FAQs
General
What makes Aqua different from other dictation tools?
Aqua formats dictated text for the app you are using. Add recurring words to Dictionary, set writing preferences with Custom Instructions if your plan includes them, and enable Deep Context when you want Aqua to use on-screen context.
Does Aqua really work in every app?
Aqua inserts text at the cursor across desktop apps without a browser extension. Some apps or fields restrict insertion. If a field does not work, tell support the app name and version.
How accurate is Aqua?
Accuracy depends on your voice, vocabulary, microphone, and mode. In an August 2025 review, 9to5Mac's Ben Lovejoy dictated the same passage into two Macs using their built-in microphones. He counted 17 errors for Apple Dictation and 1 for Aqua. This was one reviewer's passage test. The October 2025 OpenASR post reports a historical model result, not current standings.
How fast is Aqua?
Insertion time varies with the dictation mode, microphone, and connection. If Aqua feels slow to start, the microphone delay guide explains common causes and fixes.
Does Aqua need an internet connection?
Cloud dictation needs an internet connection. Offline availability varies by platform, app version, and mode; contact support to check what your setup supports.
Does Aqua have a free trial?
Yes. Starter includes 1,000 free words with no credit card required. See pricing for paid plans after you use the allowance.
Does Aqua have a student discount?
Students get 70% off Pro and Max with monthly or annual billing. Sign up with an eligible school email. Supported domains include .edu and international academic domains such as .ac.uk; see pricing for details.
Does Aqua have a Desktop app?
Yes. Aqua has Mac and Windows apps. The download page has the current installers and system requirements.
Does Aqua have an iOS app?
Yes. Aqua has an iPhone voice keyboard with Voice Edit Mode. Get it from the download page, or read the iOS launch post for an introduction.
What languages does Aqua support?
Aqua supports English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic, and more. Choose your language in Settings; the language guide lists supported dictation languages.
Can Aqua switch languages automatically?
Yes. Select Auto-Detect in language settings to detect the language for each dictation. On desktop, Auto-Detect uses Instant dictation rather than Realtime.
I’m switching from Dragon. Will it handle my vocabulary?
Add names and specialist terms to Dictionary. If your plan includes Custom Instructions, use them for writing preferences. Try your recurring vocabulary in a sentence and check the spelling.
How can I contact you?
Email support@withaqua.com for account, billing, or app questions. For an app problem, include your Aqua version, operating system, and the steps that caused it.
Can I dictate into spreadsheets?
Yes. Select a cell or open its text-editing mode, then dictate. Fill other cells separately. If insertion fails, tell support which spreadsheet app and version you use.
How do I hide the black floating bar at the bottom?
In Settings, scroll to System and turn off Show Floating Bar.
I have a conflict with the default hotkey.
In Settings, find Keybindings. Click the pencil beside the shortcut, enter a different key or combination, and select Save.
How do I reset my hotkeys to the default (Fn)?
In desktop Settings, find Keybindings and select the Reset to Defaults button beneath that section. On Mac, the default activation key is Fn.
I have a hotkey conflict in Outlook.
In Outlook on the web, check keyboard shortcuts under Settings > General > Accessibility. You can also change Aqua's activation key: open Settings, find Keybindings, click the pencil beside the shortcut, and save a different key.
My antivirus flags the installer.
Check that the installer came from Aqua's download page. Send support the warning and installer version so the alert can be investigated. If your device is managed, ask your IT team to review it before proceeding.
I’m having issues with the client, what should I do?
Send support your Aqua version, operating system, and steps to reproduce the problem. Support can tell you which logs to share and how to send them.
When I use AirPods, there seems to be a delay.
Bluetooth microphone mode switching can add delay. Try your computer's built-in microphone or a wired microphone and compare it with your AirPods.
Customizing Aqua
Do I have access to Avalon?
On desktop, open Settings and find Transcription Model. The selector shows choices such as Avalon 1.5 and Whisper, and indicates which your account can use. Model availability can vary by app version and account access.
Do you support UK or British English?
If your plan includes Custom Instructions, request UK spelling and give examples such as colour, cheque, and organisation. Review the result for the spelling you want.
How can I control punctuation (e.g., title lines without periods; double spaces after periods)?
If your plan includes Custom Instructions, add a punctuation rule with an example, such as a bullet item without a trailing period. Review the result and refine the example if needed.
Accounts & Teams
Can I change the email address on my account?
Email support from your current account address to request an email change.
Can I rename a Team?
Yes. The team owner can open Account in the desktop app and select Manage. On the management page, open the Team Options menu above the member list and choose Rename Team.
Can I transfer Team ownership?
Contact support to request a Team ownership transfer.
How do I delete my account?
In the iPhone app, open Settings and choose Delete Account to request deletion. You can also email support from your registered address. Account deletion and subscription cancellation are separate; manage an Apple-billed subscription in Apple's subscription settings. See the Privacy Policy for deletion and retention details.
Our corporate network blocks Aqua Voice. What endpoints and protocols are required?
Aqua uses HTTPS and secure WebSockets (WSS) over port 443. Hostname examples include api.aquavoice.com, core.aquavoice.com, and realtime.aquavoice.com. This is not a complete allowlist; support can provide the hosts needed for your platform and version. Proxies that block WSS or inspect TLS can cause connection errors.
Do you offer analytics and admin controls for large deployments?
Team includes centralized billing, team settings, and Privacy Mode enforcement. Business adds advanced reporting, SSO/SAML, SCIM, and other organization controls. Compare plans on the pricing page or contact Aqua about your deployment.
Is Aqua Voice SOC 2 certified?
Aqua has a SOC 2 Type II report. SOC 2 is an audit report, not a certification. Use the Trust Center to request the report and review controls and subprocessors.
Plans & Billing
Can I pay monthly?
Yes. Monthly and annual billing are available. Choose your billing period at checkout; pricing shows both options.
How do I switch between monthly and annual after purchase?
Open Billing & Subscription to see the changes available for your plan. Contact support if the billing period you want is not offered. For Apple-billed purchases, use Apple's subscription settings.
Can I change the name in my invoice?
For a direct Stripe subscription, open Manage, then Update Payment to reach the billing portal and update the billing name. Team members should ask their billing owner. Contact support to correct an invoice that has already been issued. Apple-billed purchases use Apple's billing system.
Can I add my tax ID to my invoice?
For a direct Stripe subscription, open Manage, then Update Payment to reach the billing portal. Add your tax ID in the billing details if the field is available; otherwise contact support. Team members should ask their billing owner. Contact support about an issued invoice. Apple-billed purchases use Apple's billing system.
Can I use multiple devices with the same Pro account?
Yes. Sign in to the same Pro account on your devices. If a device does not recognize the subscription, contact support.
Do I have to pay extra to get the iOS or the Desktop app?
Use the same Aqua account on iPhone and desktop to access your subscription. If the app asks you to pay again, confirm you signed in to that account and contact support if the subscription is still not recognized.