How do I use voice commands?

Voice commands let you start or stop supported VoicePad workflows without touching the screen or keyboard. Match the spoken command to the language selected in your app.

Enable the listener

• Windows: open Settings → Hotkeys → Voice Commands and enable it.
• Android: enable Hot Word in Settings and complete the model setup if requested.

Wait until the local recognition model is ready, then test in a quiet setting. These instructions cover the documented Windows and Android implementations.

Commands to try

• English: “Dictation start” and “Dictation stop”.
• German: “Diktat Start” and “Diktat Stop”.
• Orb control: “VoicePad Orb” toggles the floating Orb on supported builds.

If your app is set to German, use the German dictation commands. Changing the interface or dictation language can change which commands the app recognises.

If a command is not recognised

1. Check microphone access and the listener’s enabled state.
2. Confirm the model setup has completed.
3. Try the command with less background noise.
4. Use the mic button to stop if the spoken command is not recognised.

Voice controls versus AI instructions

“Dictation start” controls recording. A phrase such as “make it formal” requests an AI text transformation on supported desktop builds and requires the local AI setup. These are different workflows.

Privacy

The voice-command listener processes audio on your device. You can disable it in Settings when you do not want hands-free controls active.

Related guides

• How do I set up Hot Word on Android?
• How do I change the keyboard shortcut?

More platform-specific guidance: VoicePad Help Center.