DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
Mountain View desk4 min

Android Offline Voice Typing: Set Up FUTO Voice Input

FUTO Voice Input offers an on-device alternative to Android voice typing, but it needs a compatible keyboard. Here is how to set it up and what to verify.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can replace cloud-dependent Android voice typing with an offline option, but the right setup depends on your keyboard. FUTO Voice Input is an Android speech-to-text app that its publisher says runs entirely on-device and stores no data. It can work with compatible keyboards; Gboard does not accept third-party voice-input providers, according to FUTO’s documentation. If you want to keep Gboard, its built-in voice typing is not replaced simply by installing another app.

What “offline voice typing” means on Android

Speech recognition can happen on the device or be handled by an online service. Choosing an app described as offline is only part of the setup: the keyboard must be able to hand dictation to that app, and the recognition engine must actually process speech locally.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Android’s RecognizerIntent API includes an EXTRA_PREFER_OFFLINE preference for apps that request speech recognition. The Android Developers reference warns that a recognition service may ignore it, so the preference is not a privacy guarantee. The app and recognition service handling the audio matter. Android Developers: RecognizerIntent API reference.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

FUTO Voice Input: the app-based route

FUTO describes Voice Input as an Android speech-to-text app that works entirely on-device and stores no data. It offers downloads through Google Play and F-Droid, as well as a standalone APK, and lists an optional one-time license. These are the publisher’s claims; they are not an independent verification of network activity, retention, or transcription quality. See FUTO Voice Input.

#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
  • Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.

To use it for keyboard dictation, choose a keyboard that supports an external voice-input provider or Android’s recognition interfaces. FUTO’s README lists HeliBoard, newer FlorisBoard releases, AnySoftKeyboard, Unexpected Keyboard v1.23 and later, and AOSP-derived keyboards as supported options. It says FUTO Keyboard has voice input integrated. Compatibility can change with app versions, so check the current project documentation and the keyboard’s settings before switching: FUTO Voice Input README.

Basic setup

  1. Install FUTO Voice Input from one of the download channels listed on the official FUTO page.

    Rank #2
    Sale
    Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
    • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
    • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
    • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
    • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
    • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
  2. Install or open a compatible keyboard. In that keyboard’s settings, look for its voice-input or speech-recognition provider option and select FUTO Voice Input if offered. The exact label and location vary by keyboard and version; consult the keyboard’s current instructions.

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  3. Set the compatible keyboard as the active keyboard in Android’s system keyboard settings, then open a text field and use its microphone or voice-input control.

    Rank #3
    Tracfone Motorola Moto G 2025, 64GB, Saphire Blue (Locked to
    • Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
    • DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
    • CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
    • PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
    • BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
  4. Test dictation with Wi-Fi and mobile data turned off after setup. Confirm that recognition still works in the apps where you intend to dictate. This checks the behavior on your own device; it does not independently verify every privacy or data-retention claim.

If you use Gboard or Samsung Keyboard

FUTO’s README says Gboard is hardcoded to Google’s own voice input and does not support third-party choices through its keyboard. It describes Samsung Keyboard as restricted to Samsung or Google voice input. Installing FUTO Voice Input alone therefore does not make either keyboard use it. To use FUTO’s app-based route, switch to a keyboard that supports it.

Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

Alternative: switch to FUTO Keyboard

FUTO Keyboard is a separate keyboard app with offline voice input built in, so it does not require pairing FUTO Voice Input with another keyboard. FUTO says the keyboard does not use an internet connection or transmit or store data. It also says the app remains under active development and may be missing features or languages. Check whether it supports your language and workflow before making it your everyday keyboard. Details are on FUTO Keyboard’s official page.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What Google documents about Gboard and privacy

Google describes several distinct learning mechanisms for Gboard. Its support documentation says federated learning is on by default and describes model updates that do not send the text you speak or type, while learned information is sent and combined with other users’ learnings. The page also describes on-device personalization recordings and transcripts that users can delete.

Best Value
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black (Renewed)
  • Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
  • 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
  • Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
  • 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
  • US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.

Separately, Google says audio donations are voluntary. If a user agrees, audio snippets are sent to and stored by Google to improve speech recognition; Google says those snippets are not retained beyond 18 months. This documented opt-in flow is not evidence that every Gboard dictation is routinely uploaded. Review Google’s current explanations and controls at Learn how Gboard gets better.

How to decide whether the switch is right for you

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.