# Loro doesn't type what I dictate: what to check

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](https://heyloro.app/en/help/microphone-not-working) |
| "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](https://heyloro.app/en/help/plans-and-billing) |
| "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](https://heyloro.app/en/help/windows-key-locked)) |

## 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](https://heyloro.app/en/help/install-on-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.

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The Loro team · Updated October 13, 2026 · https://heyloro.app/en/help/nothing-gets-typed