Why do I get a Synchronization Error message saying that speech recognition is not available?

TranscriptPad uses your device’s built-in Speech Recognition to sync video depositions. If you see a Speech Recognition error, follow these steps to resolve the issue.

Allow TranscriptPad Access to Speech Recognition

When syncing a video deposition for the first time, you’ll see a prompt asking to allow access to Speech Recognition. You must tap or click OK to proceed.

The message says speech data will be sent to Apple. This is not accurate. TranscriptPad performs all processing locally and does not send your data to Apple or any third party.

If you tap or click Don’t Allow, syncing will fail, and you’ll see an alert stating that TranscriptPad doesn’t have permission to use Speech Recognition. 

Error Message labeled with instructions to press Ok and Turn on Speech Recognition in settings. Error Message: Synchronization Error Synchronization has stopped because of a problem with speech recognition:
 TranscriptPad is not authorized to use speech recognition on this device.

Turn on Speech Recognition in Settings

To sync video depositions you will need to manually turn on Speech Recognition settings.

On iPad

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Privacy & Security.

  3. Tap Speech Recognition.

  4. Turn on TranscriptPad.

On Mac

  1. Open System Settings.

  2. Click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

  3. Click Speech Recognition.

  4. Turn on TranscriptPad.

If You See: “Speech recognition is not available for use on this device”

Another app or service may be using speech recognition.

  • Avoid using Siri, Dictation, or other microphone-based features during syncing.

  • If needed, quit all other apps and try syncing again.

Use the steps below to troubleshoot.

Additional Troubleshooting

Enable Siri

Turning on Siri can help activate the speech recognition system.

On iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  3. Tap Talk to Siri.
  4. Choose your preferred activation method:
    • “Siri”
    • “Hey Siri”
    • “Siri” or “Hey Siri”

On Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu  and select System Settings.

  2. In the sidebar, click Apple Intelligence & Siri.

  3. Turn on Siri.

  4. Under Listen for, choose your preferred activation phrase:

    • “Siri”

    • “Hey Siri”

    • “Siri” or “Hey Siri”

If Siri is already enabled, toggle the switch off and then back on. Wait a few minutes before attempting to sync again.

Enable Dictation

Dictation settings can affect the availability of Speech Recognition. Make sure Dictation is turned on.

On iPad

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap General, then tap Keyboard.

  3. Turn on Enable Dictation.

  4. If already enabled, turn it off, wait a moment, then turn it back on.

On Mac

  1. Open System Settings.

  2. In the sidebar, click Keyboard.

  3. Scroll down and turn on Dictation.

  4. If already enabled, turn it off, wait a moment, then turn it back on.

Wait a few minutes before trying to sync again to allow Speech Recognition to fully activate.

Reset TranscriptPad

If you still see the message “Speech recognition is not available for use on this device” after adjusting the settings, follow these steps:

On iPad

  1. Quit all open apps and restart your iPad.
    See how to restart your iPad

  2. If the issue continues, delete TranscriptPad and reinstall it from the App Store. You will not be charged again or lose any Case Files.

  3. When you open the app and start a sync, tap OK when asked for permission to access Speech Recognition.

On Mac

  1. Restart your Mac.

  2. If the issue persists, delete TranscriptPad and reinstall it from the App Store. You will not be charged again or lose any Case Files.

  3. Open the app, then start a sync and click OK when prompted to allow Speech Recognition.