How to Use Voice-to-Text on Android Devices

If you’re tired of constantly typing—whether it’s searching on Google, navigating apps, or texting your love interest—we get it. It can be exhausting. But guess what? Voice commands can make your life so much easier. 

Did you know that 56% of smartphone users rely on voice search to find information about brands and businesses?

You have come to the right place if you’re an Android user wondering how to enable and use the talk-to-text feature! In this article, you’ll learn how to use talk-to-text on your Android device, the steps to set it up, and tips for using it effortlessly.

Setting Up Talk-to-Text on Android

Getting talk-to-text up and running on your Android device is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps to make your typing more concise and more efficient:

Access ‘Settings’

Open the Settings app on your Android device. The settings icon is usually in your app drawer or home screen.

Navigate to ‘System’ or ‘General Management’

Scroll down until you see System or General Management. Tap on it to access additional options related to your device’s configuration.

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Select ‘Languages & Input’

Look for the Languages & input option. This is where you can manage your device’s various input methods and languages.

Choose ‘Virtual Keyboard’

Next, tap on the Virtual keyboard. If Gboard (Google’s keyboard app) is not already set as your default keyboard, you’ll want to select it to enable voice typing features.

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Enable ‘Voice Typing’

Find the Voice typing option and toggle it by checking the box next to it. This activates the voice recognition feature, allowing you to dictate text instead of typing.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to use talk-to-text on your Android device! Let’s dive into how to do it.

How to Start Using Talk-to-Text on Android

Here’s how you can start using voice-to-text on your Android device:

• Open Any App for Typing: Launch an app that requires typing, such as Gmail, Messages, or any other messaging app you frequently use. This sets the stage for using the voice-to-text feature.

• Tap on a Text Input Field: Once the app is open, tap on a text input field. This action will bring up your keyboard, preparing it for input.

• Tap the Microphone Icon: Look for the microphone icon at the top of your keyboard. Tapping this icon activates the voice typing feature, allowing your device to recognize your speech.

• Begin Speaking Clearly: When you see the prompt that says “Speak now,” start speaking clearly and comfortably. Your words will instantly convert into text on the screen, making it easy to compose your message without typing.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly communicate using your voice, saving time and enhancing productivity. 

You can also watch this YT video on activating and using talk-to-text on Android.

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Since you know how to use talk-to-text on Android, let’s also learn how to use punctuation commands and emojis with your voice.

Speaking of text, if you’re ever curious about converting text to a natural-sounding voice, Resemble AI might be intriguing. Try it now!

Using Punctuation Commands and Emojis

To enhance your talk-to-text experience on Android, you can use simple commands for punctuation and emojis. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Add a Period: When you want to end a sentence, simply say “period” or “full stop.” This command inserts a period at the end of your sentence, making your text clear and complete.

2. Insert a Comma: To add a comma, just say “comma.” This helps you create pauses in your sentences, making them easier to read and understand.

3. Add a Question Mark: If you’re writing a question, say “question mark.” This command places a question mark at the end of your sentence, indicating it’s a question.

4. Insert an Exclamation Mark: To convey excitement or strong emotions, say “exclamation mark.” This adds an exclamation point at the end of your sentence, emphasizing your words.

5. Move to a New Line: When you want to start a new line, simply say “new line.” This command will move your cursor down to the following line, allowing you to continue your thoughts without confusion.

6. Start a New Paragraph: To create a fresh paragraph, say “new paragraph.” This will give your writing a clear structure, making it easier for readers to follow your ideas.

Using these punctuation commands while dictating allows you to create well-structured and polished text effortlessly. Additionally, feel free to incorporate emojis into your messages by saying the name of the emoji you want, such as “smiley face” or “heart emoji,” to add a personal touch to your conversations.

So now that you’re a punctuation pro! Let’s talk about making edits on the go!

Editing Text with Voice Commands

Editing your text using voice commands on Android is simple and efficient. Here’s how you can make quick changes to your documents or messages:

1. Open the Document or Message: Start by opening the document, email, or message where you need to make changes. This allows you to access the specific word or phrase you want to edit.

2. Select the Word to Edit: Touch and hold the word you wish to change once your document or message is open. This action will highlight or select the word, making it ready for editing.

3. Activate Voice Input: After selecting the word, tap the microphone icon on your keyboard again to reactivate the voice-to-text feature. This prepares your device to listen to your following command.

4. Speak the New Word or Command: When you see the “Speak now” prompt, clearly say the new word you want to replace the old one with. Your device automatically updates the text with your spoken word, allowing quick and seamless editing.

This method lets you refine your text without needing to type, making it especially useful for quick corrections or updates. Whether you’re editing a lengthy document or a brief message, voice commands streamline the process, saving you time and effort.

Now, let’s move on to making your voice typing experience even more versatile by switching languages!

Also read, Resemble Localize: AI Voices With Multilingual Accents

How to Switch Languages For Talk-to-Text on Android

Switching languages during voice typing on your Android device is simple. Here’s how you can do it in just a few easy steps:

1. Enable Multiple Languages in Settings: First, enable multiple languages on your device. Open the Settings app, select Languages & input, and add the languages you want to use for voice typing. This way, your device will recognize and process speech in different languages.

2. Access the Voice Toolbar: Open any app that supports voice typing, such as a messaging app or word processor. Look for the voice toolbar when the keyboard appears at the bottom of your screen.

