On iPhone 4s or later, you can dictate instead of typing. Make sure Siri is turned on (in Settings > General > Siri) and iPhone is connected to the Internet.

Note: Cellular data charges may apply. See Cellular settings.

  • Dictate text. Tap the Siri button in the onscreen keyboard, then speak. Tap Done when you finish.

Email message being composed. A circular arrow shows where dictated text will be placed. The dictation key appears on the keyboard, just to the left of the space bar.
  • Add text. Tap the Siri button again and continuing dictating. To insert text, tap to place the insertion point first. You can also replace selected text by dictating.

You can also start dictation by bringing iPhone to your ear, then moving iPhone back down in front of you when you’re done. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > General > Siri.

  • Add punctuation or format text. Say the punctuation or format. For example, “Dear Mary comma the check is in the mail exclamation mark” becomes “Dear Mary, the check is in the mail!” Punctuation and formatting commands include:

  • quote … end quote

  • new paragraph

  • new line

  • cap—to capitalize the next word

  • caps on … caps off—to capitalize the first character of each word

  • all caps—to make the next word all uppercase

  • all caps on … all caps off—to make the enclosed words all uppercase

  • no caps on … no caps off—to make the enclosed words all lowercase

  • no space on … no space off—to run a series of words together

  • smiley—to insert :-)

  • frowny—to insert :-(

  • winky—to insert ;-)