Why Wispr Flow doesn't pause background audio on iPhone (iOS)

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Available on: iPhone (iOS). Background-audio behavior differs on Mac and Windows.

If music, a podcast, a video, or a webinar keeps playing when you start dictating on iPhone — and some of that audio lands in your transcript — that's expected behavior today. Here's why, and how to keep background audio out of your dictation.

Why it happens

On iPhone, Flow records alongside other audio rather than interrupting it. That's how Flow currently works on iOS, not a setting you've missed.

Apple's built-in dictation pauses other audio because that behavior is part of the system service. Flow doesn't do that on iOS today, so playback keeps running through your speaker while the mic is live and can be picked up acoustically into your transcript.

Note: Use Built-In Mic (Settings → Audio) only changes which microphone Flow records from. It does not pause or duck background audio.

What you can do today

  1. Pause playback in the music, podcast, or video app before you start dictating.

  2. Dictate as usual. If no background audio appears in your transcript, you're set.

Background-audio ducking on iOS — matching Apple's behavior and the Mute Music option Flow offers on desktop — is logged with our product team as a strong customer request.

FAQs

Will turning on Use Built-In Mic stop background audio from playing?

No. Use Built-In Mic only forces Flow to record from your iPhone's built-in microphone and drop Bluetooth hands-free devices. It has no effect on whether other apps' audio keeps playing.

Does this work differently on Mac or Windows?

Yes. On desktop, Flow offers a Mute Music option that pauses audio while you dictate. If you dictate with media playing and Mute Music is off, Flow suggests enabling it shortly after you stop, and you can turn it on from that prompt. If Mute Music is already on, no tip appears. That capability isn't in the iPhone app today.

Still stuck?

Contact support if:

  • Background audio still lands in your transcript after you pause playback. Include your iPhone model, iOS version, and the app you were playing audio from.

  • Mute Music on Mac or Windows isn't pausing audio during dictation.