Speech-to-Text Troubleshooting Guide

Overview

The speech-to-text (dictation) feature uses the Web Speech API, which is built into modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari). This API requires an internet connection because it uses Google’s cloud-based speech recognition servers.

Common Issues

Network Error

Symptom: The microphone icon activates but immediately shows a “network error”

Cause: Something is blocking the connection to Google’s speech recognition servers

Solutions:

1. Check Antivirus/Firewall
   • Temporarily disable your antivirus software
   • Check Windows Defender Firewall settings
   • Look for any security software that might block web requests
2. Check Browser Settings
   • Ensure microphone permissions are granted
   • Check that site permissions allow microphone access
   • Try resetting browser permissions
3. Network Configuration
   • Disable VPN if you’re using one
   • Try a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot)
   • Check if you’re on a corporate network with restrictions
   • Contact IT department if on managed network
4. Browser Extensions
   • Disable ad blockers
   • Disable privacy/security extensions temporarily
   • Try in incognito/private mode

No Microphone Permission

Symptom: Browser doesn’t ask for microphone permission

Solution:

1. Go to browser settings
2. Navigate to Site Permissions → Microphone
3. Ensure the site has permission to use microphone

Microphone Not Working

Symptom: Permission granted but no audio detected

Solution:

1. Check Windows Sound Settings
2. Ensure microphone is not muted
3. Test microphone in other apps
4. Check microphone volume level
5. Try selecting a different microphone if multiple are available

Testing Speech Recognition

To test if the issue is with your browser/system configuration:

1. Visit Google’s official demo: https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/demos/speech.html
2. If this doesn’t work, the issue is with your system, not our app
3. If it works, there may be a configuration issue with our implementation

Browser Support

• ✅ Google Chrome (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) - Full support, best performance
• ⚠️ Microsoft Edge - Known network error issues with speech recognition. Use Chrome instead.
• ✅ Safari (macOS) - Generally works well
• ❌ Firefox - Limited/no support for Web Speech API
• ❌ Opera - Limited support

Microsoft Edge Known Issue

Microsoft Edge has a known bug with the Web Speech API that causes immediate “network” errors when attempting to use speech recognition, even though:

• The microphone permission is granted
• The API is supported
• The same code works perfectly in Chrome

Solution: Use Google Chrome for speech-to-text dictation.

Why this happens: This appears to be an Edge-specific bug in how the browser communicates with Google’s speech recognition servers. Even though Edge and Chrome are both Chromium-based, they have different implementations of certain APIs.

Still Having Issues?

If you’ve tried all the above and still can’t get it working:

1. Check the browser console (F12) for detailed error messages
2. Look for ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT or similar network errors
3. Check the Network tab in DevTools for failed requests to Google servers
4. File an issue on GitHub with console logs and system details

Technical Details

The Web Speech API makes requests to:

• www.google.com/speech-api/
• speech.googleapis.com

If these domains are blocked by your network or security software, speech recognition will not work.