Check which dictation tool you started
Apple Dictation and Whynote use their own settings and shortcuts. For built-in dictation, open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation and check that it is on, with the intended language and shortcut. Those controls do not select the recognition provider in Whynote.
For Whynote voice input, open the app and check Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts → Dictation. Put the cursor in an ordinary text field, such as a draft note, and try a short sentence. The Mac dictation guide covers the initial setup.
When the app cannot hear you
Open System Settings → Sound → Input and select the microphone you intend to use. Say a few words and watch the input level. Connecting headphones or an external microphone can leave you using a different input than you expected.
Check Whynote under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. If you changed access, quit and reopen the app before trying another short recording. Microphone access captures your voice; permission to capture system audio is for a different source, such as meeting sound.
When the shortcut does not start a recording
Check the shortcut currently shown in Whynote rather than relying on a combination you remember. If you selected hold mode, keep the key held while speaking. If another app uses the same shortcut, choose a different one in Whynote and try again.
Open Settings → Permissions and check Assistive Voice Input. If the app requests more access, follow its route into System Settings. Hotkey handling and text insertion can require Accessibility or Input Monitoring, which are separate permissions.
When a recording finishes without recognized text
In Settings → Transcription, check Dictation Provider, which is separate from Note Transcription Provider. Cloud recognition needs a connection. Local recognition needs its model prepared before you use it.
The offline setup guide explains model preparation. If LLM Text Enhancement is on, the recognized text also goes through an online step. Check that setting separately and read any error or usage-allowance message shown by the app.
When the result does not reach your text field
Place the cursor where the text should go and confirm that you can type there normally. Try dictating into a simple editor before returning to your email or document. If input works in one place but fails in another, the destination field or insertion permissions may be involved.
If the result is available in a Whynote note, copy it into the destination yourself. Check for duplicated text after retrying, especially in a longer email. The email dictation section shows how to work with the draft.
Keep enough detail to explain the problem
Record the stage that fails: starting, hearing your voice, recognizing speech or inserting the result. Include your macOS and Whynote versions, microphone, provider and destination app when contacting support. Those details make the issue easier to understand than “dictation does not work.”
A neutral test sentence is usually more useful than a sensitive work recording. While resolving the Mac issue, you can save a thought as a voice note in Whynote on iPhone.
Try a short dictation in Whynote
Get Whynote for Mac, check permissions and start with one sentence. Choose the iPhone app for voice notes and audio files saved on your phone.