WhatsApp Adds Transcription for Voice Messages

By Joseph-Albert Kuuire 1 Min Read

WhatsApp is rolling out a voice message transcription feature globally for Android and iOS users, making it easier to convert voice clips into text.

The update will arrive “in the coming weeks.”

How it works

  • The feature creates text versions of voice messages directly under the audio clip.
  • Transcriptions are processed on the device for privacy, meaning “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your messages.”
  • It’s turned off by default but can be enabled in settings under Chats > Voice message transcripts.

What to know

  • Only recipients with the transcription feature enabled can view transcripts.
  • Language availability varies by OS:
    • Android: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi at launch.
    • iOS: A wider range of languages, with a full list available on WhatsApp’s support page.
  • WhatsApp plans to expand language support in the coming months.

Between the lines

This feature caters to users who find listening to voice messages tedious, improving accessibility and convenience in WhatsApp chats.


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Joseph-Albert Kuuire is the creator, editor, and journalist at Tech Labari. Email: joseph@techlabari.com Twitter: @jakuuire