Getting Started with Voice Dictation | ListenUp Dictation
Getting started guide

Get started with ListenUp Dictation

Pick your platform and follow a clear, step-by-step setup. Install ListenUp, grant the right permissions, and dictate within minutes - on Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Mac, iPhone & iPadSetup in under 10 minLast updated May 2026
Download for freeChoose your platform
Step 1

Choose your platform

Each guide covers install, setup, permissions, and how to use ListenUp end-to-end on that platform. Start with the device you use most often.

Apple Silicon, macOS 14+

Get started on Mac

Install the Mac app, choose your hotkey, and learn Dictation, Smart Mode, and Edit Mode.

  • Menu bar app with global hotkey
  • On-device transcription by default
  • Dictation, Smart Mode, and Edit Mode
Open the Mac guide
iOS / iPadOS 17.6+

Get started on iPhone & iPad

Install the iOS app, enable the ListenUp keyboard, and dictate from any app on iPhone or iPad.

  • Custom keyboard for any app
  • Smart Dictation with voice commands
  • Syncs your dictionary across devices
Open the iPhone & iPad guide
Before you start

What you need

A short checklist that applies to every platform. The platform guides cover device-specific details.

A supported device

An Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or newer) running macOS 14.0 or later, or an iPhone/iPad on iOS or iPadOS 17.6 or later.

A ListenUp account

Sign in with Apple or Google during setup. Your account links your subscription, dictionary, and settings.

A working microphone

Any built-in or external microphone works. Fine-tune the input later in the app's Sound settings.

An internet connection

Needed for sign-in, the first language model download, and AI enhancements. Transcription runs on-device by default.

After setup, ListenUp can transcribe on-device by default. Some AI enhancement, formatting, subscription, and account features still require a connection.

Trust

Privacy basics

ListenUp is designed to keep dictation private on every platform.

On-device by default
Audio not stored
No model training

  • Transcription runs on-device by default.

  • If a language model is still preparing, ListenUp may use a secure cloud fallback.

  • Audio sent to the fallback is processed immediately and is not stored.

  • Text may be sent to ListenUp servers for AI enhancement, such as formatting and punctuation.

  • Dictation text, enhanced results, and surrounding context are not stored server-side.

  • Your data is not used to train AI models.

You can review the full Privacy Policy from the app during setup or from Settings at any time.

Ready to dictate everywhere?

Download ListenUp for Mac, iPhone, or iPad and start dictating in minutes - free, no credit card.

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