> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://utter.to/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Common Issues

> Solutions to frequently encountered problems

Use this page to fix the most common problems quickly. Start with the issue that matches what you see.

## Text Not Inserting

Utter records and transcribes, but no text appears in your app.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Accessibility">
    Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility** and enable **Utter**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Utter">
    Quit Utter, then open it again.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test in a Simple Text Field">
    Try dictation in Notes or TextEdit.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** Text appears at the cursor after you stop recording.

**If that did not work:** In Utter settings, enable clipboard output, then paste manually with `⌘V`.

## Shortcut Not Working

Pressing the shortcut does nothing.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm Accessibility Access">
    Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility** and ensure **Utter** is enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a Different Shortcut">
    In **Utter > Settings > Shortcut**, choose a new key combination.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Utter">
    Quit and reopen Utter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** The recording UI appears when you press the new shortcut.

**If that did not work:** Check that Utter is running in the menu bar before testing.

## Slow Transcription

There is a long delay before text appears.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Try a Short Recording">
    Test with a 5-10 second dictation sample.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Internet Stability">
    Confirm your connection is stable.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retry After a Short Wait">
    Wait 30 seconds, then run a second test.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** Typical response time is around 0.5-2 seconds.

**If that did not work:** If you use BYOK, check provider limits or temporary service load.

## No Audio Recording

Utter does not appear to hear your voice.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Microphone Permission">
    Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone** and enable **Utter**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the Input Device">
    In Utter settings, choose the microphone you want to use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run a Voice Memos Test">
    Record in Voice Memos to confirm the microphone itself works.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** Utter input meter moves when you speak.

**If that did not work:** Disconnect and reconnect external microphones, then test again.

## BYOK Issues

API keys fail or provider errors appear.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Paste Keys Again">
    Remove extra spaces and re-paste each key.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Provider Access">
    Check your provider dashboard for active key status and account limits.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retry One Dictation">
    Test with a short recording after saving settings.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** Key validation errors should disappear after a correct key is saved.

**If that did not work:** Regenerate the key in your provider dashboard and update it in Utter.

## Still Need Help?

1. Check [Permissions](/troubleshooting/permissions) for full permission reset steps.
2. Check [Audio Quality](/troubleshooting/audio-quality) for microphone diagnostics.
3. [Contact us](https://utter.to/contact-us) with details.

When you contact support, include:

* macOS version
* Utter version
* What you expected
* What happened instead
* Exact steps to reproduce