Spiik

How-to guide

How to transcribe audio to text on iPhone

By Rony Fadel, founder of Spiik. Updated November 1, 2026.

The short answer

Open Spiik, tap +, choose Import from Files, pick your audio file, select the language and tap Transcribe. To transcribe something new instead, tap the microphone and record. Spiik works in more than 100 languages and transcribes up to 2.5 hours per recording on Pro.

Transcribe an audio file

  1. Open Spiik and tap + on the home screen.
  2. Tap Import from Files and pick your audio or video file. Use Import from Photos if it's in your library.
  3. Choose the language spoken in the recording.
  4. Tap Transcribe. Turn on Translation first if you also want it in another language.
  5. When it finishes, tap the copy button to copy all the text, or tap share to export text, PDF, SRT or VTT.

Getting audio out of other apps

  • Voice Memos: tap the recording, then ••• and Share, and pick Spiik. See the full steps.
  • WhatsApp: long press the message, tap Forward, tap share and pick Spiik. See the full steps.
  • A new recording: tap the microphone, check the language, then tap the red button. You'll see a live transcript while you talk.

Get a cleaner transcript

  • Keep the microphone close to the speaker, and away from fans and traffic.
  • Choose the right language rather than leaving it to chance.
  • Tap any line to hear that part again, and correct names by editing the transcript.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free way to transcribe audio on iPhone?

Spiik's free version transcribes the first 60 seconds of each recording, and its yearly Pro plan starts with a 7-day free trial. Apple's Voice Memos also offers free transcripts of its own recordings, on iPhone 12 or later in supported languages.

What audio formats can I import?

Spiik imports common audio formats including MP3, M4A, WAV, AIFF and AAC, and video formats including MP4 and MOV.

How long does transcription take?

It depends on the length of the recording. Stay connected to the internet while the audio uploads.

Keep reading

Your next recording starts here.

Spiik is an AI voice recorder and transcription app for iPhone, iPad and Mac, made by Fadel.io OÜ in Estonia. It records, transcribes and translates in 100+ languages, labels speakers, and turns a recording into notes, summaries, quizzes, flashcards and mind maps. It has 4.5 stars from 20,000+ App Store ratings worldwide. Spiik Pro costs $49.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, or $9.99 a month, in the US.

Download on theApp Store