Microphone Permission
Microphone permission is the macOS privacy permission that allows an app to capture audio input from the user’s mic.
Microphone Permission Microphone permission is the macOS privacy permission that allows an app to capture audio input from the user’s mic.
What it means
Microphone permission is the privacy gate for capturing live audio. If it is denied, speech input stops before recognition even begins.
What it does and does not grant
This permission allows audio capture only. It does not by itself allow global shortcuts, UI control, or inserting text into another app.
Why it matters in Mallo
Users trust setup more when permissions are explained narrowly and honestly. For Mallo, microphone permission is the first requirement, but not the only one involved in a full dictation workflow.
FAQ
Common questions
Can dictation work without microphone permission?
No. Without microphone access, the app cannot receive the audio it needs to transcribe.
Does microphone permission also let the app type into other apps?
No. Audio capture and text insertion are separate concerns with different permissions and system rules.
Why should Mallo explain this clearly?
Because users often confuse mic access with broader system control, which makes setup feel more invasive than it is.
Sources
Further reading
- Control access to the microphone on Mac (Apple Support)