Loro doesn't type what I dictate: what to check
The Loro team
In short
Look at what the pill says when you let go of the keys: it almost always explains what happened. If it says "Copied · paste with Ctrl + V", there was nowhere to type: click where you want the text and paste it. If the pill doesn't show up when you hold Ctrl + Win, the shortcut isn't reaching Loro, for example because your Windows key is locked. Everything you dictated stays in Dictation, so you can copy it again.
What the pill says
| If it says | What happened | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Copied · paste with Ctrl + V" | There was no text box where your cursor was | Click where you want the text and paste with Ctrl + V (on a Mac, Command + V) |
| "I didn't hear you · Check your microphone" | Your voice didn't come through | Check your microphone |
| "Cancelled · I didn't type anything" | You pressed Esc before letting go | Dictate again |
| "You're out of words · back on Monday" | You used the free plan's 2,000 words for the week | Wait until Monday or upgrade to Pro |
| "Getting ready · to dictate offline" | You're offline and the voice model is still downloading | Get online or wait for it to finish |
| "Your Windows key is locked" | Your keyboard locked the Windows key | Press Fn + Windows (more) |
If the pill doesn't show up
- Is Loro running? Look for it next to the clock (on a Mac, in the menu bar). If it isn't there, open it from the Start menu or from Applications.
- Is it paused? On Loro's icon, click Resume Loro.
- Did you change the shortcut? Check Settings › Dictation › Dictation shortcut.
- On a Mac: check that Loro has the Accessibility permission. More in Install Loro on a Mac.
Other causes
- It always says "Copied": in Settings › Dictation › When you let go, choose Paste.
- The app you're typing in was opened as administrator: Windows doesn't let other apps type into it. Open it the normal way.
How to get a dictation back
Every dictation stays in Dictation, day by day, for 30 days: find it with Search your dictations and copy it again. If you turned off Save my dictations in Settings › Privacy, they aren't saved.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the parrot on the pill turn red?
Because you're offline. Loro still types, just without the cloud polish.
You might also need
- Loro can't hear me: how to fix the microphoneIf Loro says "I didn't hear you" or can't find your microphone, test it in Settings, pick another one and check the Windows or Mac permissions.
- Windows key locked: how to unlock it on your laptopIf the Windows key does nothing, it's usually locked: many laptops lock it with Fn + Windows or a game mode. How to unlock it in seconds and dictate with Loro again.
- The dictation shortcut: how to use it and how to change itTo dictate with Loro you hold Ctrl + Win (fn on a Mac), talk and let go. What the same shortcut does with text selected, what Ctrl + Alt is for and how to pick other keys.