Can't transcribe old voice memos on iPhone 13

TidBITS Talk
1

I have tried to follow the online instructions again and again, but I can’t transcribe the my old Voice Memos that are saved on my iPhone 13 running iOS 26.2. I get the “Couldn’t transcribe audio” message every time. In iOS 18, I actually succeeded in transcribing a few old voice memos; but most attempts failed there too. Most of these voice recordings are 5-10 years old, but were all created with the Voice Memos app. What am I missing?

2

I don’t know why your iPhone is unable to transcribe your old Voice Memos, but if having transcripts are important to you, you should be able to use third party tools to do the transcriptions. For example, you can transfer the files to a Mac and run them through an A.I.-based transcription tool. I like MacWhisper, which runs the transcription locally.

(You may need to convert the files into m4a format. If you use AirDrop or similar tools to transfer them from your iPhone to a Mac, the files should automatically show up as m4a formatted.)

2 Likes
3

Thanks for the suggestion! I will take a look at MacWhisper..

4

My iPhone 13 Mini is still running 18.7.3, but my 11” M4 iPad Pro running iPadOS 26.2 has no problem translating any of a dozen older recordings I tried.

1 Like
5

Thanks, Al. I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking for solutions, but nothing helps. I can’t transcribe voice memos on my iPad Pro either. I will be upgrading all my Apple devices in the spring; so hopefully the transcribing feature will work on one or more of the new ones.

6

Why not try v26.2? ;)

7

I certainly would have updated my iPhone by now, but for your never ending postings about 18.7.3. Just trying to get you answers you seem to be craving.