Guide · Voice Memos

How to use Voice Memos on iPhone: a songwriter's guide

Open Voice Memos, tap the red record button, play your idea, and tap stop. Then name it straight away. For songwriting the habits matter: name each memo, record a few takes, and move them somewhere you can sort them. Menus differ slightly between iOS versions.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

Record an idea

Open the Voice Memos app and tap the red record button. Play or sing the idea, then stop. On newer iPhones you can also add a Voice Memos control to the lock screen or Control Center, or use the Action Button, depending on your model and settings. Record as soon as the idea arrives.

Name it straight away

New memos are called New Recording and a number. Tap the memo to open it, then tap its name (or look for Rename under the three dots, on some versions) and type something you will recognise, such as "Chorus, sad, Am". See how to rename voice memos.

Record a few takes

Do not overwrite a good take. Record again and keep both. You can compare them later. See how to pick the best take.

Edit a recording

You can trim and replace parts of a memo. See how to edit a voice memo.

Keep them safe

Turn on iCloud for Voice Memos and keep file copies. See how to back up voice memos and where voice memos are stored.

Share a memo

Tap the memo, then look for Share (usually under the three dots). See how to send a voice memo and how to export voice memos.

Common questions

How do I record a voice memo on iPhone?

Open Voice Memos and tap the red record button.

How do I rename a voice memo?

Open the memo, tap its name and type a new one. On some versions Rename is under the three dots.

How do I edit a voice memo?

Open it, tap the three dots, and choose Edit Recording.

How do I get my voice memos onto a computer?

Share them to Files or AirDrop, or sync with iCloud, then copy them from there.

How long can a voice memo be?

It depends mainly on the free space on your iPhone. The Voice Memos questions guide covers it.