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Audio files in iMessage

Is there an answer yet as to where audio files sent via iMessage are saved in iOS 14? (Also old voice memos?)



iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 14

Posted on Oct 15, 2020 9:16 AM

Reply
6 replies

Oct 20, 2020 12:34 PM in response to ladysun1969

Hey there!


Thanks for clarifying the specific audio files you're attempting to download. If the save option isn't properly working for you, you can attempt to update your iOS software to iOS 14.1, which was just released today: About iOS 14 Updates


Keeping your device up-to-date can help resolve various issues. Just remember to create a backup prior to updating your device. The following resources can guide you:


How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


Once updated, you can test to see if you're able to save your audio files. If you continue to experience issues, please contact Apple Support for assistance:


Get Support

Oct 20, 2020 2:59 PM in response to chuck_3rd

Hi, I updated my iPhone to 14.1 and it still doesn't save -- or if it does, I can't find it -- where does it go?


Here's what I see on my iPhone with 14.1:


Phone with audio file sent via text message:



Options available when I long-press the audio file (the only thing "More" lets you do is delete messages & files):


Video of what happens when I choose Save:

https://youtu.be/erpMi_ax4dc


I know I'm not the only one to whom this is happening. There are a couple of other threads here about it, and none of them have answers (which is what prompted my question). We all know that copying into a Note works, but that's not a fix; that's a workaround.

Oct 20, 2020 8:54 AM in response to ladysun1969

Hello.


Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you're experiencing issues with saving your audio messages sent via iMessage. If someone sends you an audio message, they will stay within the conversation. These messages will delete after 2 minutes. However, to keep your audio messages longer, go to Settings > Messages. Scroll down and tap Expire under Audio Messages, then select After 2 Minutes or Never. The following link has more details:


Send photo, video, or audio messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


If the option to save your audio messages isn't working, you can long press the audio message and copy it. From here, you can paste it in the Notes app. The audio messages will be able to be played from the Notes app.


Let us know if this helps.

Oct 20, 2020 11:37 AM in response to Vilas_S

No, not audio messages; I'm talking about audio files such as MP3s, etc., sent via text or iMessage. (Audio messages have always disappeared after a certain amount of time; that's nothing new.)


Previously, when you saved an audio file such as an MP3, it was saved with your Voice Memos by default. Now when you choose "save", it just disappears. Where does it go?


Pasting them into Notes is just a work-around, not a real solution. You should be able to choose where they are saved (Files, iCloud, etc.), like you can with Voice Memos.


Audio files in iMessage

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