How to use Aqua Voice on a Mac: the hotkey, the settings worth changing, and common fixes
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
Aqua Voice is cloud dictation that types into whatever text box your cursor is in, on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android. On a Mac the default activation key is Fn. Most of what people need after that is in Settings: Keybindings to change the key, System to hide the floating bar, the language setting, and Dictionary for names it gets wrong.
I built YapToText, a dictation app for the Mac, so read what I say about Aqua Voice with that in mind. Every fact about Aqua Voice here comes from its own FAQ and user guide at aquavoice.com, read on October 11, 2026.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
On this page: 9 sections
Get started
- Download Aqua for Mac from its download page and sign in.
- Click into any text box.
- Use the activation key, Fn by default on a Mac, and speak.
- The text is inserted at the cursor, with no browser extension.
Aqua's FAQ says some apps or fields restrict insertion. If one does not work, it asks you to tell support the app's name and version. The free Starter plan includes 1,000 words with no credit card. The Aqua Voice pricing page has the paid plans.
Change or reset the hotkey
- Change it. In Settings, find Keybindings, click the pencil beside the shortcut, enter a different key or combination, and select Save.
- Reset it. Select Reset to Defaults beneath Keybindings. On a Mac the default is Fn.
- A conflict in Outlook. Change Aqua's key as above, or check Outlook on the web's own shortcuts under Settings, General, Accessibility.
- More than one key. Aqua's user guide has a page on adding multiple activation keys.
Settings people ask about
From Aqua Voice's FAQ, read October 11, 2026.
| To | Where |
|---|---|
| Hide the black floating bar | Settings, System, turn off Show Floating Bar |
| Choose the dictation language | Settings, in the language section |
| Detect the language each time | Select Auto-Detect. On desktop it uses Instant dictation, not Realtime |
| See which model you have | Settings, Transcription Model. It shows choices such as Avalon and Whisper and which your account can use |
| Teach it names and terms | Dictionary |
| Set writing preferences | Custom Instructions, if your plan includes them |
British spelling and punctuation rules both go through Custom Instructions, with examples. The FAQ's own example is asking for UK spelling with words such as colour and cheque, then checking the result.
Common problems
- A delay with AirPods. Bluetooth microphone mode switching can add delay. Aqua suggests comparing with the built-in microphone or a wired one. AirPods dictation on a Mac explains the switch.
- It does not type in one app. Some fields restrict insertion. Report the app and version to support.
- A work network blocks it. Aqua uses HTTPS and secure WebSockets over port 443. Proxies that block WebSockets or inspect TLS can cause connection errors.
- Antivirus flags the installer. Check that it came from Aqua's download page, and send support the warning.
- Spreadsheets. Select a cell or open its editing mode, then dictate. Fill other cells separately.
Does it need the internet
Aqua's FAQ says cloud dictation needs an internet connection, and that offline availability varies by platform, app version and mode, so it tells you to ask support about your setup. When I read its site on October 5, 2026, every plan was cloud based with no offline mode listed for the Mac. Offline dictation on a Mac lists apps that work with Wi-Fi off.
One account, every device
The FAQ says one subscription covers Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android: sign in to the same account on each. The Android app is on Google Play for Android 10 or later. Deleting an account and cancelling a subscription are separate steps, and an Apple-billed or Google Play subscription is managed in that store's settings.
Aqua Voice and YapToText
Aqua Voice from its FAQ and pricing page, read October 5 and 11, 2026. YapToText from its own settings.
| Aqua Voice | YapToText | |
|---|---|---|
| Where speech is processed | Aqua's cloud | On the Mac |
| Free | 1,000 words, once | Everything, with no word count |
| Default key on a Mac | Fn | Tap Right Command |
| Your own words | Dictionary, plus Custom Instructions on paid plans | Dictionaries, free |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android | Apple silicon Macs, macOS 14 or later |
| Account | Required | None |
Aqua is the better fit if you want one account across a computer and a phone, or its live Realtime Mode on the Max plan. YapToText fits if you want free dictation that stays on one Mac. The Aqua Voice alternative page compares them in full.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
The short version
- Dictate. Fn on a Mac, into any text box.
- Hotkey. Settings, Keybindings.
- Floating bar. Settings, System, Show Floating Bar.
- Languages. Pick one, or Auto-Detect.
- AirPods lag. Use the built-in or a wired microphone.
If Aqua changes these settings, open an issue on GitHub and I will update this page. Every one gets read.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Related
Sources
- https://aquavoice.com/info/faq (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://aquavoice.com/guide (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://aquavoice.com/pricing (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://github.com/ryleighnewman/YapToText (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yaptotext/id6786382289 (checked 2026-10-11)
Questions
How do I use Aqua Voice?
Click into any text box, use the activation key, Fn by default on a Mac, and speak. The text is inserted at the cursor.
How do I change the Aqua Voice hotkey?
In Settings, find Keybindings, click the pencil beside the shortcut, enter a new key or combination and select Save.
How do I hide the Aqua Voice floating bar?
In Settings, scroll to System and turn off Show Floating Bar.
Does Aqua Voice work offline?
Its FAQ says cloud dictation needs an internet connection, and that offline availability varies by platform, version and mode.
Can I use Aqua Voice on several devices?
Yes. Its FAQ says one subscription covers Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android when you sign in to the same account.