Choose the recording to open in Whynote
Download the complete recording and check that it contains audible speech. Whynote works with common formats including MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4 and MOV. A video needs a usable spoken-audio track to produce a transcript.
If the audio is in iCloud Drive, let it download to your iPhone first. Use the source file rather than recording its playback through a speaker and microphone. For a thought you want to capture now, record a voice note directly in Whynote.
Export your Voice Memo for Whynote
Open the recording in Voice Memos and choose Share from its menu. Save an audio copy to Files so you can select it in Whynote. The exact control placement can vary with your iOS version.
Give the file a recognizable name and play the beginning before importing it. If you have several recordings, check the date and duration to avoid processing the wrong conversation. Keep the original until you have checked the transcript.
Import the file into Whynote
- Install Whynote for iPhone and complete the setup shown by your version.
- Open the add menu and choose Import audio or video.
- Select the recording in Files. For a Voice Memo, use the exported audio copy rather than a document containing its name.
- Wait for the note and transcription to appear. File import starts transcription; the selected provider, model readiness, connection and account allowance affect whether it completes.
- Open the note, listen to the original where needed and review the recognized text.
Common formats listed for Whynote include MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4 and MOV. The file must contain readable audio; changing its extension does not convert its contents. Menu wording can differ between app versions.
Check your transcription provider before importing sensitive material. Cloud recognition uploads audio for processing. Local recognition, when available for your version and language, needs prepared models. AI summaries and chat are separate connected features. See the privacy policy for data handling.
Turn a transcript into something useful
Read the text with the original recording available for unclear names, dates and amounts. Once those details are corrected, write a shorter note yourself or use an AI summary draft with an appropriate plan. Check that the result does not introduce conclusions the speakers never reached.
For example, a promise to send a budget draft on Thursday does not mean the budget was approved. Keep both the action and the pending approval in your note. For work meetings, move those details into the meeting minutes template and leave unresolved questions open.
For a class recording, follow the lecture notes guide. For a work discussion, see how to prepare a meeting recap with action items and check it against the recording.
If the file does not become text
| What you see | Next check |
|---|---|
| The file is missing in the picker | Save an audio/video copy in Files and check the extension. A link is not the recording itself. |
| An iCloud file does not open | Download it in Files, confirm available storage and retry after playback works. |
| Import works, transcription fails | Check provider, network or local model state, supported language and account allowance. |
| The text is wrong or incomplete | Play the source. Check the language and whether speech is audible; overlapping speakers and noise may need manual review. |
| A video produces no transcript | Confirm that it has a usable audio track. A screen recording can contain silence. |
Keep the original until the transcript has been reviewed. For an unresolved problem, contact support with the app version, file type and error message; avoid sending a private recording unless it is needed and you choose to share it.
Free download and paid features
Whynote is free to download. Available transcription allowance, supported processing choices and paid features are shown in the app. A local provider is a processing choice, not a promise of unlimited free usage. Check the subscription screen before importing a long recording; AI summaries and chat require the appropriate plan.
Common questions
Can I transcribe an old Voice Memo?
Yes, export an audio copy from Voice Memos to Files and import it into Whynote. Keep the source while reviewing the transcript.
Does this page convert files in the browser?
Your recording is processed in the Whynote iPhone app, and this page explains the steps. Check the selected processing option and available allowance before importing.
Can I get a meeting summary as well as the transcript?
Whynote offers AI summaries and chat with the appropriate plan. Review the transcript first and check any summary against the recording.
How do I transcribe an M4A or MP3 on iPhone?
Save the complete audio file in Files and select it through Import audio or video in Whynote. If it is stored in iCloud, let it download to your phone and check playback first.
Bring your next recording into Whynote
Get Whynote on iPhone to record a thought or import a saved file. Choose the Mac app for desktop dictation and meeting recording.