Turtle Mode on iOS: on-device drafts and tap-to-insert

Last updated: September 2, 2026

Available on: iOS

Turtle Mode keeps you dictating when Flow can't reach the cloud. Offline or on a weak connection, a rough on-device draft is saved to History and can be inserted with a tap — then upgraded automatically once you're back online.

When to use it

Turn on Turtle Mode if you dictate where your connection is unreliable:

  • Commuting on subway or train lines with spotty coverage

  • Working in buildings, basements, or areas with weak signal

  • Traveling internationally with limited data

You don't need it if your connection is consistently reliable — Flow always uses the cloud result when it's available.

How it works

Overview

Every dictation still goes to the cloud first. Turtle Mode adds a parallel on-device draft, saved to History and available to insert if the cloud can't be reached.

Key behaviors

  • Cloud reachable: Dictation is transcribed and pasted as usual. The on-device draft is created in the background and saved to History, never inserted automatically.

  • Cloud not reachable: An Add draft pill appears in the keyboard controls row after your dictation ends. Tapping it inserts the draft once and ends the session; the draft is also saved to History.

  • Upgrading a draft: History shows a Transcribe again when Flow is back option. When your connection returns, the cloud result upgrades the History entry automatically, but does not re-insert text where you dictated — copy the upgraded version from History to replace the draft.

  • "Turn on drafts" offer: With Turtle Mode off, a cloud failure during dictation shows a Can't reach Flow now notice with a Turn on drafts option. Opting in turns on Turtle Mode and recovers that dictation as a draft. If dismissed, the offer can reappear while the issue continues.

Note: On-device drafts are rougher than cloud transcriptions — expect errors in punctuation, names, and uncommon words.

How to turn Turtle Mode on or off

  1. Open Wispr Flow and tap Settings.

  2. Switch the Turtle Mode toggle on or off.

FAQs

Will Turtle Mode paste a draft automatically?

No. You always insert a draft yourself by tapping Add draft in the keyboard controls row.

Where do I find my saved drafts?

Open Wispr Flow and tap History. Drafts that haven't been upgraded yet show the Transcribe again when Flow is back option.

Is the "Add draft" pill always visible in the keyboard?

No. It appears only when Turtle Mode is on and the cloud couldn't be reached for that dictation.

I previously had Turtle Mode set to "audio never leaves your phone." What happened to that?

That mode is no longer available. On first launch after updating, a one-time notice explains the change and Turtle Mode is switched off. Re-enable it in Settings to keep draft support offline.

Limitations and notes

  • Turtle Mode is available on iOS only.

  • Turtle Mode can only be toggled in Settings — there is no keyboard shortcut or in-keyboard control.

  • Drafts inserted via Add draft are not replaced when the cloud result arrives — copy the upgraded version from History.

  • The Turn on drafts offer appears only after a real cloud connection failure, not preemptively.

  • The handover delay (patience) setting from previous versions has been removed and is no longer configurable.