WhatsApp has rolled out a feature that’s set to revolutionize how we interact: voice message transcripts. While voice messages have always been a convenient alternative to typing, listening to them isn’t always practical. Recognizing this, WhatsApp has introduced an elegant solution—transcribing voice messages into text—making it easier to stay on top of conversations, no matter the situation.
How Voice Message Transcripts Work
The new feature converts your voice messages into text directly on your device, ensuring that your conversations remain private. WhatsApp assures users that the transcripts are processed locally, meaning even WhatsApp can’t hear or read your messages. This innovation caters to users who find listening to voice messages inconvenient, whether they’re in a noisy environment, in a meeting, or simply prefer reading over listening.
Supported Languages and Platforms
WhatsApp’s transcription feature supports a range of languages, with different options available depending on your device:
- Android: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian
- iOS 16: All of the above, plus French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Chinese, and Arabic
- iOS 17 and later: Additional languages, including Danish, Finnish, Hebrew, Malay, Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish, and Thai
This multilingual capability underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to making its tools accessible to users around the globe.
How to Enable Voice Message Transcripts
Activating this feature is simple:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Chats.
- Turn on the option for voice message transcripts.
To transcribe a voice message, long-press on the message and tap Transcribe.
When and Where
The feature is being rolled out globally and will be available to all users over the coming weeks. WhatsApp has also promised to expand its language support in future updates, ensuring that even more users can benefit from this enhancement.
