: "new line", "new paragraph", "tab"

Editing: "delete", "select all", "copy", "paste", "undo"

Tips for Better Accuracy

Use an external microphone instead of your laptop's built-in mic. Speak in complete sentences rather than isolated words. Minimize background noise. Speak at a consistent pace — not too fast, not too slow. Enunciate clearly, especially for technical terms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Voice Typing Not Appearing

Make sure you're using Chrome (or a Chromium browser). Voice Typing is not available in Safari, Firefox, or the Google Docs mobile app. Check that you're signed into a Google account.

Microphone Not Working

Check your browser's site permissions — click the lock icon in the address bar and ensure microphone access is "Allow". Test your mic in your system settings. Close other apps that might be using the microphone.

Low Accuracy

Ensure you have a stable internet connection — Voice Typing processes audio in the cloud. Reduce background noise. Speak more slowly and clearly. Note that accuracy is lower for accented speech and technical vocabulary.

Alternatives to Google Docs Voice Typing

If you need better accuracy, more voice commands, or dictation outside of Google Docs, consider: Wispr Flow ($8.99/mo) for system-wide AI dictation, SuperWhisper ($4.99/mo) for offline privacy, or Dragon NaturallySpeaking ($150) for professional-grade voice commands.