The Voice Memos has been a trusted app on the iPhone and iPad for years, and is also available on the Apple Watch since watchOS 6. This is how you make audio recordings with your Apple watch.
Voice Memos in watchOS 6: This is how it works
Do you often conduct interviews, or do you like to listen back to important conversations later? You can now also do that with an Apple Watch. A handy addition to watchOS 6 is the Voice Memos app. This way you can record a conversation, lecture, memo or other audio from your wrist. It works just like on the iPhone:
- Open the Voice Memos app on your Apple Watch;
- Tap the red button to start recording;
- Make sure the Apple Watch’s microphone is facing the source of the sound for optimal quality;
- Once the conversation is over, press the red button again.

During the recording, your conversation partner does not immediately see that he or she is being recorded. When the screen of the Apple Watch is locked, there is only a small icon at the top so that you know that it is being recorded. Of course, it’s not a good idea to include someone without permission, so always ask if this is okay.
Also read: watchOS 6 review: nice update with valuable additions
Manage audio recordings
After finishing the recording, you can listen back to the conversation immediately. You can also play the recording via AirPods or other bluetooth earbuds. Use the arrows to rewind or fast forward the recording.
The Voice Memos app gives a name to the recording by default, but it is not really clear. Tap the title to create your own description. You can also add the recording directly to iCloud, so that you can open and edit it later from your Mac, for example.
Also new in watchOS 6
You need at least watchOS 6 to make audio recordings with an Apple Watch. The software update also adds some other apps, including Cycle. This allows women to keep track of their menstrual cycle. WatchOS 6 also adds the Decibel meter so that you can prevent hearing damage.
- Apple Watch Series 5 vs Fitbit Sense: the smartwatches compared (8/25/2020)
- Apple Watch beginner’s guide: how to get the most out of your smart watch (7/20/2020)
- Download: Apple releases iOS 13.5.1, iPadOS 13.5.1, and watchOS 6.2.6 (6/1/2020)
- Download watchOS 6.2.5: New Pride watch faces now available (5/18/2020)
- New Apple Watch Pride watch faces and bands available from the end of May (5/18/2020)