How to Record Voice Notes: Beginner's Guide

Never recorded a voice note before? It’s simpler than you think. Here’s how to get started on any device.

The 10-Second Version

1. Open a messaging app
2. Find the microphone icon (usually right side)
3. Tap and hold
4. Talk
5. Release

Done. You’ve sent a voice note.

Recording Voice Notes by App

WhatsApp

1. Open any chat
2. Hold the microphone icon (right of text box)
3. Speak
4. Release to send

Tip: Swipe up while recording to lock it — then you can record hands-free.

iMessage (iPhone)

1. Open Messages, select a conversation
2. Tap the + button
3. Tap Audio
4. Tap record, speak, tap send

Older iOS: Just hold the microphone icon.

Telegram

1. Open any chat
2. Hold the microphone icon
3. Speak and release

Same as WhatsApp.

Instagram DMs

1. Open a DM conversation
2. Hold the microphone icon
3. Record (max 1 minute)
4. Release to send

Voice Memos (iPhone)

For notes to yourself, not sending:

1. Open Voice Memos app
2. Tap the red button
3. Speak
4. Tap again to stop
5. Recording is saved automatically

Recording Voice Notes on Desktop

Most messaging apps don’t support voice notes on desktop. Your options:

Works on desktop:

• WhatsApp Web (with phone connected)
• Telegram Desktop
• Slack

Doesn’t work:

• iMessage on Mac (yes, really)
• Instagram Web
• Discord Web

The workaround: Use your phone, or use a tool designed for desktop voice notes.

Tips for Better Voice Notes

Before Recording

• Find somewhere quiet — Background noise makes voice notes hard to hear
• Know your main point — Think for 2 seconds before hitting record
• Check your mic isn’t covered — Phone cases and fingers block sound

While Recording

• Speak naturally — Don’t yell into the phone
• Keep it concise — 30 seconds to 2 minutes is ideal
• Pause if you lose your train of thought — Better than rambling

After Recording

• Preview if possible — Most apps let you listen before sending
• Don’t send voice notes in meetings — The recipient might not be able to listen

Common Beginner Mistakes

Recording Too Long

A 5-minute voice note feels like homework to the recipient. If it takes that long, maybe schedule a call instead.

Forgetting to Hold

On most apps, you need to hold the mic button while recording. Lift your finger and it sends (or cancels). Don’t tap and walk away.

Background Noise

Wind, coffee shops, and traffic make voice notes nearly useless. Find a quieter spot.

Not Checking the App

iMessage voice notes only work with other iPhones. Know your recipient’s device before recording.

Never Listening Back

Many awkward voice notes could be avoided by previewing. Take the extra second.

When to Use Voice Notes

Good for:

• Quick updates (“running 5 minutes late”)
• Emotional conversations (tone matters)
• Explaining something complex (faster than typing)
• Walking/driving (hands-free)
• Personal messages (more intimate than text)

Not great for:

• Information that needs to be referenced later (addresses, numbers)
• Quiet environments where you can’t record
• Group chats where not everyone can listen
• Professional contexts (usually)
• Anything requiring a written record

FAQ

Voice notes are meant to be quick and easy. Don’t overthink it — tap, talk, send. Once you try them, typing long messages feels painfully slow.