This guide walks you through every step — from creating your account to recording your first note. Follow each step in order for the smoothest experience.
What you'll need
- Your Voicebuds and charging case with enough charge to pair
- An iPhone or Mac with Bluetooth enabled
- The Subtle app installed (download here)
- An internet connection for account creation and AI features
Step 1 — Create your account
- Download and open the app (download here)
- Tap "Allow" to enable Subtle to access Speech Recognition
- Tap "Get Started"
- Create account by entering first name, last name, email, and a secure password, then submit.
Open the Subtle app → tap Get started → Sign up. Enter your first name, last name, email, and a secure password, then submit.
Step 2 — Verify your email
On the Check your email screen, open your inbox and find the Subtle confirmation message. Tap the link to confirm, then return to the app.
Step 3 — Pair your Voicebuds
Confirm your earbuds are charged, Bluetooth is on, and the case is open near your phone. Press and hold the Pairing Button for 3 seconds until the light begins to slowly pulse white to indicate pairing mode. Open your device’s Bluetooth settings and select “Subtle Voicebuds” to pair.
If you are having issues with pairing, check the Bluetooth connectivity troubleshooting guide.
Step 4 — Add the Subtle Keyboard
Tap Add Subtle Keyboard on the setup screen. In iOS Settings:
- Tap General → Keyboard → Keyboards
- Tap Add New Keyboard and find "Voice Keyboard - Subtle"
- Tap "Voice Keyboard - Subtle" and enable "Allow Full Access"
- Return to app to finish onboarding
Step 5 — Verify the keyboard
Open any app with a text field. Tap the 🌐 globe key to cycle keyboards until Subtle is selected. You'll see Keyboard is ready to use in the app.
Step 6 — Take your first note
From Home, tap the mic button, record a sentence or phrase, tap stop. Your note appears in the Home Feed.
Step 7 — Start your first chat
From Home, tap the mic button, tap "AI Chat" at the top to switch recording type, ask a question, a new chat window will open with the response, click the mic or type in the text field to follow-up.
What to expect
- Pairing typically completes in under a minute
- Transcription and AI features need an internet connection
- AI outputs may contain errors — review before relying on them
Something went wrong?
- Can't pair: See "Voicebuds not found / can't pair"
- Dictation not working in other apps: See "Dictating in Apps"
- Still stuck: See "Contact support: what to include"