Have you ever received a voice message but couldn’t listen to it because you were in a noisy place or on the move? Or perhaps the message was so long that finding the right moment to play it became a challenge. WhatsApp has now made staying connected even easier by introducing voice message transcriptions.
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This new feature converts voice messages into text, allowing you to read them instead of listening. Whether you’re in a meeting, at a crowded event, or just prefer text over audio, this feature ensures you never miss out on what someone is saying.
How to use WhatsApp’s voice message transcription feature
Voice message transcription is designed to be simple and private. WhatsApp emphasises that the transcriptions are generated entirely on your device, ensuring no one else—not even WhatsApp—can hear or read your messages.
To enable this feature:
Step 1: Open Settings in WhatsApp. Step 2: Go to Chats. Step 3: Select Voice message transcripts.
You can turn the transcription feature on or off and even choose your preferred language for transcriptions. Once activated, you can transcribe a voice message by long-pressing on it and tapping the ‘transcribe’ option. This feature gives you the flexibility to switch between listening and reading, depending on your needs.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp is rolling out this feature globally over the next few weeks. So, if you have not received the feature yet, just wait a little while. Transcriptions are currently available in select languages, but the company plans to expand language support in the coming months.
Why this feature matters
Hearing a loved one’s voice adds a personal touch to communication, but sometimes audio isn’t convenient. With transcriptions, WhatsApp bridges the gap, offering a solution that combines the personal nature of voice messages with the practicality of text.
So, the next time you’re unable to listen to a message, let WhatsApp do the work for you.
Ayushi works as Chief Copy Editor at Digit, covering everything from breaking tech news to in-depth smartphone reviews. Prior to Digit, she was part of the editorial team at IANS. View Full Profile