Shortcut Not Working At All
Check Permissions (macOS)
Accessibility permission is required for global shortcuts. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and ensure Vowen is enabled.
Restart Vowen
Fully quit (right-click tray icon > Quit) and relaunch. After granting Accessibility permission, a restart is required.
Check for Conflicts
Close other voice-to-text apps (Wispr Flow, SuperWhisper, Spokenly) that might grab the same shortcut. Also check system shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Platform-Specific Issues
macOS: Fn Key Not Working After Install
The Fn key sometimes doesn’t register immediately after first install or after granting permissions. Fix: Fully quit and relaunch Vowen. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting your Mac.Windows: “Option Key” Confusion
macOS documentation refers to the “Option” key. On Windows:- Option = Alt
- Command = Windows key
Windows: Left Command Key Doesn’t Work
There’s a known issue where the left Command (Windows) key in shortcuts may not work properly. Fix: Use the right-side modifier key, or choose a different shortcut combination that doesn’t include the Windows key.Mouse Button Shortcuts
Vowen supports mouse buttons (Middle, Back/M4, Forward/M5) as shortcuts.Mouse Button Stuck / Won’t Stop Recording
This has been fixed in recent versions. Update to the latest version via Settings > General > Check for Updates.Browser Navigation When Using Mouse Buttons
When using the Forward/Back mouse buttons for Vowen, they may also trigger browser navigation. Workaround: Vowen suppresses the original key function in recent versions. Update to the latest version for this fix.Keyboard Layout Issues
AZERTY / Non-QWERTY Keyboards
Shortcuts work with any keyboard layout since they use key codes, not characters. If you’re on a non-QWERTY layout and experiencing paste issues:- Try switching text insertion method to “Direct typing” in Settings > General
Specific Scenarios
Shortcut works in some apps but not others
Shortcut works in some apps but not others
Some apps intercept certain key combinations:
- F7 in browsers — triggers Caret Browsing mode (use a different key)
- Ctrl+Shift in terminals — may be bound to copy/paste
- Remote desktop apps — may consume shortcuts before Vowen sees them
Shortcut activates but recording doesn't start
Shortcut activates but recording doesn't start
Check if:
- Your microphone is connected and working
- The correct audio device is selected in Settings > Audio
- The audio device isn’t being used exclusively by another app
Multiple shortcuts triggering at once
Multiple shortcuts triggering at once
Vowen has a 500ms grace period to detect overlapping shortcuts. If you have similar shortcuts (e.g.,
Fn and Fn+Control), the more specific one wins. Try making your shortcuts more distinct.Want different shortcuts for with/without AI
Want different shortcuts for with/without AI
Configure alternative shortcuts in Settings > Shortcuts. Each shortcut can independently toggle AI Enhancement on or off, regardless of the global setting.