How To Control Your Computer Using Voice Control On macOS

Controlling your Mac using Voice Control on macOS 14 is an empowering feature for those who prefer hands-free operation or have mobility impairments. Voice Control provides a comprehensive way to interact with your system using your voice, from opening applications to editing documents and navigating the web. Here’s how to set it up and start using it:

Quick Guide

1. Enable Voice Control: Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control, and turn it on.
2. Familiarise Yourself with Commands: Spend some time learning the basic commands or create custom ones that fit your needs.
3. Start Using Voice Control: Use your voice to control your Mac, dictate text, and more.

Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Open System Settings

• Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
• Select “System Settings” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Access Accessibility Features

• Scroll down in the sidebar and select “Accessibility.” This section is designed to help users adjust their device to better suit their individual needs.

Step 3: Enable Voice Control

• Within the Accessibility settings, find and click on “Voice Control.”
• Toggle the switch to enable Voice Control. You will see a download prompt for language files if it’s the first time you're setting up Voice Control. Ensure you download the necessary files for it to function offline.
• Once Voice Control is active, you will see a microphone icon appear on your screen, indicating that your Mac is listening for commands.

Step 4: Familiarise Yourself with Commands

• macOS Voice Control supports a wide range of commands for opening applications, switching windows, editing text, and much more. You can say "Show commands" to see a list of available commands that the system will respond to.
• If you need commands specific to an app or task, say “Show commands for [app name].”

Step 5: Customise Voice Control (Optional)

• You can customise Voice Control to better fit your needs. Go back to the Voice Control settings, and you can:
  • Add Custom Commands: Create commands that perform specific actions or open certain files.
  • Vocabulary: Add new words to ensure Voice Control recognises them when you speak.

Step 6: Start Using Voice Control

• Begin by experimenting with basic commands like “Open Safari” or “Scroll down.”
• Use dictation in any text field by simply speaking the text you want to type, and correct it using commands like “Replace [incorrect word] with [correct word].”

Tips for Effective Use

• Speak Clearly: For best results, speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
• Use a Good Microphone: Using a high-quality microphone can significantly enhance voice recognition accuracy.
• Minimise Background Noise: Try to reduce background noise as much as possible when using Voice Control.

By enabling and using Voice Control on macOS 14, you can enjoy an efficient and hands-free way to interact with your Mac, enhancing accessibility or simply providing a more flexible way to use your computer.