WhatsApp voice message transcripts: how to turn them on
Updated on October 25, 2026
Since late 2024, WhatsApp can transcribe voice messages on the phone itself. To read a quick message in a meeting or a noisy place, it’s the shortest route. This guide shows how to turn it on and when a site like PegaFala, on the WhatsApp audio to text page, makes more sense.
How to turn it on
The path is usually this one (names change a bit between app versions):
- In WhatsApp, open Settings.
- Go to Chats.
- Turn on Voice message transcripts and pick the language.
Received voice messages then offer a transcript right under the audio. WhatsApp says the transcript is made on the device, without WhatsApp hearing the audio. If you don’t see the option, update WhatsApp: on some devices and languages, the feature hasn’t arrived yet.
What it does well
- Fast and in the chat. Nothing to save or send anywhere.
- On the phone. The audio doesn’t leave it.
- Good for reading on the spot. To get a message without listening, it’s enough.
When it falls short
| Situation | What helps |
|---|---|
| You’re on a computer | WhatsApp Web doesn’t transcribe. Download the message and upload it on the site |
| You need the full text to paste or keep | The site gives you the complete text, with Copy text and TXT |
| You want the text on a video | The site makes SRT and VTT subtitles, timed to the speech |
| The feature isn’t on your phone or language | The site works in any browser |
| The audio isn’t from WhatsApp | Recordings, lectures and videos work on the site too |
Using the site with a WhatsApp voice message
- Android: install the site from Chrome and use Share. See the Android guide.
- iPhone: save the message to Files and pick it on the site. See the iPhone guide.
- Computer: download it from WhatsApp Web and drop it on the site. See how to export a WhatsApp voice message.
Privacy either way
With WhatsApp’s own transcripts, the audio stays on the phone. On the site, the audio goes to our server, is transcribed and deleted right after; the text goes only to your device. Either way, the conversation belongs to the people in it: keep the text for yourself and don’t publish someone else’s words without permission.