Why Offline Speech-to-Text Matters
Internet connections aren't always available. You might be on a plane, in a remote cabin, at a coffee shop with unreliable WiFi, or in an office building with restricted network access. For anyone who relies on voice typing, losing internet access shouldn't mean losing the ability to dictate.
Beyond convenience, offline speech-to-text offers a critical privacy advantage: if your audio never touches a network, it can never be intercepted, stored, or analyzed by any third party. Learn more about the privacy benefits of local processing.
What You Need
Hardware Requirements
- Any Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4, or later) — Intel Macs work but with slower performance
- At least 8 GB RAM — 16 GB recommended for the larger Whisper models
- Storage space — 100 MB to 3 GB depending on the model you choose
- A working microphone — Built-in, USB, or Bluetooth
Software
- Scrybapp — The simplest way to get Whisper AI running locally on your Mac
- macOS Sonoma or later — For optimal Apple Silicon performance
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Download Scrybapp
Visit scrybapp.com/download and download the latest version. The app is a standard macOS application — drag it to your Applications folder.
Step 2: First Launch and Permissions
Open Scrybapp. On first launch, it will request two permissions:
- Microphone access — Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and enable Scrybapp
- Accessibility access — Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and enable Scrybapp. This allows the app to type text into other applications.
Step 3: Download a Whisper Model
Scrybapp will prompt you to download a Whisper model. This is the AI engine that converts your speech to text. Choose based on your Mac and needs:
| Model | Download Size | Best For | Minimum Mac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny | ~75 MB | Quick notes, casual use | Any Mac |
| Base | ~140 MB | Everyday dictation | Any Mac |
| Small | ~460 MB | Professional use, most users | M1, 8 GB |
| Medium | ~1.5 GB | High accuracy needs | M1, 16 GB |
| Large | ~3 GB | Maximum accuracy | M2+, 16 GB |
Our recommendation: Start with the Small model. It offers excellent accuracy at a modest size, and it runs smoothly on every Apple Silicon Mac. You can always upgrade later.
Step 4: Download While Online
The model download is the only step that requires an internet connection. Once the model is saved to your Mac, everything works offline. Make sure to download your preferred model(s) before going offline.
Step 5: Test Your Setup
Open any text application — Notes, TextEdit, or your preferred editor. Press Option + Space (the default shortcut), speak a test sentence, and press the shortcut again. Your text should appear in the application.
Step 6: Go Offline
Turn off your WiFi, disconnect your ethernet, enable Airplane Mode — whatever you prefer. Now try dictating again. It works exactly the same way. No internet required, no degradation in quality, no difference in speed.
Optimizing Offline Performance
Choosing the Right Model
If you're on a plane or in a situation where battery life matters, use the Tiny or Base model. They consume less power and process faster. For critical work where accuracy is paramount, use Medium or Large.
Microphone Tips for Mobile Use
When dictating away from your desk:
- AirPods or any Bluetooth headset with a microphone work well
- Built-in Mac microphone is acceptable in quiet environments
- Hold your device at a consistent distance from your mouth
- Shield the microphone from wind if you're outdoors
Use Cases for Offline Dictation
Travel
Planes, trains, and hotels with bad WiFi are prime use cases. Write emails, draft documents, and take notes during transit. Have everything ready to send when you reconnect.
Remote Work
Working from a cabin, beach house, or anywhere with limited connectivity. Your speech-to-text works just as well off-grid as it does in a fiber-connected office.
Secure Environments
Some workplaces restrict internet access for security reasons. Military, government, and high-security corporate environments can still benefit from voice typing with fully offline tools.
Troubleshooting
"No model found" error
Make sure you've downloaded at least one Whisper model while connected to the internet. Check Scrybapp's settings to verify the model is installed.
Low accuracy offline
This is the same accuracy as online — there's no difference because Scrybapp always processes locally. If accuracy seems low, try a larger model, check your microphone, or move to a quieter environment.
Slow processing
On older Intel Macs, larger models may process slowly. Switch to the Tiny or Base model for better speed. On Apple Silicon, even the Medium model should process near-instantly.
The Freedom of True Offline
There's something liberating about knowing your tools work regardless of connectivity. With Scrybapp, your speech-to-text is always available, always private, and always accurate. No "connecting to server" spinners, no "internet required" messages, no compromises.
Download Scrybapp and set up offline dictation today. Remember, you only need internet for the initial model download — after that, you're free.