Recording Voice Memos

Voice Memos lets you use iPhone as a portable recording device using the built-in microphone, iPhone or Bluetooth headset mic, or supported external microphone.

NOTE: External microphones must be designed to work with the iPhone headset jack or Dock Connector, such as Apple-branded earbuds or authorized third-party accessories marked with the Apple “Works with iPhone” logo.

You can adjust the recording level by moving the microphone closer to or further away from what you’re recording. For better recording quality, the loudest level on the level meter should be between –3dB and 0 dB.

Voice Memo screen with image of microphone. Across the bottom of the screen are from left to right: the Record button, the audio level meter, and the button that displays the list of voice memos.

Record a voice memo: 

  1. Tap Record icon to start recording. You can also press the center button on the iPhone headset (or the equivalent button on your Bluetooth headset).

  2. Tap Pause icon to pause or Stop icon to stop recording. You can also press the center button on the iPhone headset (or the equivalent button on your Bluetooth headset).

Recordings using the built-in microphone are mono, but you can record stereo using an external stereo microphone.

When you start a voice recording, iPhone makes a shutter sound. The sound isn’t played if you’ve set the Ring/Silent switch to silent. See Sounds and the Ring/Silent Switch.

NOTE: In some regions, the sound effects for Voice Memos are played even if the Ring/Silent switch is set to silent.

To use other applications while recording your voice memo, you can lock iPhone or press the Home Home button icon button.

Play back a voice memo you just recorded: 

Tap Play icon.