SayCopy identifies the spoken language for you.
Auto-detect uses GPT-4o Transcribe as a dedicated engine. It is designed to return the transcript in the language you spoke instead of translating it into English.
Help & FAQ
Know exactly what SayCopy is doing.
Learn which model handles your recording, how Auto-detect works, what Light cleanup changes, and what to check when a result is not what you expected.
Start here
Choose how SayCopy handles the recording language
Your preferred transcription model is used.
Choose a language when you want SayCopy to send a language hint to your preferred model, such as Deepgram Nova-3, Whisper, Chirp, MAI, or another compatible model.
Your source recording language is saved and restored the next time you open SayCopy. Selecting Auto-detect does not erase or replace your preferred model. In Settings you may see both Preferred: deepgram/nova-3 and Auto engine: openai/gpt-4o-transcribe. That is expected.
The model map
SayCopy separates three different jobs
- Preferred transcription model
- Converts speech into text when you explicitly select English, Spanish, or Arabic. You can choose it from the OpenRouter transcription-model list.
- Auto-detect engine
- Detects and transcribes the spoken language when Recording language is set to Auto-detect. This is currently GPT-4o Transcribe and is independent of the preferred model.
- Text-processing model
- Works after speech-to-text. It handles every translation and, when enabled, Light cleanup. The Fast, Balanced, and Best Quality presets apply to this step.
After transcription
Light cleanup is not translation
A text model improves punctuation, capitalization, spacing, obvious filler, and small transcription artifacts. It must preserve the original language and script. SayCopy limits this polishing step so it cannot become an open-ended rewrite.
SayCopy shows the raw speech-to-text result and skips the second model call. This is useful when comparing the original transcript with a cleaned result.
SayCopy changes languages only in Translate mode. In that mode, speech is transcribed first and then the text-processing model translates it into the target language you selected.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
I selected Deepgram. Why does Auto-detect show GPT-4o Transcribe?
Deepgram remains your preferred model and is used when you select English, Spanish, or Arabic. Auto-detect uses a dedicated engine because providers expose different language-detection controls, and omitting a language does not behave consistently across all of them.
Can I keep Whisper, Chirp, MAI, or NVIDIA selected?
Yes. Any available model can remain your preferred transcription model while Auto-detect uses its dedicated engine. When you choose a specific language, SayCopy uses the preferred model if it supports that language.
How do I know a model choice was saved?
After you choose a preset, select a model from the browser, or tap a custom-model save button, SayCopy shows a green confirmation above the bottom navigation. The active model label also updates to the saved choice.
Why not use each provider's own Auto-detect option?
Provider controls are not standardized. Some require a separate detection flag, some accept a special language value, and some do not support every SayCopy language. A dedicated Auto engine gives users one consistent behavior.
Do the Fast, Balanced, and Best Quality presets change speech-to-text?
No. Those presets choose the text-processing model used for translation and Light cleanup. Your preferred transcription model and the Auto engine are separate.
Does turning Light cleanup off disable translation?
No. It skips cleanup only in Transcribe mode. Translate mode still uses the active text-processing model because translation is the requested result.
Where are my recordings and history stored?
Version 1 stores history on the current device. It does not sync between devices, and deleting the app may remove that local history. Temporary recordings are sent for processing and are not kept in SayCopy history.
Quick checks
Troubleshooting
Auto-detect returns the wrong language
Confirm you have the latest SayCopy build and that Recording language says Auto-detect. Try a clear five-to-ten-second recording. To compare results, turn Light cleanup off once, then retry with the explicit language selected.
Cleanup failed
SayCopy keeps, saves, and displays the original transcription. You can use it immediately, retry after a moment, or turn Light cleanup off. Cleanup uses the text-processing model, so it can fail even when the speech-to-text step succeeded.
“OpenRouter token missing”
Follow the OpenRouter setup guide, paste your key into SayCopy Settings, and tap Save token.
A request was rejected or payment is required
Confirm your OpenRouter key is active, your account has available credit, and its spending limit has not been reached. Model availability and account restrictions can also affect routing.
The microphone does not start
On iPhone, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. On Android, open Settings → Apps → SayCopy → Permissions → Microphone. Make sure SayCopy is allowed, then reopen the app and try again.
A request timed out
Check your internet connection and try a shorter recording. Model providers can also be temporarily busy, so retrying after a moment may help.
Still need help?
Use the SayCopy contact form. Include your device model, operating system version, recording language setting, preferred transcription model, whether Light cleanup was on, and the exact error message if one appeared.
Never include your OpenRouter API key in a support message or screenshot.