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Tana Meeting Transcription Not Working

Workaround available Mac, Windows Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Tana's notetaker records system audio through the desktop app, so missing microphone or system-audio permission is the usual cause. Grant OS permissions, make sure you have AI credits, and if a transcript won't stop, use 'Debug node' and set Meeting bot status to Done.

Most likely fix: Grant microphone and system audio permissions.

Symptoms

Recording never starts, transcript is empty or only has your voice, transcription keeps running after the call, or no summary appears.

Why it happens

  • Microphone or system audio permission not granted
  • Using the web app instead of the desktop app
  • Out of AI credits for post-processing
  • Meeting status stuck so processing never starts

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Grant microphone and system audio permissions

    1. macOS: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and the audio/screen recording entries, enable Tana
    2. Windows: Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone, allow desktop apps
    3. Recent versions open Settings > Permissions automatically if access is missing

  2. 2. Record from the desktop app

    1. Install Tana Outliner Desktop (Mac or Windows)
    2. Click the meeting notification to start transcription when the call starts

  3. 3. Stop a stuck transcription

    1. Open the meeting node
    2. Run the command 'Debug node'
    3. Set 'Meeting bot status' to Done; text processing then starts

  4. 4. Check AI credits

    1. Post-processing uses AI credits; check your balance
    2. Top up from web or desktop on a paid plan

  5. 5. Fix the recording shortcut

    1. Go to Options > Customize keybindings
    2. On Windows press Alt to show the Options menu

This guide also covers

  • tana meeting transcription not working
  • tana transcription won't stop
  • tana meeting notes not recording
  • tana notetaker

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