Enable Voice Text (Speech-to-Text) on Mobile Devices

Enable Voice Text (Speech-to-Text) on Mobile Devices


Voice Text Guide

Voice text (also known as speech-to-text or dictation) allows field technicians to enter notes by speaking instead of typing. This can significantly improve speed and accuracy when working on site, particularly in outdoor or hands-on environments.

Why Use Voice Text in SolarGain Mobile?

Using voice text in the SolarGain Mobile app helps technicians to:

  • Capture detailed notes more quickly while on site
  • Reduce typing time, especially on tablets and phones
  • Keep hands free when working with tools or equipment
  • Improve accuracy for longer observations or descriptions
  • Continue working efficiently in low-signal or remote areas (when offline dictation is enabled)

Voice text is ideal for task/subtask comments, and inspection descriptions.


Best Practice for Field Technicians

Voice text accuracy depends more on how you speak than on the device itself.

Speaking Technique

  • Tap the microphone icon and wait one second before speaking
  • Speak the entire sentence in one continuous flow
  • Avoid stopping and starting mid-sentence
  • Speak clearly at a normal pace (do not rush or exaggerate)

Device Positioning

  • Speak towards the bottom edge of the device (where the microphone is located)
  • Hold the device around 20 cm (8 inches) from your mouth, roughly at chin level
  • Do not speak directly into the screen

Environmental Considerations

  • Minimise background noise where possible
  • In windy conditions, turn your back to the wind or shield the microphone
  • In very noisy environments, consider using a wired or Bluetooth headset

Punctuation and Commands

Say punctuation out loud to improve readability:

  • “Full stop” or “Period” → .
  • “Comma” → ,
  • “New line” → moves text to the next line
  • “Question mark” → ?
  • “Delete last word” → removes the previous word
  • “Stop listening” → ends dictation

Enabling Voice Text on Android Devices (Gboard)

Most Android devices use Gboard (Google Keyboard).

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Languages & input → On-screen keyboard → Gboard
  3. Select Voice typing
  4. Turn ON Use voice typing
  5. Turn ON Faster voice typing
    (This downloads an on-device model for faster and more reliable dictation)
  1. Gboard → Voice typing → Offline speech recognition
  2. Download the language pack for your region (e.g. English (UK))

This allows voice text to continue working when mobile signal is weak or unavailable.

Technical Language Support

  • Gboard → Text correction
  • Turn OFF Block offensive words
    (Prevents technical terms being incorrectly filtered)

Enabling Voice Text on iPhone (iOS)

Enable Dictation

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to General → Keyboard
  3. Turn ON Enable Dictation
  4. Confirm when prompted

Using Voice Text

  • Open the SolarGain Mobile app
  • Tap into any text field
  • Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard
  • Speak clearly
  • Tap Done to finish

Ensure the correct language is enabled under Keyboard → Dictation Languages.


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Voice text types random or incorrect words

  • Likely caused by background noise or wind
  • Shield the microphone or move to a quieter position

Voice text is slow or unresponsive

  • Offline language pack may not be installed
  • Poor mobile signal can affect online dictation

Voice text stops listening too quickly

  • Avoid long pauses while speaking
  • Speak in complete sentences
  • If you need to pause briefly, say “comma” and continue


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