Sending a voice message is easier than typing a paragraph-long text message, especially if calling is not an option. But in typical Apple fashion, the company has moved the option to record voice messages in iMessage, making it a hassle for any returning users to find this option. So, whether you want to vent or a quick reminder voice note, here's how to send a voice message on an iPhone.
How to Send a Voice Message on iPhone
Apple moved the voice recording option around in iOS 17, so anyone upgrading to a newer iPhone will find it difficult to find this option. Plus, there are a few other ways to share a voice note with others on your Apple iPhone. Let's take a look at each one of them with step-by-step instructions.
Hold to Record Voice Note in iMessage
This is the simplest method but works across iPhone users only, as it is exclusive to iMessage.
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone and tap on a conversation or start a new one.
- Here, long-press the waveform button at the bottom right.
- The recording will start immediately. Now, speak your message clearly into the microphone and release the waveform button once done.
- Now, hit the Play button to preview the recording before sending.
- Tap on the Up arrow to send, or tap on the X icon to delete the recording.
All iMessage voice messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can access them.
Use Audio Attachments to Send Voice Message on iPhone
Similar to how you create polls in iMessage, you can send a voice message on an iPhone by using the audio attachment. This works similar to the first method with slightly different steps. But let's take a look at it.
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone and tap on a conversation.
- Tap on the + button at the bottom left and select Audio.
- Now, record your message once the recording appears and then tap on the Stop icon when finished.
- Now, tap on the up arrow to send the message or the x icon to delete it and record again.
Use Voice Memos App to Share Audio Recordings
Another way to share a voice message on iPhone is by recording it through the Voice Memos app. You can capture your entire recording and then share it over any app from your iPhone. Plus, you also get the benefit of trimming the message before sending it.
- Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone and tap on the record button at the bottom to start recording.
- Once you've recorded your message, tap on the Stop button to end the recording.
- Then, select the recording, then tap on the 3-dots icon at the top right.
- Here, select Share.
- Choose how to send it, via Messages, WhatsApp, email, or any other app.
iOS 26 supported devices, like the iPhone 11 up to the latest iPhone 17, automatically mark chapter markers for recordings over five minutes.
Send Audio Notes from WhatsApp
This is the most popular way to send a voice message from an iPhone, especially here in India, where most people use WhatsApp instead of iMessage. It works across devices, which means you can send it to your Android friends too without any additional requirements.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap on a conversation.
- Tap on the microphone icon on the right of the text bar.
- Record your message and press the Send button to share the recording.
- You can also swipe left to cancel the recording or swipe up to lock it.
How to Save Voice Messages on iPhone
By default, the iPhone deletes audio messages two minutes after they have been listened to. This is a deliberate privacy feature built into iOS, but there are two ways to prevent this from happening.
- Keep a single voice message: Tap Keep directly below the message after listening to it. The message will stay in the conversation until deleted.
- Stop all voice messages from auto-deleting: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and under the Audio Messages section, tap Expire and select Never. This will prevent any message from being deleted, and it will be saved permanently in the chat.
Unable to Send Voice Messages on iPhone? Here's What You Can Do
In case you are running into issues while trying to send a voice message, or the other person is not receiving your audio clip, then I recommend that you try out these troubleshooting methods.
- Restart Your iPhone: It could be possible that you are having trouble sending the voice message due to a software issue. Oftentimes, restarting your iPhone fixes such problems. So, simply switch off your iPhone and press the side key to turn it on again and see if you can send the clip now.
- Check your internet connection: Sending a voice message requires an active Wi-Fi or data connection. Check if the connection is weak or unstable. You can also toggle on Airplane mode to see if that fixes the issue
- Confirm the recipient is using iMessage: iMessage voice messages only work between Apple devices. If the message bubble is green, the recipient is on Android or does not have iMessage active, and the Audio option will not work. Use WhatsApp or Voice Memos apps instead.
- Turn off Sound Recognition: Sound Recognition is a known cause of the "Cannot Send Audio Messages at This Time" error. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition and toggle it off, then try sending again.
- Check microphone permissions for Messages: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Microphone and check whether the Messages app has microphone access enabled.
- Disconnect Bluetooth devices: If a Bluetooth headset or speaker is connected, the Messages app may be routing the microphone through it instead of the iPhone's built-in mic, causing an inaudible voice. Disconnect the Bluetooth device and try again.
- Update iOS: An outdated iOS version can cause iMessage bugs. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
- Reset All Settings: If nothing else works, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Resetting iPhone settings restores all system settings without deleting personal data and clears any iMessage issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long can a voice message be on iPhone?
Recordings of up to 30 minutes have been confirmed to work without any drop in quality. But for very long recordings, Voice Memos is the better tool since it allows editing and trimming before sending.
Q. Can voice messages be recovered after deletion on iPhone?
No. Once an iMessage voice message is deleted, either by the auto-expiry timer or manually, it cannot be recovered from within the Messages app.
Q. Why is the microphone icon missing in iMessage?
In iOS 17 and later, Apple moved the voice message option from the right side of the typing bar to the + button on the left. If the Audio option is still not visible after tapping + icon, check that iMessage is enabled by going to Settings > Apps > Messages and confirming that iMessage is toggled on.
This is all we have on how to send a voice message on an iPhone. Recording a voice clip is far better than typing, especially for long messages, given that the typing experience on the iOS keyboard is really poor and there is no better alternative right now. While I wish there were more ways, I could only include the options that I have tested out first-hand.
