Direct answer · Offline dictation

Can Dictation Work Without Internet?

The deciding question is where your speech becomes text.

100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License

Yes. Dictation can work without internet when the speech model is installed and runs on your phone or computer. Cloud dictation cannot make a new transcript without reaching its server, while on-device dictation can continue after setup.

Local or cloud

Local dictation stores the speech model on your device. Cloud dictation sends audio to a provider that returns text. That processing location determines whether the voice-to-text step needs a connection.

How KeyVox handles it

KeyVox first downloads Whisper or, where supported, Parakeet, then performs normal dictation on the Mac or iPhone. That means it can keep dictating offline.

What still needs internet

Initial downloads, updates, purchases, restoring purchases, and iCloud sync need a connection. The app where you dictate may also need internet for its own features after KeyVox inserts text.

Common questions

Questions people ask

Does offline dictation automatically mean private?

It keeps audio from needing a transcription server, but storage, sync, and the app where you dictate still matter.

Free your voice

Keep dictating when internet is unavailable.

Download KeyVox and install your local model.

No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.