iOS 27 finally lets you hide the Audio button in Messages—here’s how

We’ve all done it. Some more than others (just ask Justin Bieber). That annoying microphone button on the text entry line in the Messages app that kicks off dictation. It could be a button to start recording an Audio Message, depending on context.

Either way, it’s not something you want to tap when you’re trying to type text. And for far too many people, that’s exactly what happens.

Good news! In iOS 27, Apple allows you to decide whether that button activates Dictation or Audio Messages, or turn it off entirely. Here’s how you do it.

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap Apps
3. Tap Messages
4. Scroll down and tap on the Show in Text Field setting
5. Select either Record Audio, Start Dictation, or None.

If you turn off this button, you can still use Dictation by tapping the microphone button on the keyboard. If you want to send an Audio message, tap the (+) button on the left of the text entry field and select Audio. (And remember, you can tap-and-hold then drag to reorder that list!)