WhatsApp introduces voice message transcripts feature

Supports four languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian

Web Desk

26 Feb, 2025

Technology

A 3D printed Whatsapp logo and keyboard buttons are placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken January 21, 2021. Reuters

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that allows users to view written transcripts of voice messages.

According to WhatsApp While the sender cannot see these transcripts, the recipient can view them once the feature is enabled on their device.

Voice message transcripts are disabled by default. To enable this feature, follow these steps:

Open WhatsApp Settings.
Tap on Chats.
Toggle the option for Voice Message Transcripts on or off.
Choose the language most commonly used in the voice messages you receive.
Select either Set up now or Wait for Wi-Fi to complete the setup.

Users can change the transcript language at any time by navigating to Settings then going to Chats and selecting Transcript language.

However, turning off the feature will reset the language settings.

Currently, the voice message transcript feature supports four languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian.

To access a voice message transcript:

Ensure the feature is enabled on your device.
Tap and hold the desired voice message, then select Transcribe from the options menu.
Expand the voice message to see more of the transcription.

The transcript may take some time to generate.

Users may encounter a “Transcript unavailable” error if the transcript language setting does not match the voice message language, or if the message contains unclear audio due to background noise.

WhatsApp emphasizes that voice messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning that no one, not even WhatsApp, can listen to the messages or view the content of the transcripts.

Read receipts for voice messages will still adhere to the privacy settings established by users.

Last year, WhatsApp unveiled a new feature under which users will be able to post longer voice notes as a status update.

In December 2024, WhatsApp announced that it will cease support for older iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, beginning May 5, 2025.

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