Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues with ParrotPadMD.

Text Not Appearing

Problem: Dictated text doesn't appear in my text field

Solution 1: Check the Notepad
Your text is always saved to the built-in Notepad as a backup. Click the notepad icon on the overlay to access it.

Solution 2: Copy from Notepad

1. Open the Notepad (click notepad icon)
2. Select your text
3. Copy (Ctrl+C / Cmd+C)
4. Click in your destination field
5. Paste (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V)

Solution 3: Make sure you clicked a text field
When starting dictation, you must click a valid text field during targeting mode. Valid fields include:

• Text inputs
• Text areas
• Rich text editors
• Contenteditable elements

Google Docs, Word Online, and Similar Editors

Problem: Text goes to Notepad instead of the document

This is expected behavior. Canvas-based editors like Google Docs and Word Online don't allow browser extensions to insert text directly.

How to use ParrotPadMD with these editors:

1. Start recording (Alt/Opt+A)
2. Press Esc to skip field selection (or just let it auto-detect)
3. The Notepad opens automatically
4. Dictate your content
5. Stop recording (Alt/Opt+A)
6. Copy from Notepad and paste into your document

Detected editors that use Notepad mode:

• Google Docs
• Word Online (OneDrive)
• Other canvas-based editors

Punctuation Issues

Problem: Punctuation commands aren't converting

Check spoken punctuation is working:

• Say "period" → should become .
• Say "comma" → should become ,
• Say "new paragraph" → should create line breaks

Tips for better recognition:

1. Pause slightly before punctuation commands
2. Speak punctuation commands clearly
3. Don't rush through commands

Problem: Brackets appearing in text like [,] or [.]

This can happen when audio chunks are split at punctuation. The system usually cleans these up automatically, but if you see them:

1. Try reloading the page
2. Use the Notepad to manually edit
3. Report the issue via the feedback button

Recording Issues

Problem: Microphone not working

Check Chrome permissions:

1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Ensure Microphone is set to "Allow"
3. Try refreshing the page

Check your microphone selection:

1. Click the ParrotPadMD icon
2. Check the Microphone dropdown
3. Select the correct device
4. Test by starting a recording

Check system permissions:

• Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Allow Chrome
• Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Microphone → Chrome

Problem: Recording starts but no audio is captured

1. Check that your microphone isn't muted
2. Try a different microphone from the dropdown
3. Test your mic in another application
4. Refresh the page and try again

Field Targeting Issues

Problem: Can't click on the field I want

Some fields may not be recognized as valid targets. If a field doesn't highlight:

1. Press Esc during targeting to use Notepad mode
2. Dictate your content
3. Copy and paste from Notepad

Fields that may not work:

• Some custom-built EHR input components
• Certain iframe-embedded editors
• Read-only or disabled fields
• Canvas-rendered text areas

Extension Issues

Problem: ParrotPadMD cannot dictate on this page

ParrotPadMD shows one of two alerts, and each one has a different fix. Check which one you saw.

The tab was already open when ParrotPadMD was installed or updated, or Chrome site access for the extension is set to "On click".

1. Reload the tab
2. Click "Start Dictating" again
3. If it keeps happening, open chrome://extensions and find ParrotPadMD
4. Click "Details", then under "Site access" choose "On all sites"

From version 0.7.4 the extension repairs an open tab by itself when you click "Start Dictating", so this alert should be rare.

Chrome blocks every extension on its own pages, on the Chrome Web Store and in the built-in PDF viewer. Nothing in ParrotPadMD can change that.

1. Switch to the tab with your EHR or document
2. Click "Start Dictating" there

For a PDF, dictate into the Scratchpad or the Notepad on another tab, then paste the text where you need it.

Problem: Extension icon is missing

1. Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome toolbar
2. Find ParrotPadMD
3. Click the pin icon to keep it visible

Problem: Extension seems stuck

1. Right-click the ParrotPadMD icon
2. Select "Manage Extension"
3. Toggle the extension off and on
4. Refresh your EHR page

Problem: Overlay not appearing

1. Click the ParrotPadMD icon
2. Click "Show Overlay on Page"
3. Make sure you're signed in

The overlay visibility is saved per-tab. If you closed it on a tab, you need to re-show it.

Account & Usage Issues

Problem: "Limit Reached" message

You've used your monthly minutes. Options:

1. Upgrade to Pro — 300 minutes/month for $20, or Unlimited for $49
2. Buy a Credit Pack — $5 for 60 minutes (never expire)
3. Wait for reset — Free tier resets on the 1st of each month

Check your usage: Click extension icon → "account management" link

Problem: Can't sign in

For Google sign-in:

• Make sure you're signed into Chrome with a Google account
• Try signing out of Chrome and back in

For Microsoft sign-in:

• Use your work or personal Microsoft account
• Clear cookies if getting redirect errors

For Email link:

• Check spam folder for the sign-in email
• Links expire after 1 hour
• Request a new link if expired

Quality Issues

Problem: Transcription accuracy is poor

1. Reduce background noise — Find a quieter environment
2. Use a headset — Better audio quality than laptop mic
3. Speak naturally — Don't over-enunciate
4. Check microphone distance — Not too close, not too far

Problem: Medical terms not recognized correctly

1. Make sure you selected your specialty during onboarding
2. Update your specialty in Account settings
3. Specialty vocabulary is boosted for recognition

Getting More Help

• Feedback button: Click 👍 or 👎 in the extension popup
• Email support: support@parrotpadmd.com
• Sales inquiries: sales@parrotpadmd.com