WhatsApp voice messages, translated in two steps
WhatsApp added voice message transcripts — but still no translation. Get the text here first (90+ languages, free), then paste it into any translator.
WhatsApp's built-in Voice Message Transcripts are handy: long-press a voice note, tap Transcribe, and read it as text. But they only transcribe — WhatsApp's own FAQ confirms there's no translation, and transcripts only work in WhatsApp's limited language set on modern devices.
So translating a voice message has always been a two-step job: get the words as text, then run them through a translator. The built-in feature covers step one only sometimes; uploading the audio here covers it always — Whisper detects and transcribes 90+ languages, free for three files a day.
Step two is wherever you like: Google Translate, DeepL, or any translator app. Transcripts are plain text, so they paste straight in.
The two-step workflow
Save or share the audio from the chat, then upload it here. Transcript in seconds, in 90+ languages.
Copy the transcript into Google Translate or any translator. Plain text in, plain text out.
Settings → Chats → Voice Message Transcripts, then long-press a voice note → Transcribe. Works only for WhatsApp's supported languages — if it refuses, upload here.
Questions, answered
Can WhatsApp translate voice messages?
No. WhatsApp's Voice Message Transcripts convert speech to text in a set of supported languages, but there is no built-in translation — you translate the transcript with another tool.
How do I turn on WhatsApp voice message transcripts?
Go to WhatsApp Settings → Chats → Voice Message Transcripts, turn it on, and choose the language most of your voice messages are in. Then long-press any voice note and tap Transcribe.
Why won't WhatsApp transcribe my voice message?
Most often the voice note's language isn't in WhatsApp's supported set, or the device can't run on-device transcription. Upload the audio here instead — transcription runs in 90+ languages with automatic detection.
How do I translate the transcript?
Copy the text and paste it into Google Translate, DeepL, or any translator app. Transcripts are plain text, so they paste cleanly.
Does it work for voice notes I received, not just ones I sent?
Yes. Forward or share the voice message to Files (or save it), upload the audio, and transcribe it — sender doesn't matter.
What does it cost?
Three transcriptions a day are free, no account needed. Unlimited plans are available if you translate voice messages all day.