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Open Voice Memos, tap Record, speak, then tap Stop. Your recording is saved in the app, where you can rename, edit, play back, or share it.
Record a voice memo
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Open Voice Memos. It is in the Utilities folder by default, though you can move it to the Home Screen.
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Tap Record and speak. To adjust the recording level, move the iPhone closer to or farther from the sound source.
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Tap Stop when you are finished. Voice Memos saves the recording as New Recording, or may name it for your location if Location Services is on. Tap its name to rename it.
#1 Best Overall
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DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case), Ultralight, Detail-Rich Audio | 48h Use, Noise Cancelling, Automatic Limiting, Wireless Microphone for Camera/iPhone/Android, Vlog, Streaming- Small but Mighty - The DJI Mic Mini lavalier microphone transmitter is small and ultralight, weighing only 10 g, [1] making it comfortable to wear, discreet, and aesthetically pleasing on-camera.
- Detail-Rich Sound - Mic Mini wireless microphones delivers high-quality audio. A 400m max transmission range [2] ensures stable recording, even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street. 48kHz sampling & 120 dB SPL for full, clear sound, 48h battery life with charging case [3].
- Extended Battery, More Recording Time - Mic Mini wireless lavalier microphone with Charging Case offers up to 48 hours of battery life, [3] ideal for long trips, interviews, livestreaming and other intensive usage scenarios.
- DJI Ecosystem Direct Connection - With DJI OsmoAudio, a transmitter can connect to Osmo Nano, Osmo 360, Osmo Mobile 7P, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, delivering premium audio.
- Powerful Noise Cancelling - 2 noise cancellation levels are available—Basic is ideal for quiet indoor settings, while Strong excels in noisy environments to give you clear vocals. [8]
To make a recording in sections, pause and resume as needed. You can review playback before tapping Done to save.
Where recordings are saved and how to sync them
Recordings appear in Voice Memos. If Voice Memos is enabled in iCloud settings, they appear and update on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac signed in to the same Apple Account. An orange dot in the status area means an app is using the microphone.
Choose a microphone and recording mode
Use the built-in mic or a compatible accessory
The iPhone’s built-in microphone is sufficient for basic voice recording. Voice Memos can also use a supported headset or external microphone. Apple recommends checking for Made for iPhone or Works with iPhone labeling; confirm that the accessory and its connection are compatible with your specific iPhone.
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Rank #2
- The Original Mini Microphone: Mini Mic Pro is the wireless microphone for iPhone & Android used by creators. Trusted by thousands, it delivers studio-quality sound in a design small enough to clip onto your shirt or slip into your pocket.
- Seamless Connection: Designed to work right out of the box with your iPhone, Android, tablet, or laptop. With both USB-C and Lightning adapters included, Mini Mic Pro connects instantly—no apps, no bluetooth, no friction. Just pure, plug-and-play performance.
- Pro sound, anywhere: From voiceovers to viral interviews, Mini Mic Pro captures crystal-clear audio and cuts through background noise and even outdoors, thanks to included wind protection like high-density foam and a dead cat cover.
- Lightweight & Durable: Crafted from premium materials and weighing under an ounce, it’s ultra-portable, rugged enough for daily use, and always ready to record—no matter where the day takes you.
- Rechargeable Battery: A wireless lavalier microphone designed for real creators. Record for up to 6 hours per charge. While using the lav mic, you can charge your device simultaneously!
Set Mono, Stereo, or Spatial Audio
On supported models, open Settings > Apps > Voice Memos > Recording Mode to choose Mono, Stereo, or Spatial Audio. Stereo separates left and right playback, while Spatial Audio is intended to sound immersive. Availability and automatic recording behavior depend on the iPhone model. Apple says supported iPhones may record Spatial Audio automatically with the built-in microphone; earlier models record Mono unless Stereo Recording is turned on. An external stereo microphone or compatible audio interface can also provide a stereo input.
Use Voice Isolation or Wide Spectrum
Voice Isolation can filter background sound, while Wide Spectrum can include it. Access these options through Voice Memos in Control Center. Wide Spectrum is not available on every model.
Improve playback, edit, and recover a recording
Adjust playback
Playback options do not alter the underlying recording. For Mono or Stereo recordings, Enhance Recording reduces background noise and echo, and Skip Silence can skip gaps. For Spatial Audio recordings, Studio Sound adjusts background sound and reverb.
