What does "100% offline" actually mean?

“Offline” refers to speech processing on your device. VoicePad uses a local Whisper model to turn your voice into text without uploading the recording to a cloud transcription service.


What stays local?

  • Speech recognition and the resulting transcript.
  • Your dictation history and app settings.
  • Desktop AI processing when Ollama and its model are installed locally.
  • Activity calculations described in the app’s statistics guide.

When is a connection used?

  • Initial setup: installing the app and downloading any models you choose.
  • Licensing: activating or renewing Pro access.
  • Updates: checking for or downloading new builds where supported.
  • Optional sync: transferring history between supported devices over your local network.

Local WiFi sync transfers transcript information to the other device you use; it is different from uploading audio for cloud recognition.


Using VoicePad in airplane mode

Complete model setup first, then make a test dictation with internet disconnected. Pro access remains subject to the cached license and its offline grace period.


Control what you share afterwards

When you paste a transcript into another app, email an export or choose an external sharing service, that destination has its own data handling. Local dictation does not make every later use of the text private.


For sensitive work

Protect the device, backups and exported files according to your organisation’s requirements. Offline processing is a privacy benefit, but it does not replace your own access controls or professional obligations.


More platform-specific guidance: VoicePad Help Center.