Troubleshooting

"Failed to load model" on first launch

The AI model (~142 MB) downloads automatically on first launch. If the download fails, check your internet connection and relaunch WhisperFree. The model is saved to the models folder next to the app.

VC++ Redistributable missing

WhisperFree requires the Visual C++ Redistributable 2022. If the installer warns you, download it from aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe and install it before launching WhisperFree.

"WhisperFree can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer"

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click "Open Anyway" next to the WhisperFree message. This only needs to be done once.

Model download fails

The AI model downloads from the internet on first launch. Make sure you have a stable connection. The model is saved to ~/Library/Application Support/WhisperFree/models/. If the download stalls, quit and reopen the app.

Hotkey not working / "WhisperFree needs Accessibility access"

WhisperFree needs Accessibility permission to detect global hotkeys. When you first launch, macOS shows a permission dialog.

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
• Find WhisperFree in the list and make sure the toggle is on
• If you reinstalled the app, toggle it off then back on — macOS sometimes keeps a stale entry for the old app

The app automatically detects when permission is granted. No restart needed.

No audio / microphone not working

WhisperFree requests microphone permission on your first recording. If you denied it:

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
• Find WhisperFree and enable it

Hotkey not working

Some applications capture Ctrl+Alt before WhisperFree can. Try changing the hotkey in the tray menu to a different combination like Ctrl+Shift.

No sound captured / wrong microphone

Right-click the WhisperFree tray icon, go to Microphone, and select the correct input device. If you're using a headset or external mic, make sure it's selected.

Slow transcription on Intel Mac

This is expected. Intel Macs run the AI model on CPU only (no GPU acceleration). Apple Silicon Macs use Metal GPU and are significantly faster. For best results on Intel, use the Base EN model.

"No speech detected" or blank results

• Make sure you're speaking clearly within a few inches of your microphone
• Hold the hotkey for at least 1 second — very short recordings are discarded
• Check that the correct microphone is selected (Windows: tray menu, macOS: System Settings)
• Reduce background noise if possible

"30s limit reached"

Free users are limited to 30-second recordings. Upgrade to PRO for unlimited recording length.

"Invalid Key"

Make sure your key matches the format: LW-PRO-NAME-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Copy the entire key including the LW- prefix. Check for extra spaces before or after the key.

"Activation failed" / machine limit reached

Each license key is tied to one machine. If you've changed computers or reinstalled your OS, contact support@tickerkey.com to reset your activation.

App works offline but activation fails online

WhisperFree validates your license online periodically and works offline for up to 30 days. If online activation fails, check your internet connection. The app will retry automatically on next launch.

Free version — do I need a key?

No. The free version works without any license key. Just skip the activation step. You'll get English voice typing with the Base model, limited to 30-second recordings.