How to convert an iPhone voice memo to MP3
iPhone voice memos are M4A files. How to get them off the phone and convert them to MP3 or WAV for any player, editor or transcription service.
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In short: iPhone Voice Memos are saved as M4A audio. Share the memo to Files or to your computer, then convert the .m4a to MP3 with the M4A to MP3 converter. It runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Getting the memo off the iPhone
In the Voice Memos app, tap the memo, then the three dots, then Share, and choose Save to Files, Mail or AirDrop. On a Mac, memos also appear in the Voice Memos app and can be dragged out.
Why convert it
M4A holds AAC audio, which most modern software plays. Some transcription services, older players, and a lot of upload forms still only accept MP3 or WAV.
If the memo was recorded with Audio Quality set to Lossless, the M4A holds Apple Lossless and is several times larger. Converting to MP3 shrinks it a great deal; WAV keeps every detail.
Making a recording easier to hear
Voice memos are often quiet or full of pauses. Normalize Audio brings the level up to a standard loudness, and Remove Silence cuts the gaps.
Questions
What format is an iPhone voice memo?
M4A, holding AAC audio or, if set to lossless, Apple Lossless.