Why Transcribe Signal Voice Messages?
ChatGPT and other AI assistants cannot process audio files exported from Signal because they don’t accept direct audio uploads. ScreenApp handles this by letting you upload your Signal voice messages and returning a full transcript with timestamps, speaker labels, and an AI-generated summary in one step.
Signal does not have a built-in voice-to-text feature. Unlike WhatsApp (which added limited on-device audio conversion in late 2024), Signal prioritizes end-to-end encryption and has not introduced any native option. If you receive long voice memos in Signal chats and need a written record, a dedicated tool is the practical solution.
Here is what you get with ScreenApp for Signal voice message transcription:
- Automatic language detection across 50+ languages
- Speaker identification for group conversations
- AI-generated summaries for long voice memos
- Searchable transcript library with keyword search
- Built-in translation to any supported language
- No app install or account required for basic use
Business teams forward client voice notes and get clean written records in seconds. Multilingual groups translate messages without switching apps. Students convert voice memos into study notes. Anyone who prefers reading over listening can turn Signal audio into text quickly.
How Signal Voice Message Transcription Works
Transcribing a Signal voice message takes three steps:
1. Export the voice message from Signal. Long-press the message in your chat, tap the share or forward icon, and save the audio file to your device. Signal exports audio in OGG format by default, but ScreenApp also accepts MP3, M4A, WAV, and other common formats.
2. Upload the file to ScreenApp. Drag the audio file into the upload area on this page, or click to browse your files. The AI processes the recording and returns a transcript — usually in under 30 seconds for messages up to 10 minutes.
3. Review, edit, and use your transcript. Read through the text and make corrections if needed. You can translate the transcript into another language, generate an AI summary, or copy the text into any document. Everything stays in a searchable library for future reference.
All processing runs in your browser. Audio files are not stored on ScreenApp servers after processing completes, so your private conversations stay private.
Signal Voice Transcription vs Other Tools
Several tools can convert Signal voice messages to text. Here is how they compare on the features that matter most:
| Feature | ScreenApp | SignalWhisperBot | Transkriptor | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier / $19/mo | Free tier / from $6/mo | Free (1/day) / $8.33/mo annual | Free (300 min/mo) / $8.33/mo annual |
| Languages | 50+ | 100+ | 100+ | English-focused |
| Speaker labels | Yes | Paid plans only | Yes | Yes |
| Translation | Yes, built-in | No | No | No |
| AI summary | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Signal integration | Upload (browser) | In-app bot | Upload | Upload |
| Max audio free | 10 min | 10 min/month | 30 min/day | 300 min/month (30 min cap) |
| Transcript search | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Deleted after processing | Deleted after processing | GDPR/SOC 2 compliant | Cloud-stored |
Key differences:
- vs SignalWhisperBot: SignalWhisperBot works as an in-app bot inside Signal, which is convenient. But it does not translate results, generate summaries, or maintain a searchable library. The free tier gives only 10 minutes per month. ScreenApp provides translation, AI summaries, and speaker labels starting from the free tier with up to 10-minute files.
- vs Transkriptor: Transkriptor supports 100+ languages and has strong accuracy, but the free plan only allows one conversion per day. It does not include built-in translation. ScreenApp combines voice-to-text, translation, and summaries in a single workflow with no daily limits on the free tier.
- vs Otter.ai: Otter is built primarily for meeting notes and does not have any Signal-specific features. Its free plan caps individual recordings at 30 minutes. ScreenApp is browser-based with no app download required and includes translation for multilingual Signal chats.
Use Cases for Signal Voice Transcription
Privacy-focused professionals. Lawyers, journalists, and healthcare workers who use Signal for secure communication can convert voice notes to text without compromising encryption principles. The audio is processed and deleted, with no data retention.
Multilingual teams. International teams receiving voice messages in different languages can get text and translation in one step, removing the need to manually copy audio into a separate tool.
Accessibility. Deaf and hard-of-hearing users can read voice messages instead of depending on someone else to relay the content. A written version makes every voice message accessible.
Documentation and compliance. Companies that need written records of verbal communication can archive Signal voice message text for compliance, project tracking, or reference during disputes.
Students and researchers. Academic voice memos, interview recordings, and field notes sent through Signal can be converted to searchable text for analysis and citation.
FAQ
How do I export a voice message from Signal?
Long-press the voice message in your Signal chat, tap the share or forward icon, and save the audio file to your phone or computer. On Android, the file saves to your downloads folder. On iOS, use the Share menu to save it to Files. The exported audio file works with any voice-to-text tool.
Does Signal have built-in voice transcription?
No. As of February 2026, Signal does not have a native voice-to-text feature. Unlike WhatsApp and Telegram, Signal has not added on-device or server-side transcription. You need a third-party tool like ScreenApp to convert voice messages to text.
Is the transcription free?
Yes. ScreenApp’s free tier transcribes audio files up to 10 minutes long with no account required. Paid plans ($19/month) remove length limits and add batch processing, priority speed, and expanded storage for your transcript library.
How accurate is the transcription?
For clear audio with minimal background noise, accuracy is typically above 95%. Noisy environments, heavy accents, or overlapping speakers can lower that. You can edit the transcript after it generates to fix any errors.
Can it handle voice messages in languages other than English?
Yes. The tool detects the spoken language automatically and transcribes in 50+ languages. You can also translate the finished transcript into a different language directly within ScreenApp.
Is my audio stored after transcription?
No. Audio files are processed in real-time and deleted from ScreenApp servers after transcription completes. Your conversations are not used for model training or shared with third parties. This makes it a good fit for Signal users who prioritize privacy.
Can I transcribe a voice message from a Signal group chat?
Yes. Any voice message you can play in Signal, you can export and transcribe. Group chat messages work the same way as direct messages — long-press, share, and upload. Speaker labels help identify who said what in group conversations.
