Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Fix Can't Find the Google Voice Typing Option in Android 4.4 Kitkat

In my previous post, I wrote that the microphone icon wouldn't be displayed in the keyboard if the Google voice typing option was disabled. So, in order to display the microphone icon in the keyboard, then we have to enable Google voice typing option in the language and input settings.

See also: How to Fix Missing the Microphone Icon in the Samsung Galaxy S4 Keyboard

A couple days back, some insiders confirmed that they couldn't find the Google voice typing option under the language and input settings when they wanted to enable it to display the mic icon in the keyboard. Apparently, this problem is occur if the Google search app has not been installed yet or if the Google search app is disabled. So, to get back the Google voice typing option, you need to install and/or enable the Google search app.



How to fix can't find the Google voice typing option in Android 4.4 Kitkat?
Depending on the causes, here are the steps to fix this problem:
Method I: Installing the Google search app
By default, the Google search app is a stock app and it can't be uninstalled, but for any reason if the Google search app has not been installed yet, then to get back the Google voice typing option you have to install this app first. You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Open the Play Store.
  2. Tap the Magnifying glass icon and then enter "google search" in the search field. Tap the Google search on the pop up menu to start searching.
  3. In the search result list, tap the Google search app.
  4. Tap Install button.
  5. Tap Accept button to start installing.

Method II: Enabling and updating the Google search app
If the Google search app has been installed in your phone, but you still can't find the Google voice typing option, maybe the Google search app is disabled. You have to enable and then update the Google search app to get back the Google voice typing option. You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap More tab.
  3. Tap Application manager.
  4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the Disabled tab.
  5. If you see the Google search app or com.google.android.googlequicks.. is listed here then tap the app to open the app info screen.
  6. Tap Enable button to enable this app.
  7. Now, open the Play Store app to update the Google search app. 
  8. Tap the three horizontal line icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
  9. Tap My Apps.
  10. Under the Updates section, you should see that the Google search update is available.
  11. Tap Google search app.
  12. Tap Update button.
  13. Tap Accept button to start updating.

Once you done these steps, you should see the Google voice typing option is available under the language and input settings. By default, this option is enabled. But, in some cases, this option is disabled. If so, you have to enable this option manually to get back the mic icon in the keyboard. If you don't know how to do so, you can see the complete steps in the link I've mentioned above.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you! I finally have my microphone back after several months of not being able to find it. I had to look for the Google Search app, and only when I found it, did the Google Voice Typing option appear. When I went to the Play Store, and looked up the Google Search app(and I had to look up the image to be able to select the correct one, because Google has so many apps), When I found it, and clicked on it,there was a "disabled" option on it, and when I enabled it, I could see the Google Voice Typing. My microphone was back instantly! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi CanoRaven,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm happy to know that your issue finally can be fixed :)

      Delete
  2. WOW thank you so much! This totally worked.

    ReplyDelete

Hi the insiders,
Thanks for coming and I hope you can get something useful here.
Before submitting your comment to ask about an issue, please make sure to provide information as much as possible (at least write your model number and Android version) and describe the problem clearly.
Also, since all comments will be moderated, all comments with irrelevant links(if any) or contain with offensive/harsh word will be deleted.
The last, if you have a question and can't find the relevant article, please feel free to reach me through the Contact us page. I'll be more than happy to reply the email and answer the question :)