Convert M4A to Text
Transcribe iPhone Voice Memos, GarageBand exports and other M4A files to text, AAC or ALAC. 120 free minutes every week, files up to 500 MB.
- Apple Native
- 100 Languages
- Privacy First
Made for Apple Users
Upload the M4A files your iPhone and Mac already make, with nothing to convert.
Made for iPhone & Mac Recordings
Native support for Voice Memos, GarageBand exports, and all Apple audio recordings.
100 Languages
Transcribe your iPhone recordings in 100 languages, detected automatically.
AAC & ALAC Support
Handle both compressed AAC and lossless ALAC audio in the M4A container.
Privacy First
Your recordings travel over an encrypted connection and stay private to your account until you delete them.
Apple's Audio Format of Choice
M4A is Apple's standard audio format, used by Voice Memos, iTunes, GarageBand, and Logic Pro. It keeps good quality in a small file, which is why iPhones and Macs use it for everyday recordings.
AAC High Efficiency
AAC codec delivers better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate.
ALAC Lossless Option
Apple Lossless in M4A container for studio-quality recordings.
Voice Memos Native
iPhone Voice Memos app saves recordings directly as M4A files.
Technical Specifications
Any common M4A works, from Voice Memos to lossless ALAC. These are the limits that apply.
- Codecs
- AAC, ALAC
- Sample Rates
- 44.1 - 96 kHz
- Bit Depth
- 16 - 24 bit
- Max File Size
- 500 MB
- Max Duration
- 6 hours
- Channels
- Mono & Stereo
How to Transcribe M4A Files
From Voice Memos to text in four simple steps.
Upload M4A File
Upload a Voice Memo or any M4A recording from your phone or computer, up to 500 MB and 6 hours.
Codec Detection
AAC and ALAC files are both accepted; you do not need to know which one yours uses.
AI Transcription
The AI transcribes your audio and detects the language automatically.
Download & Sync
Export TXT on the free plan, or Word, PDF, SRT and VTT on paid, then paste the text into Apple Notes or wherever you write.
Perfect for Apple Users
iPhone and Mac users whose recordings already sit in M4A files.
iPhone Voice Memo Users
Transcribe voice memos recorded on your iPhone. Meeting notes, ideas, reminders - all converted to searchable text.
Apple Musicians
GarageBand and Logic Pro export to M4A. Transcribe spoken takes, interviews and session notes; singing transcribes poorly and lyrics are not extracted.
Apple Podcasters
Many podcast apps export to M4A. Get transcripts for show notes, SEO, and accessibility.
Business Professionals
Transcribe client calls, voice notes, and dictations recorded on your Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about M4A transcription.
What's the difference between M4A and MP3?
For transcription, there is little difference. M4A is a container that usually holds AAC audio, Apple's default; MP3 is an older codec. At the same bitrate AAC sounds a bit better, and M4A can also hold lossless ALAC. Both transcribe equally well at normal bitrates, up to 99% accurate on clear speech, and both are accepted up to 500 MB and 6 hours.
How do I export Voice Memos from my iPhone?
Open Voice Memos, tap the recording, tap the three dots, choose Share and then Save to Files. It is saved as an M4A file, which you can upload from the Files app in your browser. Or skip exporting and record in the Hear2Text app for iPhone instead. Recordings up to 6 hours and 500 MB work, and the free plan covers 120 minutes every week.
Can I transcribe GarageBand recordings?
Yes. In GarageBand on a Mac, choose Share, then Export Song to Disk, and pick AAC, which saves an M4A file; on iPhone, share the song as a file. Upload it and the spoken parts are transcribed. Singing and music under the voice transcribe poorly and lyrics are not extracted, so this works best for spoken takes and interviews.
Does M4A quality affect transcription accuracy?
No, hardly. Voice Memos record AAC at a quality that is more than enough for speech, and a higher-quality export or lossless ALAC gives the same transcript. What lowers accuracy is the room: background noise, distance from the microphone and people talking over each other. Hold the iPhone close to whoever is speaking, and clear speech reaches up to 99% accuracy.
Can I transcribe audiobooks from Apple Books?
No. Audiobooks bought from Apple Books are DRM-protected and cannot be transcribed, and the same goes for Apple Music and iTunes Store purchases. DRM-free M4A files work: your own recordings, podcast downloads and audiobooks you produced yourself. Each can be up to 500 MB and 6 hours, and the free plan covers 120 minutes every week.
How do I get transcripts into Apple Notes?
Yes, by copying it over. Select the transcript text in the browser and copy it, or export it as a TXT file, then paste it into a new note in Apple Notes on your iPhone or Mac. The free plan exports TXT; Word and PDF are on the paid plans. There is no automatic sync with Apple Notes.
Transcribe Voice Memos Directly
Record in the Hear2Text app for iPhone and Android, or upload a Voice Memo from your phone, and transcribe it there.
Ready to Transcribe Your M4A Files?
From Voice Memos to GarageBand exports, get your transcript in minutes.
Start Free Transcription