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How to send voice messages
Android
iPhone
KaiOS
Web and Desktop
WhatsApp voice messaging allows you to instantly communicate with contacts and groups. You can use it to deliver important and time-sensitive information. As such, all voice messages are downloaded automatically.
Send a voice message
- Open an individual or group chat.
- Tap and hold the microphoneand start speaking.
- Once finished, remove your finger from the microphone. The voice message will automatically send.
While recording a voice message, you can slide left to cancel it.
Send a longer voice message
- Open an individual or group chat.
- Tap and hold the microphoneand start speaking.
- Slide up to lock hands-free recording.
You can also tap the red pause button
to pause recording or preview a draft of your message. Tap the red mic icon
to continue recording within the same voice message.


On sent voice messages you'll see:
- A gray microphone for voice messages that haven’t been played by all recipients (but might have been played by some).
- A blue microphone for voice messages that all recipients have played.
Note: On some phones, you might have to wait for a second before speaking if the beginning of your message isn't recorded.
Related resources:
- How to play voice messages
- How to preview voice messages