WhatsApp has a built-in voice message transcription feature. Open Settings → Chats → Voice message transcripts, enable it and choose the language. Then press and hold a voice message and choose Transcribe; some Android menus place the action under More.
Updated October 29, 2026: replaced the incorrect claim that WhatsApp has no native transcription, removed the speaker-to-microphone workaround and unverified app recommendations. These instructions were checked in official documentation, not tested on every device.
Enable voice message transcripts
Update WhatsApp, then open Settings → Chats → Voice message transcripts. Turn transcripts on and select the language spoken in the recording. Download language data if the app asks you to.
Return to the chat, press and hold the voice message, then select Transcribe. Open the result and compare important details with the recording.
WhatsApp introduced the feature in its official voice message transcripts announcement. Its help pages explain the current requirements for Android and iPhone.
Why is the option missing or unavailable?
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| No transcript setting | App version, supported device and current feature availability. |
| The recording language is not listed | iPhone and Android support different language sets; check the actual language picker. |
| The result is unavailable | Confirm the selected language matches the recording and that language data has downloaded. |
| The words are wrong | Noise, unclear speech and unfamiliar names can affect recognition. Review the audio. |
The iPhone help page also describes its iOS and Siri requirements. Do not assume a language supported on one platform is supported on every other device.
Can the sender see the transcript?
WhatsApp says transcripts are generated on the device and are not automatically shared with the sender. Reading a transcript does not mean you have created an editable document or an exported text file. Check the current app controls before relying on copy or export functionality.
What if you need an external text file?
First distinguish the transcript from the audio recording. If you use another transcription service, you need a supported audio file, rather than the text view inside WhatsApp.
WhatsApp documents audio-note sharing in its media and documents help page. Exported audio may use .opus; check the chosen service’s supported formats before uploading. Do not assume every recorder or transcription service accepts that file unchanged.
For the general file workflow, see how to send a voice recording and converting a voice memo to text.
Check the text before using it
Recheck names, dates, amounts and anything that changes a decision. Mark unclear words rather than filling the gaps with a guess. If the message contains client feedback, separate what was said from what you have agreed to do next.