Here’s how to record and send audio messages on iPhone or Android

We’ve all been there. You’re 10 minutes into a text conversation and you’re sick of talking with your thumbs. That’s where audio messages come in.

You speak to your phone and send a voice message straight to your friends and family. It’s like a one-way phone call, and it’s a lot more personal than sending a text, too.

I don’t know about you, but I ignore incoming calls more often than not with the never-ending robocalls. Tap or click here for insider tactics to put an end to robocalls.

Grab your iPhone or Android and I’ll walk you through sending an audio message. It’s fun and a great way to keep in touch with your loved ones near and far.

Sending audio messages with your iPhone

When you’re texting from your iPhone, sending an audio message is as easy as a tap of the button. That is, as long you’re texting someone who also has an iPhone. It’s a bit more tricky if your friend has an Android.

First, here’s how to send an audio message from one iPhone to another.

• Open up a conversation and tap the recording icon to the right of the text box.
• Record your message, and be sure to keep your finger on the bottom the whole time. When you’re done, release your finger.

If you want to listen to your recording, tap on the play button. Hit the “X” button to delete your recording. To send it off, just hit the upward pointing arrow.

Note: Once your message is out, it will disappear in two minutes. If you want to keep the voice message in the conversation, navigate to your Settings.

• Tap on Messaging and scroll down to Audio Messages.
• Then, tap on Expire. Here, you can change the default expiration time from two minutes to never.

If you have an iPhone and want to send an audio message to an Android user, open the Voice Memo app that comes baked into every iPhone.

Record a memo, then share that recording as an attachment. Sure, you’re not using the messaging app, but it has the same effect.

Sending audio messages using an Android phone

When you’ve got an Android phone, sending audio messages isn’t quite as easy as a simple tap of the button. You’ve got three options.

1. Use Android messages

To send audio clips through Google’s stock messenger app, just follow these easy steps.

• Under Settings, give Android messages permission to use your microphone.
• Open up a conversation.
• Hit the green + sign to the left of your text box.
• Tap the microphone icon at the bottom of the screen.

Then, press and hold the button while you record your message.

2. Use a voice recording app

Just like iPhones, Androids come with default voice recording apps. On your home screen, navigate to the built-in Voice Recorder app. Hit Record, speak your message and send the audio clip to a friend.

If you don’t want to do this every time, you can also try to use your smartphone’s built-in helper.

3. Use Google Assistant

This is the easiest method of all. First, say, “Hey, Google” or “OK, Google.” Then, tell Google Assistant to send an audio message to the person you want to reach. Once you’ve said your contact’s name, Google Assistant will automatically start recording.

Make sure you’ve gathered your thoughts ahead of time, though — the assistant will stop your recording if it notices any long pauses.

Then, Google Assistant will ask if you’re ready to send the recording. Say “Yes” if you’re ready, or say “No” to cancel. Just like Apple users, you have the option to hit the Play button to listen or Cancel to start over.

Now you can send audio messages whenever or wherever you like. Let your fingers rest and start speaking your texts aloud. At the very least, your thumbs will thank you!

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Follow @kimkomando