In a recent blog post, WhatsApp emphasized that the transcriptions are generated on-device to ensure privacy and security. The content of these transcripts is protected by the platform’s robust end-to-end encryption, and only the recipient of the voice message can access the transcription—keeping the sender’s content private.Voice Message Transcripts: How It Works
Once activated, the transcription appears automatically below the voice message in the selected language. This feature is particularly useful for quickly grasping the content of a voice message when listening to audio is impractical.
To enable voice message transcripts, follow these steps:Steps to Enable and Use the Feature
- Access WhatsApp Settings:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to Settings > Chats.
- Activate Transcripts:
- Toggle the Voice Message Transcripts option on or off.
- Select Language:
- Choose the desired language for transcription.
- Transcribe Messages:
- Tap and hold a voice message, then select Transcribe. Alternatively, tap the expand icon in the voice message to reveal more of the transcription.
- Unsupported languages.
- Unrecognizable words caused by background noise.
- Unsupported voice message formats or accents.
While the feature is a significant convenience, WhatsApp advises caution as transcriptions may occasionally be inaccurate.
Currently, the feature supports the following languages:Supported Languages
- Android: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian.
- iOS: Expanded support includes Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Thai, Turkish, and Swedish.
The broader language support on iOS makes the feature more versatile for global users on Apple devices.
The Voice Message Transcripts feature follows a string of recent updates, such as the drafts label for unread messages and a new iOS home screen widget. These updates demonstrate WhatsApp's commitment to providing tools that cater to diverse user needs, streamlining communication and productivity.WhatsApp’s Focus on Enhanced User Experience
As this feature rolls out globally, it promises to make voice messages more user-friendly, especially for those in dynamic or noisy environments. While there are occasional limitations, the convenience it brings is undeniable, marking another step forward in WhatsApp's mission to improve everyday communication.