How to send an audio message in the Messages app in iOS 8 [Video]

BY Gautam Prabhu

Published 17 Sep 2014

One of major new features in iOS 8, is the all-new Messages app, which includes a number of new features and cool user interface changes.

One of new features is the ability to send audio messages to your contacts in the Messages app.

How to send an audio message in iOS 8 Messages app

  • Launch the Messages app from the Home screen
  • Tap on the new message icon at the top right corner of the screen.
  • Tap on the + button to add a contact.
  • You will notice that the Send button will automatically change into a microphone button. Note: You can also see the microphone button while you’re in a conversation with someone.
  • Tap and hold on the microphone button, record what you want to say, and then swipe up to send it. You will notice the cool new user interface

iOS 8 Audio message

  • If you don’t want to send it, swipe to the left (towards the x button), which will delete the audio message.
  • Alternatively, you can also raise your iPhone to your ear to record the audio message.

How to listen to the audio message

There are two ways to listen to an incoming audio message. You can tap on the play button to listen to the audio message, or simply hold your iPhone to your ear and listen like it’s a phone call. Apple calls it “Raise to listen” feature.

iOS 8 - Listen to audio message

How to keep the audio message

The audio messages will automatically self-destruct in two minutes after being sent, however, if you want to keep the audio message, all you need to do is tap on Keep just below the message if you choose to keep the audio message.

Notes:

  • The feature is available only with iMessage, so ensure that it is enabled in the Settings app (Settings > Messages – iMessage).
  • You can use this feature in the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running on iOS 8.

You can check out the video walkthrough of the feature in action below:

Audio messages is a cool way to share something with your friend or family. Let me know how it goes in the comments.