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Set up Quick Dictation with the iPhone Action Button

Install the Monologue shortcut, assign it to your iPhone Action Button, and dictate directly into text fields.

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Written by Naveen Naidu

Use your iPhone Action Button to start and stop Monologue Quick Dictation without leaving the app where you are typing.

When the Monologue keyboard is selected, your transcript is inserted at the cursor. If another keyboard is selected, the transcript is copied to your clipboard instead.

Before you start

  • Use an iPhone with an Action Button, such as iPhone 15 Pro or a newer supported model.

  • Update Monologue and make sure you are signed in.

  • Enable the Monologue keyboard with Full Access if you want text inserted directly into the current text field.

  • Make sure Live Activities are enabled for Monologue.

1. Install the shortcut

  1. On your iPhone, open Get the Dictation to Clipboard shortcut.

  2. Tap Add Shortcut.

You can also open Monologue, go to Settings > Action Button, and tap Get the Shortcut.

The Dictation to Clipboard shortcut with the Add Shortcut button

2. Assign it to the Action Button

  1. Open the iPhone Settings app.

  2. Tap Action Button.

  3. Swipe to Shortcut.

  4. Tap Choose a Shortcut.

  5. Select Dictation to Clipboard.

Choose Dictation to Clipboard, not Quick Dictation or Start Dictation Session.

The iPhone Action Button assigned to Dictation to Clipboard

3. Use Quick Dictation

  1. Open the app where you want to write and place the cursor in a text field.

  2. Switch to the Monologue keyboard.

  3. Press and hold the Action Button until dictation starts, then release it.

  4. Speak naturally.

  5. Press and hold the Action Button again to stop.

Monologue will transcribe your recording and insert the text at the cursor.

You do not need to hold the Action Button while speaking. The first press starts dictation and the second press stops it.

Quick Dictation recording with the Monologue keyboard

If the text is copied instead of inserted

The Monologue keyboard must be visible when dictation finishes for the transcript to appear at your cursor.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.

  2. Add Monologue if it is not already listed.

  3. Tap Monologue and turn on Allow Full Access.

  4. Return to your text field, press and hold the globe key, and choose Monologue.

If another keyboard is active, the shortcut copies the transcript to your clipboard so you can paste it manually.

If the Action Button does not start dictation

  • Open Monologue once and make sure you are signed in.

  • In Monologue, go to Settings > Preferences and turn on Keyboard Dictation under Live Activities.

  • In the iPhone Settings app, open Monologue and make sure Live Activities are enabled.

  • Check Settings > Action Button and confirm Dictation to Clipboard is still selected.

  • If the shortcut is missing, add it again.

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