VoiceKey by Sentinel Resources
Product Support

VoiceKey Support

Setup guidance and troubleshooting for the VoiceKey app and compatible Patrol Key / VoiceKey hardware.

iPhone
Bluetooth LE
VoiceKey
USB HID
Computer
What VoiceKey Does

A hardware companion and text-entry utility

VoiceKey lets a user dictate speech on an iPhone, send the resulting text over Bluetooth Low Energy to paired Patrol Key / VoiceKey hardware, and have the hardware type the text into a connected computer as a standard USB keyboard.

01
Initial Setup

Getting Started

Complete these steps in order before your first dictation.

  1. 1
    Install the app

    Install VoiceKey on your iPhone.

  2. 2
    Connect the hardware

    Connect the Patrol Key / VoiceKey hardware to your computer by USB.

  3. 3
    Open a text field

    Open a text field on the computer, such as a blank Notepad document, and place the cursor where text should appear.

  4. 4
    Open VoiceKey

    Launch VoiceKey on your iPhone and grant the requested Bluetooth, microphone, and speech-recognition permissions.

  5. 5
    Open Bluetooth

    Select the Bluetooth tab in VoiceKey.

  6. 6
    Scan for hardware

    Start a scan and wait for the compatible VoiceKey hardware to appear.

  7. 7
    Pair and connect

    Select the intended device and confirm that VoiceKey reports a successful connection.

  8. 8
    Dictate and send

    Return to the Voice tab. Hold the physical push-to-talk button, speak, release the button, review the transcription, and send it.

First test: Keep Notepad focused on the computer and send a short phrase. VoiceKey hardware types into whichever text field currently has focus.

02
Common Issues

Troubleshooting

Select an issue to view practical recovery steps.

The app cannot find the hardware.
  • Confirm the Patrol Key / VoiceKey hardware is powered through USB and positioned near the iPhone.
  • Confirm Bluetooth permission is enabled for VoiceKey in iOS Settings.
  • Make sure the hardware is not already connected to another iPhone or app.
  • Stop the scan, power-cycle the hardware, and scan again.
  • If the device was previously paired, forget it in VoiceKey and reconnect.
The hardware connects but does not type.
  • Open a text field and click inside it so the cursor is active.
  • Confirm the USB cable supports data, not charging only.
  • Verify the computer recognizes the hardware as a USB keyboard or HID device.
  • Send a short test phrase from VoiceKey while the text field remains focused.
  • If text still does not appear, reconnect the USB cable and restart the hardware.
Dictation does not start.
  • Confirm Microphone and Speech Recognition permissions are enabled for VoiceKey in iOS Settings.
  • Confirm the app shows the intended hardware as connected.
  • Return to the Voice tab before using the physical push-to-talk button.
  • Hold the button while speaking and release it when finished.
  • If an on-device recognition mode is selected, confirm it is supported for the chosen language and iOS configuration.
The app says the firmware did not answer HELLO:1.

This message means the app connected over Bluetooth but did not receive the expected compatibility handshake from the hardware.

  • Disconnect the device in VoiceKey, power-cycle the hardware, and reconnect.
  • Confirm you selected the intended Patrol Key / VoiceKey device.
  • Make sure another phone is not connected to the hardware.
  • Install compatible hardware firmware if an update is available from your device provider.
  • If the message continues, contact support with the app and firmware versions.
Background or locked-screen use does not behave as expected.

iOS limits microphone use and speech recognition while an app is suspended or the phone is locked. Bluetooth may reconnect in the background where iOS permits, but continuous background dictation is not guaranteed.

  • Unlock the iPhone and bring VoiceKey to the foreground.
  • Confirm the hardware reconnects in the Bluetooth tab.
  • Return to the Voice tab before beginning dictation.
The wrong Bluetooth device appears.
  • Compare the displayed device name or identifier with your hardware.
  • Temporarily power off nearby VoiceKey-compatible devices and scan again.
  • Forget the incorrect trusted device in VoiceKey.
  • Power on only the intended hardware, then pair and reconnect.
The transcription is inaccurate.
  • Speak clearly at a natural pace and reduce nearby noise where practical.
  • Confirm the correct recognition language or locale is selected.
  • Make sure the iPhone microphone is not covered or obstructed.
  • Allow the final transcription to finish before sending it.
  • Review important text for accuracy before sending it to the computer.
03
Data and Permissions

Privacy

VoiceKey is designed around local use and data minimization.

  • VoiceKey does not require an account.
  • Dictated text is not sent to a VoiceKey cloud server.
  • Dictated text is not used for advertising or analytics.
  • VoiceKey uses Bluetooth only to communicate with paired hardware.
  • VoiceKey uses the microphone only while dictation is active.
Read the full VoiceKey Privacy Policy