WhatsApp has two different microphone flows. The microphone inside the WhatsApp composer records a voice message. The microphone on your keyboard writes words into the text field. If you want a readable text message, use the keyboard microphone.
This distinction matters because the two buttons sit close together. One sends audio. The other gives you text you can review, edit and send like any other WhatsApp message.
Use the keyboard microphone
- Open the individual or group chat in WhatsApp.
- Tap the message field so the Android keyboard opens.
- Tap the microphone on the keyboard. On Gboard, Google's path is to tap the microphone at the top of the keyboard and speak when "Speak now" appears. On EkkoBoard, tap to talk, or press and hold while you speak.
- Dictate the message you want written.
- Read the text in the message field, fix anything that sounds wrong, then tap Send.
If WhatsApp starts recording instead, you used the app's voice-message button. Cancel that recording, tap inside the text field first, then use the microphone on the keyboard.
Dictate the message as you would say it
Speak at a normal pace and include the structure you want: greeting, request, answer or next step. Short sentences are easier to check before sending. Google says talk-to-write works in most places where you can type with a keyboard, though it does not work with every language.
You can say common punctuation such as "period," "comma," "question mark," "new line" or "new paragraph" on Gboard where supported. With EkkoBoard, you can also dictate a rough first pass and then use voice editing to tighten or rewrite it before the message goes out.
Example: "Hi Maya, comma new line I reviewed the file and the final version looks good, period new line I will send it after lunch, period"
Read the result as the recipient will see it. Check names, times, addresses and any words that sound alike. A dictated text is quick, but the field is still editable until you tap Send.
Keep voice typing available in WhatsApp
If the keyboard microphone does not appear, first make sure the keyboard you expect is active in the text field. Then check that the keyboard app has Android microphone permission. A voice keyboard cannot hear you through a permission granted only to WhatsApp.
If dictation stops working across apps, use the normal keyboard checks before changing WhatsApp: update the keyboard, restart the phone, then check the keyboard's voice typing setting. Our voice typing troubleshooting guide walks through those checks in order.
When a WhatsApp voice message is better
Send a voice message when tone, emotion or hands-free listening matters more than searchable text. WhatsApp's own help describes voice messages as a way to communicate instantly with contacts and groups, and says they download automatically.
Choose dictated text when the recipient may need to scan, copy, translate or reply to one detail. It also gives you a chance to catch a name or number before anyone hears or reads the wrong version.
Use EkkoBoard for the text version
EkkoBoard works as your Android keyboard, so the same dictation flow is available in WhatsApp and the other apps where you already type. Tap or hold the microphone, speak naturally, then review the text before sending. If the first pass needs work, our guide to editing text with your voice on Android shows how to replace, delete or rewrite part of the message without starting over.