On a supported Apple-silicon Mac, open System Settings > Accessibility > Live Captions and turn it on. Allow the initial language download, then choose Computer Audio or Microphone. Availability varies by language and region.
Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Live Captions and enable it.
3
Download language data
Allow macOS to download the required language data the first time the feature is used.
4
Choose the audio source
Use the Live Captions window to caption app audio or select the microphone for nearby conversation.
5
Adjust the display
Return to Live Captions settings to change language and text appearance.
6
Check that the change worked
Captions appear for representative system or microphone audio and remain readable with the intended language and appearance settings.
7
Troubleshoot Live Captions on Mac
If the control is unavailable, language support differs, captions stop in one app, or accuracy is inadequate for the intended high-stakes use, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
Live Captions is available only on supported Apple silicon Macs and in supported languages and regions.
Accuracy varies, so do not rely on Live Captions for emergency or high-risk communication.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
