Troubleshooting audio playback & AirPod issues (iOS, macOS)

Switch off AirPods during onboarding

If AirPods are connected when you first set up Flow, a warning appears recommending you switch microphones for better dictation quality.

1. Click the Change microphone button below the warning and pick your built-in or a wired mic.

2. If you dismissed the warning, go to Settings → General → Microphone and select a different input.

Dictate a test phrase. If it transcribes correctly, you're set.

Stop AirPods from auto-switching (Mac)

AirPods jumping from iPhone to Mac is caused by Apple's automatic device switching, not Flow.

1. Open Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth.

2. Click the i next to your AirPods.

3. Set "Connect to This Mac" to When Last Connected to This Mac.

4. Move AirPods back to your iPhone manually if they jump to your Mac — this often stabilizes future sessions.

Dictate a test phrase. If AirPods stay connected to your intended device, this step worked.

Turn on music muting (Mac/Windows)

Flow can automatically mute system audio while you dictate. This setting is off by default on Mac and on by default on Windows.

1. Open Flow and go to Settings → System → Sound.

2. Enable Mute music while dictating.

When enabled, Flow mutes audio on your default output device when you start dictating and restores it when you stop. The mute only activates if audio is already playing when you begin; audio that was already muted stays muted.

Dictate a test phrase while music is playing. If the music pauses and your transcription is accurate, the setting is working.

Handle audio interruptions (iOS)

On iOS, audio device changes or interruptions automatically stop dictation. Here's what to expect:

• Device changes: If AirPods connect or disconnect during dictation, Flow stops recording. Start a new session after the device settles.

• Phone calls: Incoming calls stop dictation. Restart dictation after the call ends.

• Auto-resume: After a short interruption, Flow may automatically resume recording if the interruption was shorter than your Disable Flow Session limit (Settings → Disable Flow Session). Choosing "never" means dictation never auto-stops from interruption length; choosing "immediately" means it always ends after any interruption.

• Recording errors: If Flow encounters a recording error, a full-screen overlay appears with Dismiss and Retry options.

Respond to Flow's audio notifications (Mac/Windows)

Flow shows specific notifications when audio issues occur. Here's what each one means and how to respond:

• Microphone disconnected: Your mic disconnected mid-session. Click Insert in the notification to recover text recorded up to that point.

• "Is your microphone muted?": Flow detected no audio. Check that your mic isn't muted or select a different one in Settings → General → Microphone.

• "We couldn't hear you": Flow didn't detect any speech. Try speaking louder or switching mics.

• No audio received / Microphone is not working: Use the Select microphone button to switch inputs, or contact support if the issue persists.

• Laptop lid closed warning: The built-in mic can't be used when your MacBook lid is closed. Connect an external mic or open the lid.

First dictation attempt fails with an error right after opening the app (iOS)

Shortly after a cold launch, tapping the mic, starting Flow from the keyboard, and swiping back could trigger an error modal on the first one or two dictation attempts. This has been fixed — the first dictation attempt after opening the app is now reliable.

1. Update Wispr Flow to the latest version to receive the fix.

Dynamic Island microphone indicator stays on after stopping dictation (iOS)

The Dynamic Island microphone indicator could remain on indefinitely after stopping dictation. This has been fixed — the indicator now clears immediately when you stop dictation.

1. Update Wispr Flow to the latest version to receive the fix.

Dynamic Island indicator disappears after a phone call or Siri activation (iOS)

The Dynamic Island live activity pill could disappear when an audio interruption occurred — such as an incoming phone call or Siri activation — and would not reappear afterward. This has been fixed; the indicator now stays visible through audio interruptions and resumes correctly when you return to dictating.

1. Update Wispr Flow to the latest version to receive the fix.

Why does Flow recommend the built-in mic over AirPods?

AirPods can be slow to start recording and are more prone to connection interruptions, which leads to missed words or errors. The built-in mic provides a more stable and reliable dictation experience.

Does Flow auto-select the built-in mic during setup?

Yes — on Mac, onboarding automatically selects the built-in mic if one is available, unless your MacBook lid is closed or you've already chosen a preferred mic. If you later switched to AirPods, revert via Settings → General → Microphone.

What does the warning icon next to AirPods mean in Settings?

It indicates that AirPods may cause slower start times and more transcription errors. Switch to a wired or built-in mic for best results.

Why does microphone access keep resetting when I switch audio devices on iOS?

On some iOS versions, microphone access can reset when switching between audio devices. See the iOS microphone article for a Shortcuts-based workaround.