How to use Audio Message Transcription on Google Pixel phones

Audio messages are helpful, but they can get very annoying at times. You can’t listen to them in an office full of coworkers, for example, or in a classroom. Regardless of your reasons, Google has introduced a feature that transcribes voice messages. Let’s show you how to use Audio Message Transcription on Google Pixel phones.

Editor’s note: We used a Google Pixel 7 running Android 13 to come up with these instructions. Some steps may be different depending on your specific device and the software version it’s running.

Which devices support it?

Audio Message Transcription launched with the Google Pixel 7 series. Like a good amount of Pixel-exclusive features, it was only available for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at launch. As Google promised, though, it’s starting to reach more devices. Reports claim the Pixel 6 series has it already, as well as some Samsung devices like the Galaxy S22 series.

Additionally, Audio Message Transcription works with SMS, MMS, and RCS conversations. You should be covered on any Google Messages thread. It works in English, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish.

How to use Audio Message Transcription

Audio Message Transcription should be enabled by default on supported devices. Next time you get a voice message on Google Messages, you’ll see an expandable box right above it. Tap on it to expand it. You will see the transcribed text there.

1. Receive a voice message on Google Messages.
2. You should see an expandable box right above the voice message. Tap on it.
3. The transcribed text will show up there.
4. You can also tap on the Hide button within this text box.

Turning Audio Message Transcription on/off

There are a couple of ways to turn Audio Message Transcription on or off. You can do it from the Google Messages settings or from a transcription.

Google Messages settings:

1. Open the Google Messages app.
2. Tap on your avatar icon.
3. Select Message settings.
4. Go into Voice message transcription.
5. Toggle Show transcription of voice messages on or off.

From the transcribed message:

1. Receive an audio message on Google Messages.
2. Expand the transcription box.
3. Tap on the gear icon within the text box.
4. Toggle Show transcription of voice messages on or off.

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