How to dictate WhatsApp messages on your computer (WhatsApp Web and desktop)
In short
WhatsApp on a computer has no button to dictate text: its microphone records a voice note. To write with your voice, use your computer's dictation (Windows + H on Windows, or Mac dictation) or an app like Loro: click in the chat, hold Ctrl + Win (fn on a Mac), talk and let go. The message appears written, with periods, question marks and capitals, ready to send.
Why WhatsApp's microphone doesn't type
In WhatsApp Web and the desktop app, the microphone next to the message box records a voice note. That's fine for a friend, but often a written message is better: a client reads it in two seconds, can search for it later, and doesn't need headphones. For that you need dictation, which turns what you say into text.
Option 1: Windows dictation
- Open WhatsApp Web in your browser or the WhatsApp desktop app.
- Click in the "Type a message" box.
- Press Windows + H and talk.
- Check the text and send it with Enter.
It needs the internet and types almost word for word: the "um"s and "uh"s end up in the message. Careful: if you say the command "Press enter", WhatsApp sends the message. More about Windows voice typing.
Option 2: Mac dictation
- Turn on dictation in Apple menu › System Settings › Keyboard › Dictation and pick a shortcut.
- Click in WhatsApp's message box.
- Use the shortcut, talk, and press Esc or the shortcut to finish.
The Mac adds commas, periods and question marks on its own in supported languages, but it doesn't remove filler words either.
Option 3: Loro
Loro types in WhatsApp the message you meant to send, not what you said word for word.
- Download Loro for free for Windows or Mac.
- Click in WhatsApp's message box (Web or desktop).
- Hold Ctrl + Win (fn on a Mac) and talk.
- Let go. The message appears. Check it and send it.
An example. You say: "um, hey mom, I'm leaving now, uh, I'll be there around eight, can you save me a plate". Loro types: "Hey Mom, I'm leaving now. I'll be there around eight. Can you save me a plate?".
For a business that answers customers on WhatsApp: "sure, um, your order will be ready tomorrow morning, uh, I'll let you know when it's out" becomes "Sure! Your order will be ready tomorrow morning. I'll let you know when it's out.".
And if you make WhatsApp video calls on your computer, Loro can take notes of those calls too, without a bot.
What about the phone?
On your phone you don't need an app: the Android and iPhone keyboards have a microphone for dictation. Tap it in WhatsApp's message box and talk. Loro is for computers only, for now.
The options, compared
| Windows dictation | Mac dictation |  Loro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Web and desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How you use it | Windows + H | The shortcut you choose | Hold Ctrl + Win (fn on a Mac) |
| Offline | No | Depends on the Mac | Yes |
| Question marks | If you say them | Yes, in supported languages | Yes, on its own |
| Removes "um" and "uh" | Only on Copilot+ PCs, in English | No | Yes |
| Understands self-corrections | No | No | Yes, online |
| Price | Free | Free | Free up to 2,000 words a week |
Try Loro for free
Dictate in any app and get notes from your meetings, with no bot. For Windows and Mac, no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you dictate in WhatsApp Web?
Yes, with your computer's dictation (Windows + H or Mac dictation) or with Loro. WhatsApp Web has no dictation of its own: its microphone records voice notes.
Does the WhatsApp desktop app have dictation?
It has no button to dictate text. But it works with Windows dictation, Mac dictation and Loro, because they type into any text box.
How do I get question marks when dictating?
With Windows dictation you have to say them ("question mark") or turn on auto punctuation. Loro adds them on its own: if you ask something, it types the question mark.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. Loro types anywhere you can type, including WhatsApp Business on your computer.
Does Loro transcribe the voice notes people send me?
No. Loro types what you say, in any app. For meetings and video calls, it takes notes and gives you a summary.
Sources
- Microsoft, voice typing in Windows, checked on October 13, 2026.
- Apple, dictation on Mac.
Keep reading
Voice dictation
Voice typing on Windows
How to dictate with your voice on Windows 10 and 11 using Windows + H, how to add punctuation, what to do if it doesn't work, and when an app like Loro, which cleans up your text and works offline, is worth it.
Voice dictation
Dictate in Word
Three ways to dictate in Word: Microsoft 365's Dictate button, Windows or Mac dictation, and Loro, which types clean text in Word and in any other app. Step by step, and which one is worth it.
Meeting notes
AI meeting notes
What an AI meeting notes app does, the difference between "with a bot" and "without a bot", how Loro takes notes in Meet, Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp, and what happens to your audio. Free to start.
WhatsApp, Windows and macOS are trademarks of their owners. Loro is not affiliated with them. Each app's details come from its official pages, checked on October 15, 2026.