3. Tap the Language Abbreviation: Find the abbreviation for your current default language at the bottom left of the voice toolbar (for example, “EN” for English). Tap on this abbreviation to see the language options.

4. Select a Different Language: A list of available languages will pop up. Scroll through the options and choose the language you want to switch to for voice typing. Your device will then adjust to recognize speech in that language.

5. Start Voice Typing: Now that you’ve switched languages, begin speaking in your chosen language. Your device will transcribe your speech accurately, allowing you to type effortlessly in multiple languages.

Following these steps, you can easily switch languages while using voice typing. Enjoy expressing yourself in different languages with ease!

Now, let’s learn how Google Assistant can make your voice typing experience even smoother.

Ever wondered if your text could speak back in those multiple languages just as quickly? That’s where Resemble AI excels. Check it out!

Using Google Assistant for Voice Typing

Utilizing Google Assistant for voice typing on your Android device can streamline your writing process. Here’s how to get started and make the most of this powerful feature:

1. Ensure Google Assistant is Enabled: First, check that Google Assistant is activated on your device. Open the Settings app, navigate to Google, and select Settings for Google Apps. From there, tap on Search, Assistant & Voice, and make sure the Google Assistant toggle is turned on.

2. Open an App to Type: Launch any app where you want to type, such as a messaging app, email client, or notes application. Once the app is open, tap the text box where you want to enter your text.

3. Activate Assistant Voice Typing: To start typing voice, say, “Hey, Google, type.” This command prompts Google Assistant to take over the input, allowing you to dictate your text directly into the app.

4. Use Additional Voice Commands: Once Google Assistant is activated, you can enhance your voice typing experience with various voice commands. For instance, if you want to correct something, you can say “Delete last word” to remove the most recent entry. If you’re ready to send your message, simply say, “Send a message,” and Google Assistant will take care of it.

5. Explore More Commands: Google Assistant recognizes a range of additional commands that can make your typing more efficient. For example, you can say “Add a comma” or “Start a new line” to structure your text better. Familiarize yourself with these commands to maximize your productivity.

Following these steps, you can effectively use Google Assistant for voice typing, making your communication faster and more convenient.

Pretty neat, right? Let’s keep the momentum going with some tips on how to improve your voice-to-text game!

Also read, How to use AI custom voices text-to-speech with Dialogflow.

Tips for Improving Talk-to-Text Accuracy

Voice-to-text or talk-to-text technology has been a part of Android since its early days, but it truly flourished with the introduction of Marshmallow. This update enhanced text entry by introducing features like real-time text suggestions. To help you make the most of your voice-to-text experience on Android, here are some essential tips:

• Speak Naturally: When you use Google’s voice recognition, talk as you would with a friend or family member. Avoid stiff or robotic speech; instead, speak at a comfortable pace. Use your natural voice—slowly and clearly—to get better results. Google learns from your speech patterns, so your data is anonymized and only used to improve services, keeping your privacy secure.

• Minimize Background Noise: One of the biggest challenges you face with voice recognition is background noise. Choose a quiet location when using voice-to-text. If you’re in a busy coffee shop, move to a more peaceful area or hold your phone close to ensure it picks up your voice. Reducing background sounds will significantly improve the accuracy of your transcription.

• Utilize Voice-to-Text Frequently: Voice input is your best ally if you frequently send messages. The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll be with its functionality. Regular practice helps you learn its quirks, making the process quicker and more efficient. Embrace this tool and enjoy the ease of dictating messages instead of typing.

• Embrace the Learning Curve: When you first start using voice-to-text, expect to encounter some mistakes. But as you keep using it, you’ll notice improvements. Your device learns from your unique speech patterns, adapting to recognize your voice better over time. Dedicate time to practice regularly; soon, it will become a seamless part of your routine.

• Articulate Clearly: Make sure you pronounce your words distinctly. This will enhance recognition accuracy and minimize errors.

• Stay Updated: Regularly update your Android operating system and Google apps to ensure you benefit from the latest improvements and features, including enhancements that boost voice recognition capabilities.

• Use Voice Commands for Punctuation: Get familiar with voice commands for punctuation. For example, say “comma” or “period” to structure your text without typing.

• Experiment with Different Phrases: If the voice recognition doesn’t capture your intended words correctly, try rephrasing or using synonyms. Sometimes, a slight change in wording can significantly affect accuracy.

• Be Patient with the Technology: Recognize that voice-to-text may sometimes be perfect. Be patient as you adapt to the technology, and give it time to learn your voice and speech patterns.

• Customize Your Settings: Explore your voice typing settings in the app. Adjust sensitivity and recognition preferences to tailor the experience to suit your needs better.

Following these tips can enhance your efficiency and allow you to enjoy a smoother typing experience on your Android device. 

Also read, Create Realistic AI Voices With European Accents Using Text-to-Speech.

Explore more with Resemble AI

Now that you have everything you need to use talk-to-text on your Android device, you might wonder, “What if I want to generate voice from text instead?” While Android currently lacks a built-in feature for this specific task, we can help you achieve this.

With Resemble AI, you can easily convert any written text into natural-sounding speech. This feature allows you to create voiceovers for videos, generate audio messages, or simply bring your written content to life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your presentations, create engaging content for social media, or add a personal touch to your messages, we’ve got you covered.

Take your content to the next level. Use Resemble AI today to turn your text into lifelike speech and unlock endless creative possibilities!