Rank #3
- Dual Plug, No Guesswork: One receiver covers both USB-C and Lightning phones, so it plugs into iPhone or Android and records right away - no adapter, no app, instant pairing.
- Works with Your Case On: The extended plug reaches past most phone cases, so you can film, teach or take a video call without ever taking the case off.
- Easy Automatic Connection: Plug in. Green light. Record. The mic and receiver link up on their own the moment you power them on - no Bluetooth menus, no setup screens, no waiting.
- Clear Voice, Less Noise: The omnidirectional mic catches every word, while the noise-reduction chip and windscreen keep wind and background hum out - your voice stays front and center.
- Stable Wireless Range & Long-Lasting Battery: Enjoy wireless audio that follows you across the studio while filming — no need to stay tethered to your phone. The rechargeable battery carries you from morning vlogs to evening livestreams, so you can focus on the content instead of watching the battery indicator.
Trim or replace part of a recording
Voice Memos lets you trim sections, record over a section, or save an edited version as a new recording. Deleted recordings go to Recently Deleted; Apple says they are kept there for 30 days by default.
View a transcript or export the audio
View a transcription
Transcription is available on iPhone 12 or later, in English (all variants), Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Availability also depends on country or region. You can view a transcript while recording or afterward.
Export to Files
Use Voice Memos’ export option to save a recording to Files. The default format is .m4a. An Editable option exports QuickTime Audio, with layers merged or separated. Spatial Audio is converted to stereo in the default .m4a export.
Rank #4
- Small but Mighty - The DJI Mic Mini lavalier microphone transmitter is small and ultralight, weighing only 10 g, [1] making it comfortable to wear, discreet, and aesthetically pleasing on-camera.
- Detail-Rich Sound - Mic Mini wireless lavalier microphones delivers high-quality audio. A 400m max transmission range [2] ensures stable recording, even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street. 48kHz sampling & 120 dB SPL for rich, distortion-free audio, approx. 10h battery life [5].
- Record Longer - A transmitter and a receiver offer a maximum operating time of 10 hours, [5] respectively. That's enough time for high-usage scenarios like interviews.
- DJI Ecosystem Direct Connection - With DJI OsmoAudio, a transmitter can connect to Osmo Nano, Osmo 360, Osmo Mobile 7P, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, delivering premium audio.
- Powerful Noise Cancelling - 2 noise cancellation levels are available—Basic is ideal for quiet indoor settings, while Strong excels in noisy environments to give you clear vocals. [8]
Troubleshoot unclear or missing audio
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Remove cases, films, or screen protectors that could obstruct a microphone.
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Check the microphone openings for debris and clear them carefully.
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Test microphone capture in Voice Memos. If another app is affected, check Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone to confirm that app has permission.
Best Value
DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 Mobile RX), Ultralight, Active Noise Cancelling | Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone 17/16/15 & Android/PC/Tablet, Plug-and-Play, 300m Transmission, Youtube, Vlog- Small but Mighty - The DJI Mic Mini Transmitter is small and ultralight, weighing only 10 g [1], making it comfortable to wear, discreet, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Detail-Rich Sound - Mic Mini delivers high-quality audio. A 300m max transmission range [2] ensures stable recording, even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street.
- Record Longer - Two transmitters and a mobile receiver offer a maximum operating time of 11.5 hours [5]. That's enough time for high-usage scenarios like interviews.
- DJI Ecosystem Direct Connection - With DJI OsmoAudio, a transmitter can connect to Osmo Nano, Osmo 360, Osmo Mobile 7P, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, delivering premium audio.
- Powerful Noise Cancelling - 2 noise cancellation levels are available—Basic is ideal for quiet indoor settings, while Strong excels in noisy environments to give you clear vocals. [8]
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If the microphone still does not work, Apple says the iPhone may need service.
When to use GarageBand instead
For a music or multitrack workflow, GarageBand’s Audio Recorder can capture voice, instruments, or other sounds through the iPhone microphone, and it can use an attached external microphone. For an ordinary voice note, Voice Memos is the direct option.
Apple instructions
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Edit or delete a recording in Voice Memos on iPhone
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