Wispr Flow not working?
Most Wispr Flow problems come down to permissions, the wrong microphone, a hotkey conflict, or an out-of-date app. Work down this checklist in order and you will fix the large majority of "not working" issues in a couple of minutes. If it hears you but types nothing, that is almost always a permission problem.
Quick checklist (in order)
- Is the app running? Check the menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows). If it is not running, it cannot type.
- Permissions. Grant Microphone everywhere, and on Mac also grant Accessibility (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility). Accessibility is what lets it type into other apps, and a macOS update can reset it.
- Right microphone. Set your intended input in both Wispr Flow and your OS sound settings.
- Hotkey conflict. If the hotkey does nothing, another app may use the same shortcut. Change it in Wispr Flow.
- Focus. Click into the target text field before dictating, so it has focus.
- Update the app. Old versions cause odd bugs. Install the latest.
- Restart. Quit and reopen Wispr Flow, or restart the device.
Symptom-specific fixes
It hears me but types nothing
Permission issue. On Mac, re-grant Accessibility. On Windows, make sure the target window has focus. See fix microphone problems.
It cannot hear me
Wrong input device or missing microphone permission. Set the correct mic in both the app and OS settings.
The hotkey does nothing
A shortcut clash. Change the dictation hotkey.
Accuracy is poor (but it works)
Not a bug: usually noise, a distant mic, or unfamiliar words. Reduce noise, use a closer mic, and add terms to a custom dictionary. See accuracy.
Login problems
See the login guide. Account-specific issues go to Wispr Flow support.
When to contact Wispr Flow
If you have worked through this and it still fails, it may be a known issue or an account problem. Wispr Flow maintains a help center and a known-issues list; contact them via docs.wisprflow.ai. This independent guide cannot access your account.
Frequently asked questions
Almost always a permission problem: on Mac, the Accessibility permission is off or was reset by an update. Re-enable it, and make sure the target window has focus.
The wrong microphone is selected or microphone permission is off. Set the correct input in both the app and your OS settings.
macOS updates can reset the Accessibility permission. Re-grant it, update Wispr Flow to the latest version, and restart the app.
Related: fix microphone · login · keyboard shortcuts