How to Transcribe Voice Memos: iPhone, Android & AI Tools [2026]
Quick Answer
To transcribe voice memos on iPhone (iOS 17+): open the Voice Memos app → tap a recording → tap the transcript icon (lines icon) below the waveform. On Android or any device, upload the audio file to an AI tool like Owll for instant transcription.
Method 1: iPhone Voice Memos Built-In Transcription (iOS 17+)
- Open the Voice Memos app
- Tap on any recording
- Tap the transcript icon (three lines) in the bottom toolbar
- The transcript appears — tap any word to jump to that point in the audio
- Tap Share to copy or export the text
Requires: iPhone with iOS 17 or later | Works offline on-device
Method 2: AI Transcription Tools (Any Device)
| Tool | Accuracy | Languages | Summary? | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owll | High | 50+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Otter.ai | High | English focus | ✅ Yes | Limited |
| Whisper (OpenAI) | Very High | 90+ | ❌ No | ✅ Open source |
| Rev | Very High | English | ❌ No | ❌ Paid |
How to Transcribe Voice Memos with Owll
- Go to owll.ai and sign in
- Tap Upload Audio
- Select your voice memo file (M4A, MP3, WAV, etc.)
- Owll transcribes and generates a summary in under 60 seconds
- Export as text, PDF, or share directly
Transcribing Voice Memos on Android
Android doesn’t have a built-in voice memo transcription feature as of 2026. Options:
- Google Recorder app (Pixel phones): auto-transcribes recordings
- Upload to Owll: works from any Android device
- Google Docs Voice Typing: play audio near microphone (workaround)
FAQ
How do I convert a voice memo to text on iPhone for free?
Use the built-in Voice Memos transcription feature in iOS 17 or later — it’s completely free and works offline. Tap the transcript icon below any recording.
Can I transcribe old voice memos on iPhone?
Yes. iOS 17+ transcription works on any voice memo stored in the app, including recordings made before the iOS 17 update. Just tap the transcript icon.
What file formats can AI tools transcribe?
Most AI transcription tools including Owll support MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, FLAC, and OGG. Owll also accepts video files (MP4, MOV) and extracts the audio automatically.