To share a voice memo from an iPhone or iPad, open the Voice Memos app, tap the recording, tap the Share button, then choose a recipient. This is the core method for how to share voice memos, and the process works the same whether you are sending a single file or multiple recordings at once.
How to share voice memos on iPhone and iPad
The built-in Voice Memos app on iPhone and iPad lets you send a recording directly from the app. Voice Memos sharing is supported on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. The steps are identical on iPhone and iPad.
- Open the Voice Memos app. On iPhone, Voice Memos app is located in the Utilities folder.
- In the list of recordings, tap the recording you want to share.
- Tap the Share button.
- Tap Options and choose one of these file types:
- Rendered: creates a single .m4a file with all audio effects and layers mixed in.
- Editable: shares a file that lets a recipient with a compatible device and software update configure effects and layers.
- Choose a sharing option (such as Mail or Messages), select or enter a recipient, then tap the final send/done button.
How to share multiple voice memos at once
You can send several recordings together instead of sharing them one by one.
- Tap Select above the list of recordings.
- Select the recordings you want to share.
- Tap the Share button.
- Tap Options and choose Rendered or Editable.
Choosing between Rendered and Editable file types
The file type you choose affects who can open the recording. Rendered creates a universal .m4a file that any device can play. Editable shares a file that requires a recipient with a compatible Apple device and a software update; that person can then adjust effects and layers. Editable format requires a recipient with a compatible device and software update to configure effects and layers. For most sharing situations, especially with people who do not use Apple devices, choose Rendered.
Sharing options: Mail, Messages, AirDrop, and more
After you choose the file type, the system share sheet appears. Sharing can be done via AirDrop, Mail, Messages, and 'more' options through the system share sheet. You can select any compatible app, Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or more, to send the memo. The steps after that are the same: pick a recipient and tap the send button. No separate steps exist for email versus messaging apps; the recording is shared directly from the Share menu.
Sharing voice memos on a Mac
The Voice Memos app on a Mac works similarly. Open Voice Memos on the Mac, select a recording, then click Share and choose an app or service to send it.
What about sharing voice memos on Android?
No official, universal steps for sharing voice memos on Android are documented by device makers or carriers. The process varies by phone model and manufacturer. If you need to record audio on an Android device, you may find it useful to record a conversation on Android phone using the Samsung Voice Recorder app; a related article covers that process in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share voice memos with someone who does not have an iPhone?
Yes. Choose the Rendered option when sharing. This creates a standard .m4a file that any smartphone or computer can play, regardless of the operating system.
Is there a file size limit for sharing voice memos?
However, email and messaging apps you choose from the share sheet may have their own attachment limits (often 10-25 MB). If your recording is too large, consider trimming it or using AirDrop.
Can I edit a voice memo before sharing it?
Yes. Both iPhone and iPad Voice Memos apps let you trim the recording or adjust volume before sharing. Tap the recording, then tap the edit icon (three dots or a pencil) to make changes, then share the modified version.
Does sharing as Editable require the recipient to have a specific device?
Yes. If you are unsure about the recipient’s device, use Rendered instead.
Can I share voice memos from an iPod touch?
Yes. The same steps apply to iPod touch running iOS, using the Voice Memos app and the Share button.
