Choose the spoken language before a new recording or after selecting an imported audio or video file. For imports, choose Fast or High before starting. The app keeps speech in its original language. Check mixed-language passages against playback. Preserve corrections before using More > Transcribe again…, because a successful pass replaces the transcript.
Which language should you choose?
Tap Record, choose the spoken language and then Start recording. After selecting an audio or video through Choose a file, choose the spoken language and Fast or High, then start transcription. Keep the app open while it works.
The language hint should match the recording, even if your iPhone menus use another language. For a short English recording on a Spanish-language phone, choose English when recording or rerunning. This gives recognition a clearer starting point; it does not translate the words.
What if people switch languages?
Choose the main spoken language. Language changes can be misheard, especially inside one sentence. Replay passages in each language and correct isolated errors manually. For separate recognition in another language, prepare a separate clip in another app and import it with that language selected.
Compare each language with the sound. Transcribe again reruns the whole recording, not just a selected passage. Choosing one language for a mixed-language file may make other passages worse. For an isolated error, replay and edit that phrase instead. Before any new pass, export or copy corrections you need: successful recognition replaces the transcript text.
Which words should I check in each language?
Review names, numbers and specialist terms in the language actually spoken. Keep the spelling of a person or place rather than changing it merely because another language uses a similar-looking word. Replay rapid language switches and note uncertainty when the sound is unclear.
For material you will quote, keep the checked original beside your notes. Transcribe Audio to Text does not translate text. If you arrange a translation elsewhere, label it separately so it is not mistaken for the exact words in the recording.
What should you prepare for offline transcription?
Keep the recording locally on the iPhone and let the bundled speech engine finish preparing. Try a short passage in the language you need before leaving your connection. Check that an iCloud file really opens and plays rather than showing only its name.
After recognition, replay uncertain words, edit the transcript and export the format you need. Reopen the exported document to check accents and line breaks. Choosing DOCX, PDF or another format changes how you share the text, not the language of the words.
Questions you may have
Does choosing a language translate everything into English?
No. The choice guides recognition of the original speech. Select the language actually spoken; it does not translate the transcript.
Can the app translate my transcript?
No. Text translation is not part of the app. The language selection is for recognizing the original speech.
Can I transcribe English audio when my iPhone uses another language?
Yes. Choose English before recording or after selecting an imported audio or video. The phone’s menu language does not set the language of the recording.
Can I trust a mixed-language passage without listening?
No. Language switches, names and unfamiliar terms can be misheard. Compare uncertain passages with the recording before sharing them.