AI voice mode — ask out loud when you cannot type

Hands in the dough, but a question cannot wait

You are mixing batter with flour on your hands and cannot touch your phone, when a question comes to mind: how many grams are in a decilitre, or how long can an egg stay at room temperature? Normally, you might open an AI chat and type your question, but that is not possible right now. Many AI apps, including ChatGPT and Gemini, can listen too: speak your question and hear the answer instead of typing and reading it. This guide shows you how to get started.

Try voice mode

1. 1

   Open an AI app and find the voice or microphone icon

   Open the ChatGPT or Gemini app on your phone, or use it in a browser. There is usually a microphone icon or a dedicated voice button near the message field. Its exact position and name vary by app and version, so look around the message field if you do not spot it straight away.

2. 2

   Allow microphone access

   The app will ask for permission to use your microphone the first time. Voice mode will not work without it. You can revoke permission later in your phone settings.

3. 3

   Ask your question out loud

   When voice mode opens, start speaking naturally. You do not need a chime or to press a button for every sentence. Ask something real, such as a question about a measurement or how long an ingredient will keep.

4. 4

   Listen to the answer and notice the difference

   You will hear the answer, and it often appears as text on screen too. You may notice that it is shorter and more conversational than a written answer: voice mode usually summarises a long list or table in a few sentences instead of reading it aloud in full.

5. 5

   Mute or end the conversation when you are done

   Select the microphone icon to mute yourself for a moment, or use the exit or end button to finish the voice conversation.

Everyday situations where voice mode helps

With voice mode, you do not copy a prepared message: you speak instead of typing. In these situations, say something like this in your own words.

I do not have any cinnamon at home. What could I use instead in an apple pie?

The conversation can continue naturally if you ask a follow-up straight away. You do not need to start over or repeat the whole situation.

What if I do not have that either, the thing you just suggested? Is there another option?

The same approach works when you are away from home or walking somewhere.

Is it true that honey never spoils, or is that just a story?

I am thinking about tomorrow’s meeting, where I need to suggest a new schedule. Give me two ways to open the suggestion so it does not sound like a complaint.

What to know about the microphone

Once you know the basics

Once voice mode feels natural, try a longer back-and-forth conversation: brainstorm something out loud that has no ready-made answer, and let the conversation continue through several questions. If your app supports switching from speaking to typing in the same conversation, try it when you need to provide an exact number or, if supported, attach an image. Check whether replies remain spoken after you switch; this behaviour depends on the app and mode and is not established by the supplied sources.