The fn key doesn't start dictation
Last updated Checked against NoteOwl 1.0.0
If tapping fn doesn't start dictation, NoteOwl is almost always missing the macOS Input Monitoring permission. Turn it on in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring, then quit and reopen NoteOwl.
Why doesn't the fn key start dictation?
macOS only lets an app notice the fn key if it has Input Monitoring permission. If that permission was skipped during setup or turned off later, fn does nothing, while NoteOwl's ⌥ shortcuts (⌥Space, ⌥X and ⌥Z) keep working, because they don't need it.
How can I tell it's Input Monitoring?
If NoteOwl is running and dictation works from the menu bar but not from fn, it's Input Monitoring. Check these three things:
- NoteOwl is running. Its waveform icon is in the menu bar. If it isn't, open NoteOwl from your Applications folder.
- Dictation starts from the menu bar. Click the NoteOwl icon and choose Start Dictation. If that works but fn doesn't, the problem is the key, not the microphone.
- NoteOwl shows the permission. In NoteOwl, open Settings → General. Under Privacy & Access, Input Monitoring shows whether it's granted, with a button that opens the right pane of System Settings.
Turn on Input Monitoring
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
- Click Privacy & Security, then Input Monitoring.
- Turn on NoteOwl. If NoteOwl isn't in the list, click +, choose NoteOwl in your Applications folder, and turn it on. macOS may ask for your password.
- Quit NoteOwl: click its menu bar icon and choose Quit NoteOwl. If macOS offers Quit & Reopen, choose that instead.
- Open NoteOwl again, click into a text field and tap fn. The NoteOwl panel opens at the top of the screen and starts listening.
Dictation starts, but no text appears
NoteOwl needs the Accessibility permission to type at the cursor. Without it, the panel says Copied — press ⌘V and the text is on the clipboard, so press ⌘V to paste it. To have NoteOwl type directly, turn on NoteOwl in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
Dictation starts, but nothing is heard
When NoteOwl hears nothing, the panel says Didn't catch anything — try again. Check the microphone permission: turn on NoteOwl in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. If it's already on, turn it off and on again, then quit and reopen NoteOwl.
Still not working?
Email support@noteowl.ai with your macOS version and what the NoteOwl panel shows when you tap fn. The support page lists other common fixes.
Common questions
Why do NoteOwl's ⌥ shortcuts work when the fn key doesn't?
The fn key needs the macOS Input Monitoring permission, and NoteOwl's ⌥ shortcuts don't. If Input Monitoring was skipped during setup or turned off later, ⌥Space, ⌥X and ⌥Z keep working while fn does nothing. Turn on Input Monitoring for NoteOwl, then quit and reopen NoteOwl.
Does NoteOwl have to be open for fn dictation to work?
Yes. NoteOwl listens for the fn key only while it is running, with its waveform icon in the menu bar. Turn on Open at login in NoteOwl's Settings → General so fn dictation is ready as soon as you log in.
Why do I have to quit and reopen NoteOwl after turning on Input Monitoring?
macOS applies Input Monitoring when an app starts, so NoteOwl can't see the fn key until it is opened again. Quit NoteOwl from its menu bar icon and reopen it, or choose Quit & Reopen if macOS offers it.
The model download stalls or fails
If NoteOwl's model download stops, fails or sits at 100% during setup, check your connection and free space, then click Download now again.
Dictation hears you but no text appears
If NoteOwl hears your dictation but no words appear, turn on Accessibility and click into a text field first. Every dictation is also kept in Dictations.