Voice To Text: WhatsApp Rolls Out Transcription Feature For Android Users

For those who prefer talking over typing, WhatsApp 's voice notes have been a game changer. Now, the platform is taking it a step further by introducing a feature that transcribes voice messages into text .

The new transcription feature allows users to convert their voice chats into written text easily. This is particularly helpful for those who often record conversations and want a quick way to get a written version without the hassle of typing it all out manually.

The transcription feature, long anticipated by users, has finally arrived for Android . We had the chance to explore it in detail and found it to be a promising addition.

Transcribe WhatsApp Voice Notes: Now Available in Multiple Languages

Users can find the transcribe option within their chat settings. Once enabled, a prompt will appear below each voice note, offering to transcribe it into text. To use the feature, simply tap the button, and WhatsApp will download and display the transcription directly beneath the voice note.

Here's a quick rundown on how it works:

• Receive a voice note.
• WhatsApp offers the option to transcribe it.
• Tap to download the transcription.
• The text appears just below the original voice note.
• Transcriptions typically require about 90MB of space.
• It's worth noting that this feature is currently only available on mobile devices and supports five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi. If needed, the transcription option can be disabled via the settings menu under Chats > Voice message transcripts.

Security and Privacy Considerations

WhatsApp ensures that all voice messages remain end-to-end encrypted, so no third party—including WhatsApp itself—can access your voice or text data. Additionally, the transcribed text is not shareable, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Performance Evaluation

In our testing, we found that the transcription feature works accurately about 95% of the time. However, words that are mispronounced or muffled in the recording may not be transcribed correctly. Despite this minor flaw, the feature is a strong start, and we expect improvements over time.

A notable aspect is that the transcription works both ways, meaning that any voice note you send can also be transcribed within the chat.