Can I use my iOS device to record audio?
Yes you can, recording audio on your iOS device is easy. Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad come with a dictaphone app called "Voice Memos" pre-installed. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to record audio on your iOS device, ensuring you never miss an important moment.
How to use the Voice Memos app on an iOS device
Follow these steps to record audio on an iOS device using the Voice Memos app:
1. Locate the Voice Memos app
Search for the "Voice Memos" app on your iOS device. It's usually pre-installed and can be found in the Utilities folder or by using the search function.
![An image of a user searching for the 'Voice Memos' app on an iOS device](assets/images/guides/ios-voice-memos/guide-voice-memo-search.png)
If you've uninstalled the Voice Memos app, it can be downloaded from the app store again at any time.
2. Prepare to record
You'll want to find a quiet space with minimal background noise to ensure a clear recording. Ideally you should position your iOS device about 10-15 inches away in front of your face. You might want to use something to prop up your iOS device so you don't need to hold it with your hands. This can make long Voice Memo recordings much more pleasant.
3. Start recording
When you're ready to start capturing audio, press the big red record button. You should see a timer start and the visualiser respond to the sounds it hears.
![An image of the Voice Memos iOS app, showing a list of recordings and a red record button at the bottom of the screen](assets/images/guides/ios-voice-memos/guide-voice-memo-all-recordings.jpg)
4. Pausing / Resuming a recording
Apple doesn't make it immediately obvious how to pause a recording in the Voice Memos app.
But it is possible. Simply swipe up the recording panel to expand it.
It will expand into something which looks like this:
![An image of the expanded recording in progress view in the Voice Memos app](assets/images/guides/ios-voice-memos/guide-voice-memo-pause.png)
From here you can pause and resume the recording of the Voice Memo.
5. Stopping recording
When you've finished recording, simply press the stop button. It looks like a red square and is located at the bottom of the screen. Your recording will be automatically saved.
![An image of a recording in progress in the Voice Memos app](assets/images/guides/ios-voice-memos/guide-voice-memo-recording.jpeg)
6. Name your recording
Voice Memos automatically assigns a name to your recording - to change it, tap on the default name and replace it with your own. Once you're done, tap return on the keyboard.
Giving your recording a clear and descriptive name will help you locate and organise your files more efficiently.
![An image showing how to rename a recording in the Voice Memos app](assets/images/guides/ios-voice-memos/guide-voice-memo-rename.jpg)