Is There an Easy Way to Transcribe Voice Memos on an iPhone?
Is There an Easy Way to Transcribe Voice Memos on an iPhone?
3 Answers

Got some voice memos on your iPhone that you want to turn into text? No worries, there are a few ways to get the job done, nice and easy. Let’s dive into some options:
- Using Apple Notes:
Here’s a handy trick—use the Notes app right on your phone!
- Fire up the Voice Memos app and pick the memo you need to transcribe.
- Hit that Share icon, and choose Copy to Notes.
- Once you open Notes, find the memo you just saved there.
- Now play the memo and tap the mic button on the keyboard to let the app transcribe as it plays. Easy peasy!
- Third-Party Apps to the Rescue:
There are some cool apps out there that can do the heavy lifting for you:
- Transcribe – Speech to Text: This app is your go-to on the App Store. Load up your voice memo, and let it work its magic.
- Just download, open, and upload your memo file. Voilà, text transcript!
- Go the Online Route:
If you prefer, online transcription services can be pretty neat too.
- Transfer your voice memo to your computer, using iTunes or iCloud, and then upload it to a transcription service’s website.
- Sit back and relax while it processes the audio into text for you.
So, these are some foolproof ways to transcribe those iPhone voice memos. Pick what suits you best, whether it’s quick and free or needs a bit of cash for more detailed results. And if you’re still on the fence, the Apple Support page has some helpful tips too.

Alright, so you\’re looking for a way to transcribe voice memos on your iPhone? Let’s dive right into it. If you\’re using iOS 18 or later, you\’re in luck because Apple’s Voice Memos app has got you covered with transcription built right in. Here’s a quick rundown on how you can get that going, plus a few alternatives just in case.
First up, using the transcription feature while you\’re still recording is super easy. Start by opening up the Voice Memos app—it’s usually hanging out in your Utilities folder. Hit that record button, and as you\’re chatting away, just swipe up from the top of the waveform. Like magic, you’ll see a live transcription. If you wanna switch back to the waveform, just tap it again.
Once you’re done recording, reviewing the transcript is a cinch. Tap on the recording you’re interested in, then hit those three dots to find the “View Transcript” option. Sometimes there\’s even a speech bubble icon you can tap on in the Edit Recording section. From there, you can do whatever you want with the text—copy it, share it, you name it.
Here’s the kicker: this feature is only available on iPhone 12 models and later, and it works in several languages including English, Spanish, and a bunch more. Oh, and it’ll even transcribe older recordings when you open them in the app.
Now, should you find yourself needing more features or languages, check out apps like “Transcribe – Speech to Text 4+.” These apps can really amp up your transcription game with support for over 120 languages and formats like TXT or PDF. Most of them offer trials if you fancy giving it a go before committing.
For those moments when you need instant captions, why not try Live Captions in Accessibility settings? You can turn it on in Settings under Accessibility. It’s handy for more than just Voice Memos; it’s great for calls and videos, although it primarily shines with English (US/Canada).
Having trouble? Make sure you’re up to date with iOS 18 and on an iPhone 12 or newer. Double-check your language settings too. If transcription’s not popping up, an edit or a restart might just do the trick.
At the end of the day, the built-in transcription feature on iOS 18 is a real time-saver, perfect for quickly jotting down meeting notes or keeping track of those brilliant ideas you get on the fly. And if you need a bit more oomph, third-party apps might be just what you’re looking for. Happy transcribing!

So, if you’re looking to transcribe voice memos on your iPhone, you’re going to need a little help from some third-party apps since the good ol’ Voice Memos app doesn’t have that built-in. Let’s dive into how you can do it easily.
Handy Dandy Transcription Solutions
1. The App Route
Picture this: Apps like Rev Voice Recorder and AI Note Taker let you handle recording and transcription in one go. Here’s how they roll:
- Rev Voice Recorder: Not only does it record your audio, but it churns out transcripts faster than you can say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” You can send your text files anywhere you need.
- AI Note Taker: This bad boy offers real-time transcription and handles multiple languages like a charm. Plus, it can turn your existing audio into text.
How to Get It Going:
- Download one of these apps and open it up.
- Hit record right in the app or bring in something from your Files.
- Turn on auto-transcription, usually found in settings or with an \”AI Assist\” tap.
- Edit or send your transcribed text wherever you want—Notes, email, you name it.
2. Export & Tweak Method
If you’re a purist and want to stick with the Voice Memos app, here’s what to do:
- Export that memo by sharing it or saving it to Files.
- Use cloud services like Otter.ai or Google Docs (just hop on a computer for this part).
- Fetch the transcript back on your iPhone. Easy peasy.
Why Don’t We Have Native Transcription?
Honestly, Apple’s keeping it simple with Voice Memos. It might be because fancy stuff like transcription can be heavy on your phone’s brain (the processor, I mean), and there are privacy angles to think about too.
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
- Accuracy Not On Point: Background noise or heavy accents can mess things up.
- Try This: Choose apps that cut down on noise or just tweak the text manually.
- File Doesn’t Fit: Some apps can be picky, only dealing with certain file types.
- Fix It: Convert your file using something like CloudConvert first.
- Need Offline Mode: If the internet is spotty, many apps can’t function.
- Pro Tip: Go for offline-friendly options like Transcribe Speech-To-Text.
- Language Options Limited: Not every app speaks your language, literally.
- Solution: Look for apps that support loads of languages, like AI Note Taker.
Making The Most Of It
- Make It Clear: Record in a quiet spot and keep your mic close.
- One After Another: Some apps let you line up multiple memos for transcription, making life easier.
- Automate: Use iOS Shortcuts to send new memos to your transcription app as soon as you record them.
If you often find yourself transcribing, apps like Voicerec and AI Note Taker offer a pretty sweet combo of accuracy and neat features like searchable libraries. If you’re just dabbling, the free version of something like Transcribe Speech-To-Text App might do the trick, especially offline.