Guide · Voice Memos

How to record a voice memo on iPhone

Open the Voice Memos app, tap the red Record button, and tap Stop when you are done. You can pause and resume to record in parts, then tap Done to save. Rename the recording straight away so you can find it later.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

The steps

1. Open Voice Memos. Apple says it is in the Utilities folder unless you have moved it to the Home Screen.
2. Tap the red Record button.
3. Tap Stop to finish. To record in parts, tap Pause, then Resume, and tap Done to save.
4. Tap the recording's name and give it a name you will recognise.

Where this comes from

These steps follow Apple's guide "Make a recording in Voice Memos on iPhone" (support.apple.com, checked 20 Oct 2026). Menus and button positions change a little between iOS versions.

Tips for a better recording

• Hold the microphone close to a voice or an instrument, and move it nearer or farther to adjust the level.
• Record in a quiet room if you can.
• Record a few takes rather than one. See how to pick the best take.
• Name each memo with the key words, such as "Chorus, sad, Am".

Recording a song idea

Record as soon as the idea arrives, even badly. You can find the tempo later with the tap tempo tool.

Common questions

How do I record a voice memo on iPhone?

Open Voice Memos, tap the red Record button, and tap Stop when you are done.

Can I pause a voice memo?

Yes. Tap Pause, then Resume, and tap Done to save.

Where is the Voice Memos app?

Apple says it is in the Utilities folder unless you have moved it to the Home Screen.

How do I rename a voice memo?

Tap the recording's name and type a new one.