---
title: "Mac dictation shortcut: how to change it, and better keys to use"
description: "The default Mac dictation shortcuts (Microphone key, press Fn or Globe twice), how to set a custom one such as Option-Z, how to change the language and microphone, and one-key hold-to-talk alternatives."
url: "https://speechbee.app/guides/mac-dictation-shortcut"
---

# The Mac dictation shortcut

On most Macs you start dictation with the Microphone key or by pressing Fn (Globe) twice. You can change that to almost any key combination in Keyboard settings. Here is how, what the options mean, and when a hold-to-talk key in a dictation app is easier.

By the SpeechBee team, who make SpeechBee. Checked against Apple's Mac User Guide on 12 October 2026.

> ### The short version
>
> 1. Open **System Settings**, click **Keyboard**, and find **Dictation**.
> 2. Click the **Shortcut** menu and pick an option, or choose **Customize** and press your own keys, such as Option-Z.
> 3. Or press the **Microphone** key in the top row, if your keyboard has one.

## How to change the dictation shortcut

1. Click the Apple menu, choose **System Settings**, then click **Keyboard** in the sidebar.
2. Go to **Dictation**. Turn it on if it is off.
3. Click the **Shortcut** pop-up menu and choose one of the listed shortcuts.
4. To use a combination that isn't listed, choose **Customize**, then press the keys you want, for example Option-Z.

Apple notes that choosing a dictation shortcut can change the "Press fn key to" or "Press Globe key to" setting automatically. If you choose **Press Fn (Function) Key Twice**, that setting becomes **Start Dictation (Press Fn Twice)**.

## The shortcuts at a glance

| Shortcut | How it works |
|---|---|
| Microphone key | Press the key in the function row, on keyboards that have it |
| Press Fn or Globe twice | Two quick taps of the key at the bottom left |
| A listed shortcut | Picked from the Shortcut menu in Dictation settings |
| Customize | Any key combination you press, such as Option-Z |

Press the same shortcut again to stop. Dictation also stops on its own after 30 seconds without speech.

## Related settings in the same place

- **Languages.** Click **Edit** next to Languages to add more than one. Switch while dictating by clicking the language next to the cursor, or with the Globe key. See [multilingual dictation on a Mac](https://speechbee.app/guides/multilingual-dictation-mac).
- **Microphone source.** Choose which microphone Dictation listens to, or leave it on Automatic.

## When the shortcut doesn't work

Check Dictation is on, that another app isn't using the same shortcut, and that your microphone is selected. Our [Mac dictation not working](https://speechbee.app/guides/mac-dictation-not-working) guide has more fixes.

## Hold to talk: a one-key alternative

Built-in dictation is press to start, press to stop. Many people find it easier to hold a key while they talk and let go when they're done, like a walkie-talkie. Dictation apps offer this.

In SpeechBee, which we make, you pick the key in settings: Right Command, Right Option or Right Control, F5, F6, F13, F18 or F19, or a key combination of your own. Then choose **Hold** to talk while the key is down, or **Press to toggle** to start and stop with single presses. The key works in any app, and the text appears at your cursor. Speech is transcribed on your Mac.

A side key such as Right Command is easy to reach without looking and is rarely used for anything else.

## Questions

### What is the shortcut for dictation on a Mac?

The Microphone key in the function row, or pressing Fn (Globe) twice, depending on your Mac and settings. Check or change it in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation.

### How do I change the dictation shortcut on a Mac?

Open System Settings, Keyboard, go to Dictation, click the Shortcut menu, and pick an option or choose Customize to press your own keys.

### Can I use a custom key combination for Mac dictation?

Yes. Choose Customize in the Shortcut menu and press the combination you want, such as Option-Z.

### Can I hold a key to dictate on a Mac?

Not with built-in Dictation, which starts and stops with a press. Dictation apps such as SpeechBee offer hold-to-talk on a key you choose.

### How do I stop Mac dictation?

Press the shortcut again, or stop talking. It stops after 30 seconds without speech.

## Keep reading

- [How to dictate on a Mac](https://speechbee.app/guides/how-to-dictate-on-mac)
- [Mac dictation not working](https://speechbee.app/guides/mac-dictation-not-working)
- [Text to speech shortcuts on a Mac](https://speechbee.app/guides/text-to-speech-on-mac)

## Sources

All checked on 12 October 2026.

- [Apple: Use Dictation on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-dictation-mh40584/mac)
- SpeechBee facts from our [homepage](https://speechbee.app/) and the SpeechBee app's shortcut settings