# The fn key doesn't start dictation

> If fn does nothing but NoteOwl's ⌥ shortcuts still work, turn on Input Monitoring for NoteOwl in System Settings, then quit and reopen NoteOwl.

Source: https://www.noteowl.ai/docs/troubleshooting/fn-key-not-working · Last updated 2026-09-27 · 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

1. Open **System Settings** from the Apple menu.
2. Click **Privacy & Security**, then **Input Monitoring**.
3. 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.
4. Quit NoteOwl: click its menu bar icon and choose **Quit NoteOwl**. If macOS offers **Quit & Reopen**, choose that instead.
5. 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](https://www.noteowl.ai/support) 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.

## Related

- [Dictate into any app with the fn key](https://www.noteowl.ai/docs/dictation/dictate-into-any-app): Tap fn to start dictating in any Mac app and tap it again to stop. NoteOwl types your words at the cursor and keeps exactly what you said.