Guide · Voice Memos

How to rename voice memos (and stop ending up with New Recording 333)

"New Recording 333" tells you nothing. A good name is the difference between finding an idea in five seconds and never finding it again.

1. Rename on iPhone

In the Voice Memos app, tap the recording, then tap its name and type a new one.

2. Rename on Mac

In the Voice Memos app on Mac, double-click the name of the recording and type.

3. Turn off location names (optional)

In Settings, under Voice Memos, location-based naming names new recordings after where you are. Handy for some, but "Home 47" is no better than New Recording 47.

4. Use a pattern

What it is, then the detail: "Chorus, sad, Am", "Riff, fast, drop D", "Verse idea about Dad". You will search for what it is, not when you recorded it.

5. Do it in one sitting, newest first

Set a 45-minute timer, give each memo 15 seconds, name it and move on. Most people get through 40 or more in an evening.

Questions

Can I rename voice memos in bulk?
Not in Voice Memos itself. A songwriting app like songdrafts lets you work down a list quickly with a "Name it" button on every unnamed recording.

Does renaming change the recording date?
No. The recording date stays the same.