Where to find saved audio messages on iPhone iOS 14

One of the perks of using iMessage to chat with another iPhone user is that you can send audio messages in addition to texts, emojis, and photos. 

Apple treats these audio messages like top secret communications — by default, they expire and are permanently deleted after two minutes once you have listened to them, with no option to get them back. 

If you want to keep those audio messages around for longer, there are a few ways to do that. Here's what you need to know:

How to save audio messages on iPhone

When you receive an audio iMessage and play it for the first time, a clock starts counting down from two minutes. When the timer runs out, the audio clip is unceremoniously deleted without warning. 

But you can save it — after you listen to it, tap Keep under the message. When you keep it, it will always be available in Messages to playback.

Now, let’s talk about the audio messages that you receive. Once you get an audio message, play it by tapping the triangle button. After you play it, you will see the word Expires in 2m. Once around 30 seconds pass, you’ll see an additional option—Keep. Tap it to save this audio message.

Now, after two minutes, this particular audio message will not get deleted.

How to save all audio messages on iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Messages.
   
   
   
3. Under AUDIO MESSAGES, tap Expire.
4. Choose Never.
   
   
   

Now, all audio messages that you send and receive will not be deleted. They will be ‘saved’ in the conversation, just like other texts, images, and videos. You can play it anytime.

That’s all, mate!

Now, you may be wondering about the Save option that appears if you long-press an audio message. Well, before iOS 12, you could tap it, and the audio message would get saved in the Voice Memos app. Now, it’s just as vestigial as your appendix.

Are audio messages saved on iPhone?

Where are Imessage audio messages saved?