Many people and companies prefer to use Google Docs because of its intuitive interface and effective sharing options, which help increase productivity and make communication easy.

Also, the Voice Typing feature offers convenience as some users think it’s more comfortable than typing large texts, and it saves time. Some people even use it for brainstorming sessions or for taking notes during an online meeting or class. If you plan on doing the same but have encountered problems when using it, go through the solutions mentioned below.

Use Google Chrome Browser

Well, they named it Google Docs for a reason. If you can’t find the Voice Typing option within the Tools menu, it’s because you are not using Google Chrome. If you have signed in using another web browser, some features will not be available.

Clear Chrome’s Cache and Data

If there is a lot of data and cache that Chrome accumulated over time, it could affect some websites' performance and their functions. To prevent it, you should delete your browser’s cookies, cache, and history regularly. Here is how you can do it:

  1. Click the three-dot menu from the top-right corner.
  2. Head to More Tools > Clear browsing data.
  3. Set Time range to All time.
  4. Check all three options.
  5. Click Clear data.
Delete cache data in Google Chrome

If the issue persists, update Google Chrome.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a troubleshooter that you can use to find and fix audio-related problems. Follow these steps to run the Recording Audio troubleshooter:

  1. Click Start, then head to Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Recording Audio > Run the troubleshooter.
  3. Follow the instruction to complete the process.
    Recording audio troubleshooter in Windows 10

Check Microphone Volume

If you need to yell for Voice Typing to work, you might've set your microphone volume too low. If you want to use an external microphone with a volume button, turn up the volume and try using Voice Typing again. In case this didn’t work, you should take a look at Windows 10 Microphone settings.

  1. Open Settings and head to System > Sound.
  2. Go to the Input section.
  3. Select the microphone you want to use from the Choose your input device drop-down menu. Then, click Device properties.
  4. Use the Volume slider to increase the microphone’s volume.
Microphone settings in Windows 10

Check Google Docs Permissions

When you first use Voice Typing in Google Docs, Chrome asks you for permission to access your microphone. If you accidentally denied access or change the browser’s settings, Google Docs speech-to-text can’t work. Follow these steps to allow set microphone access in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome’s menu and navigate to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
  2. From Permissions, go to Microphone.
  3. Select Sites can ask to use your microphone (recommended).
  4. Make sure Google Docs is not added to the Not allowed to use your microphone list.
Google Chrome privacy settings

Related: 23 Website Permissions to Change in Google Chrome for Better Browsing

Allow Google Chrome Microphone Access via Settings

Allowing Google Docs to access your microphone through the browser settings is not enough. You need to set proper permission for Chrome using Windows 10 settings menu. Here is how you can configure microphone permission:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings. Or use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut.
  2. Open Privacy and from App permissions, select Microphone.
  3. Under Allow apps to access your microphone, click Change and turn on the toggle.
  4. Turn on the toggle for Allow apps to access your microphone.
  5. Scroll down to Allow desktop apps to access your microphone and turn on the toggle.
Privacy settings in Windows 10

Get Voice Typing in Google Docs Working Again

As we discussed, you need to take a look at both Google Chrome and Windows 10 Settings to fix Voice Typing. If you managed to get Voice Typing working again, but it doesn't work as smoothly as you wanted, connect a USB microphone or move to a less noisy room for better audio input.