The built-in Voice Memos app turns an iPhone into a portable audio recorder. You can record with the iPhone microphone or supported external audio hardware, then edit and share the recording.
How to Record Audio
- Open Voice Memos.
- Tap the Record button.
- Speak or play the audio you want to capture.
- Use the pause control when you need to pause and continue the same recording.
- Tap Done when you are finished recording.
The recording is saved in Voice Memos and can be renamed afterward.
Edit a Recording
Voice Memos includes editing tools for tasks such as trimming, replacing, and resuming recordings. Available processing features can vary with the iPhone model and software version.
Share a Voice Memo
- Select the recording in Voice Memos.
- Open the More Actions menu.
- Tap Share.
- Choose a sharing method such as AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or another compatible app.
By default, Voice Memos exports a recording as an .m4a file. Current versions can also offer an Editable sharing option that preserves supported layers or recording effects for compatible workflows.
Sync Recordings with iCloud
If Voice Memos is enabled in iCloud, recordings can appear on other compatible Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
Recording Calls Is Different
Voice Memos is intended for ordinary audio recording. Recording a phone call involves different features and may be subject to consent or recording laws where you live.
Summary
Open Voice Memos, tap Record, capture your audio, and stop when finished. You can then rename, edit, sync, or share the saved recording.