Saysmith support
Most setup snags are a macOS permission or setting. The answers below cover them. Still stuck? Send us a message.
Requirements
- macOS 26 or later.
- The AI modes need a Mac with Apple Intelligence turned on (Apple silicon). Without it, dictation still works with basic filler removal.
- Permissions: Microphone, and Accessibility to paste for you.
Also see the privacy policy and the Saysmith page.
Frequently asked questions
The menu-bar icon is missing
Your menu bar is full, and macOS hides extra icons behind the camera notch. Click Saysmith in the Dock to open its panel, or quit some menu-bar apps. To move the icon, hold ⌘ and drag it.
Paste doesn't work, or the text is only copied
Allow Saysmith under System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility, then quit and reopen Saysmith. macOS applies this permission only when the app relaunches.
It doesn't hear me
Allow the microphone under System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
The AI modes don't work
Turn on Apple Intelligence in System Settings › Apple Intelligence & Siri. It needs a Mac that supports Apple Intelligence, and the model downloads once. Without it, dictation still works with basic filler removal.
How do I change the push-to-talk key?
Open Settings › Push-to-talk key and pick right ⌥, right ⌘ or a Space combination. The Space combinations work without Accessibility.
How do I restore my purchase on another Mac?
Open Settings › Restore Purchases, signed in with the same Apple ID you bought it with.
How do I get a refund?
Apple handles refunds for App Store purchases. Request one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Is my voice uploaded?
No. Saysmith turns your voice into text on your Mac, and the app has no network access. See the privacy policy.