WhatsApp is making it easier than ever to stay connected with its latest voice message transcripts feature.
The company has announced the global rollout of this update, designed to make voice messages more accessible and convenient for users.
Voice message transcripts convert voice messages into text, allowing users to read them instead of listening. This feature is particularly useful in noisy environments, when you’re on the move, or when you receive a long voice note that you can’t play at the moment.
People with hearing difficulties will also benefit from this feature, as from now on they will be able to reply to voice messages without any problem.
The news comes after WhatsApp users experience a green screen error.
Martyn Casserly / Dominick Tomaszewski
To get started with this new feature (once it’s available), simply open the app and navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Chats’ > ‘Voice message transcripts’.
Then turn the feature on and select your preferred transcription language. To transcribe a voice message, long-press on the message and tap ‘transcribe’.
For those who are sceptical, WhatsApp emphasizes that privacy remains a top priority. Transcripts are generated directly on the user’s device, meaning the messages stay end-to-end encrypted.
Not even WhatsApp can read or listen to the transcriptions, ensuring personal messages remain private.
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The feature is initially launching in a limited number of languages, but WhatsApp plans to expand its language support over the coming months. The rollout is global and will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has also hinted at further improvements to the transcription feature to make it even smoother and more intuitive. As the company builds on this experience, users can expect more seamless integration and expanded capabilities.
For now, voice message transcripts offer a promising solution to a common messaging challenge. But let’s not forget that similar features are also natively offered by Google Pixel phones, as well as Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones.
Nevertheless, die-hard WhatsApp fans can finally use this feature regardless of which brand of phone they use.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.