How to verify Dictivo Local mode with a network monitor
Dictivo Local mode is designed so microphone audio is processed on your device. This page explains how to verify that boundary with a network monitor before using Dictivo for sensitive dictation.
Short answer
In Local mode, Dictivo should not upload microphone audio or transcripts to a transcription service. Network activity you may still see is for product operations such as app updates, license actions, downloads, support, or optional Cloud Fast when you choose that mode.
What to test
Install the model first and let downloads finish. Record the app version, operating system, model, and mode. Monitor Dictivo and its helper processes continuously before, during, and after a short non-sensitive dictation. Record destination hosts and changes in outgoing bytes, including traffic on connections that were already open.
Repeat in Local mode with network access blocked after setup and activation are complete. Check that recording, transcription, and paste still work. Then restore the connection and observe any delayed traffic. If you already have Cloud Fast access, use a non-sensitive phrase as a separate comparison; expect a transcription request in that mode.
A connection count alone cannot show whether audio was uploaded. Encrypted traffic does not reveal its contents, and sampling can miss brief transfers, helper processes, or activity outside the observation window. This is a test procedure, not a published measurement or a guarantee about every future session. Separate product traffic such as updates, trial activation, and optional statistics from transcription traffic.
- Local mode: record, transcribe, and paste while watching for upload activity.
- Cloud Fast mode: expect a remote transcription request because you chose the speed path.
- Model downloads and update checks are separate from dictation upload behavior.
Expected network surface
Dictivo does not promise that the desktop app never uses the network. The privacy claim is narrower and more useful: Local dictation should not send the recording or transcript to a transcription server.
The app may also use the network for update checks, model downloads, licenses, billing, support and optional Cloud Fast. These product operations are separate from uploading Local recordings for transcription. Usage statistics are off unless you enable them in Settings. Separately from that setting, the Local trial reports two milestones to api.dictivo.app: trial start and the first Local transcript successfully copied or pasted. Reports contain a hashed device identifier, platform, app version, trial-start time and a capability flag; the success report adds its time. Failed deliveries may retry. Neither report contains audio or transcript text.
- Use Local mode for sensitive audio.
- Use Cloud Fast only for recordings you are comfortable processing remotely.
- Email support@dictivo.app if Local mode behavior does not match this page.
Frequently asked questions
01 Does Dictivo Local mode upload audio?
No. Local mode is designed to keep dictation audio on the device for transcription.
02 Why might I still see Dictivo use the network?
The app may also use the network for update checks, model downloads, licenses, billing, support and optional Cloud Fast. These product operations are separate from uploading Local recordings for transcription. Usage statistics are off unless you enable them in Settings. Separately from that setting, the Local trial reports two milestones to api.dictivo.app: trial start and the first Local transcript successfully copied or pasted. Reports contain a hashed device identifier, platform, app version, trial-start time and a capability flag; the success report adds its time. Failed deliveries may retry. Neither report contains audio or transcript text.
03 Should Cloud Fast show network activity?
Yes. Cloud Fast is the optional speed mode that sends the selected recording for remote transcription.
04 What should I do if a Local dictation opens an unexpected connection?
Record the timestamp, app version, operating system, and destination host, then email support@dictivo.app so the discrepancy can be investigated.