How to send voice messages

Copy link
Android
iOS
Web
Mac
Windows
There’s an issue with the microphone color not updating once a voice message has been played. We're working to fix it as soon as possible. In the meantime, please keep WhatsApp updated on your device. Updates are released regularly and may contain fixes for bugs and other issues.
WhatsApp voice messaging allows you to instantly communicate with contacts and groups. You can use it to deliver important and time-sensitive information. All voice messages are downloaded automatically.
You can also record, preview, and re-record voice status updates before sharing them with selected contacts. Your recipients can listen to your status and view an active visualization of it while the audio plays.

Send a voice message

  1. Open the chat you’d like to send a voice message to.
  2. Press and hold
    Microphone (microphone)
    next to the text field, then start speaking. Note: If the beginning of your message isn't recorded, you might need to wait a second before speaking.
  3. When you’ve finished, remove your finger from
    Microphone (microphone)
    to automatically send your message. Or, if you’re recording hands-free, tap
    Pause (two parallel vertical lines within circle)
    to pause recording and preview a draft of your message before sending. Tap
    Resume (microphone)
    to continue recording.
  4. Tap
    Send (paper airplane within circle)
    to send the message.
Note:
  • While recording you can slide
    Slide to cancel (left chevron)
    to cancel and delete your voice message.
  • If the beginning of your message isn't recorded, you might need to wait a second before speaking.
  • If you try to send a voice message and the recording disappears before you can send it, try restarting your phone.

On voice messages you’ve sent

  • Gray microphone (gray microphone)
    indicates that the message hasn't been played by all recipients, but might have been played by some.
  • Blue microphone (blue microphone)
    indicates that the message has been played by all recipients.

Record and send a voice status

You can record and send a voice status up to 30-seconds long.
  1. Tap the Updates tab >
    Add status (plus sign)
    > TEXT.
  2. Press and hold
    Microphone (microphone)
    , then start speaking.
  3. When you're finished, remove your finger from
    Microphone (microphone)
    .
  4. Select the contact or group chat you want to share your update with.
  5. Tap
    Send (paper airplane within circle)
    to send your voice status.