WhatsApp has become a critical communication platform, allowing users to send a wide range of messages, including audio files, across the globe. With so many precious audio messages floating around, one might wonder how to back up these audio treasures on their iPhone or Android phone. In this article, we’ll unveil five effective ways to do just that.

Decoding the Complexities of WhatsApp Audio Files

Indeed, WhatsApp is convenient for exchanging messages, but safeguarding these messages can sometimes seem like deciphering an encrypted code, especially for audio messages. This task becomes even more complex when using an iPhone, as it does not offer direct access to files like Android phones. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through this maze.

Saving Audio Files from WhatsApp: A Guide for iPhone and Android Users

This guide will empower you with knowledge about how to back up audio messages from WhatsApp, no matter whether you’re on an Android or iPhone.

Method #1: Using iPhone – Export from WhatsApp

Because of iPhone’s security, it’s a bit trickier to save WhatsApp audio files, but fear not, there are ways to do it! The following methods will guide you through exporting audio files from the WhatsApp app on your iPhone either via email or using the Files app.

Backup Via Email

Arguably the easiest way to back up your WhatsApp voice messages and other audio files is by emailing them to yourself. Here’s how:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone, and navigate to the chat containing the audio file you want to back up.
  2. Touch and hold the message with the file, and a menu of options will appear.
  3. In this menu, select ‘Transfer,’ and then ‘Share.’
  4. Among the sharing options, select ‘Mail.’
  5. Next, enter the email address where you want to send the file. You can even send it to yourself.
  6. Press ‘Send.’
  7. Access your email, find the message, and download the attached audio file. This file will be accessible anywhere, as long as you have the relevant email.

Note: This method only allows sending one audio message at a time, making it a little time-consuming if you have numerous files.

Backup Using the Files App

Given that you can’t directly access app storage files on an iPhone, exporting the WhatsApp media files to the Files app is the way to go. This method works similarly to an Android file manager, though it is somewhat limited.

  1. Follow the same steps as the previous method up to step 4. Instead of selecting ‘Mail,’ pick ‘Save to Files.’
  2. Choose the folder where you want to save your audio file, for example, ‘Downloads.’
  3. To verify if the saving was successful, open the Files app, and locate the selected folder.
  4. The audio file should appear there if everything went smoothly.

Method #2: Using iPhone – Backup with ‘Export Chat’ Feature

WhatsApp’s ‘Export Chat’ feature offers another way to backup your audio files on your iPhone. This feature is especially handy if you have numerous files, as it allows you to save them all at once.

  1. In the ‘Settings’ tab, click on ‘Chats.’
  2. Select the ‘Export Chat’ button.
  3. Choose the conversation you want to export.
  4. When asked whether you want to attach media, tap ‘Attach Media.’
  5. WhatsApp will then create a .zip file. Once it’s done, select ‘Save to Files’ to save it to your iPhone.
  6. Open your Files app and locate the folder where you saved the .zip file.
  7. The file should be visible there. Once you tap on it, iOS will automatically export it, making all the audio files available.

Method #3: Using Android – Backup via Email

On Android, saving a single audio file is straightforward. You can easily export it to your email. Follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp, go to the chat containing the audio file you wish to save.
  2. Tap and hold the message until a menu of actions appears at the top.
  3. In this menu, select the three interconnected dots representing the ‘Share’ icon.
  4. Choose ‘Gmail’ from the sharing options.
  5. Enter your email address, and the audio file will automatically attach itself.
  6. Hit ‘Send.’
  7. Open the email and download the attached audio file.

Method #4: Using Android – Accessing Raw Files

Unlike iPhones, Android phones allow you to access app storage files directly with any file manager app. This feature means that you can copy audio files from WhatsApp’s raw files without needing to export them.

  1. Open the ‘File Manager’ app on your phone.
  2. Navigate to the WhatsApp storage location, usually in ‘Internal storage.’
  3. Look for the ‘WhatsApp’ folder.
  4. Inside it, you will see several folders. Choose ‘Media.’
  5. This folder contains all media files downloaded by WhatsApp, including audio files.
  6. The ‘WhatsApp Audio’ folder will hold music files, while voice notes will be in the ‘WhatsApp Voice Notes’ folder.
  7. Sort the files by date to find the right one, then copy it.
  8. Paste it into a separate location in your phone storage.

Method #5: Using Third-party Software

A range of third-party solutions, like Wondershare’s MobileTrans, enable you to transfer WhatsApp audio files to your computer conveniently. With these apps, you can quickly share your audio files to your phone or upload them to iCloud storage.

However, these services often come at a cost. For instance, MobileTrans costs $29.95 for a year of service on Windows devices. But, if you frequently need this service, it might be a small price to pay for convenience.

Conclusion

Despite its occasional complexities, WhatsApp remains a versatile tool for daily communication, allowing the exchange of free messages and various file types, including photos, videos, audios, and documents. Yet, saving these files, especially on an iPhone, can be tricky.

But with this guide detailing several methods to back up audio files from WhatsApp on Android, iPhone, and even a computer, you can now safeguard your precious audio messages with ease. Now you never have to worry about losing these audio treasures ever again. Happy backing up!

FAQ

Here are a few common questions people have about managing WhatsApp audio files.

Where are WhatsApp audio files stored on Android?

Audio files are typically stored in the ‘WhatsApp Audio’ folder within the ‘Media’ folder in your Android phone’s internal storage.

Where are WhatsApp voice notes stored on iPhone?

Voice notes are stored as audio files and are saved in the ‘Audio’ folder. However, due to iPhone’s restrictions, you’ll need to either email them to yourself, save them to your Files app, or export a .zip file.

Why can’t I download audio files on WhatsApp?

If you’re unable to download audio files, it could be due to issues with your internet connection, internal storage, or WhatsApp settings. Check all three to troubleshoot.

How to transfer WhatsApp audio from iPhone to a computer?

You can either email the audio file to yourself, upload it to iCloud and transfer it from there to your computer, or use a third-party solution like Wondershare MobileTrans.