Facebook voice messages allow you to send audio clips to friends and family on Facebook Messenger. It’s a fun, quick way to send updates, reactions, jokes – or just say hi. Voice messages on Facebook are easy to use once you know how. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to record and send voice messages on Facebook Messenger.
Prerequisites
Before you can send a Facebook voice message, you need:
- An account on Facebook Messenger
- The latest version of the Facebook Messenger app installed on your smartphone or tablet
- Access to a microphone on your device to record your message
- An internet connection to send and receive messages
If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to start recording and sending voice messages. Let’s look at how it works on both iOS and Android devices.
Sending Voice Messages on iOS
Sending a voice message on iPhone or iPad using Facebook Messenger only takes a few taps. Follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app on your iOS device.
- Tap on the chat window for the friend or group you want to send the voice message to.
- Tap and hold the microphone icon at the top left of the chat window.
- Start speaking to record your message. You’ll see a sound wave animation to indicate it’s recording.
- Once finished, release your finger from the mic icon to end the recording.
- Tap the arrow icon to send the voice message.
That’s all there is to it! The message will now appear as an audio clip in your chat. Your friend can tap on it to listen.
Here are some tips for sending great voice messages on iOS:
- Hold the phone close to your mouth so your voice is loud and clear.
- Find a quiet environment without too much background noise.
- Keep messages under a minute to avoid creating a long recording.
- You can delete and re-record messages before sending if you make a mistake.
Sending Voice Messages on Android
The process of sending a voice message on Android is very similar with a slightly different icon. Follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap on the chat window for the friend or group you want to message.
- Tap and hold the microphone icon at the bottom right.
- Start talking to record your message. You’ll see a sound wave while it’s recording
- Once done, lift your finger off the mic icon to stop recording.
- Tap the arrow icon to send the voice message.
Now the message will be delivered in the chat as an audio clip.
Tips for great voice recordings on Android devices:
- Get close to the mic for a clear recording.
- Find a quiet spot without background noise.
- Keep messages short and to the point.
- You can re-record a message before sending if needed.
Steps on Desktop
It’s also possible to send voice messages on Facebook Messenger through the desktop website, though the steps are slightly different. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to www.messenger.com and log into your account.
- Open a chat window with a friend or group.
- Click on the video camera icon at the top left of the chat window.
- Click and hold the microphone icon to start recording your message.
- A sound wave will indicate that it’s recording. Speak your message.
- Release the mouse button when finished to end the recording.
- Click Send to deliver the voice message.
The message will now appear as a playable audio clip in the chat window. Keep these tips in mind for desktop voice messages:
- Use a headset for better sound quality.
- Speak loudly and clearly into the microphone.
- Pick a quiet location without ambient noise.
- Keep messages brief and to the point.
Recording Longer Voice Messages
By default, Facebook Messenger limits voice messages to 1 minute. However, you can record longer audio clips up to 20 minutes:
- Start recording a voice message as usual.
- After 1 minute, the recording will automatically stop.
- Tap and hold the mic icon again to resume recording from where you left off.
- Continue recording and pausing as needed until your message is complete.
- Tap the arrow to send the full message when done.
The only downside is your friend will have to play each clip separately as there’s a 1 minute cap per recording. But it allows you to convey longer stories or have longer conversations.
Saving Voice Messages
Want to hang onto a voice message you receive on Facebook Messenger? There are a couple of ways to save them:
- Save File: Tap and hold the voice message bubble, then choose Save File. This will save the audio clip to your device’s downloads folder.
- Forward to Yourself: Tap and hold the voice message, choose Forward, and forward it to your own messenger account. This will save a copy in your chat history.
You can also use third party apps to download and save Facebook voice messages. Just be sure to only use trusted apps and beware of security and privacy risks.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble getting voice messages to work properly? Try these troubleshooting suggestions:
- Check your internet connection – you’ll need a stable connection to send and receive voice messages.
- Update to the latest version of the Facebook Messenger app.
- Allow Messenger access to your microphone if prompted.
- Try re-recording the message if the other person can’t hear it clearly.
- Restart your phone or device to troubleshoot any app issues.
- Update your Facebook app or Messenger app if an update is available.
If voice messages still aren’t working, get in touch with Facebook support or check for known issues with voice messaging features.
Fun Uses for Voice Messages
Beyond just quick conversations, how else can you use voice messages creatively on Facebook Messenger?
- Send audio reactions – record your laughter, gasps, cheers etc.
- Leave voice notes for friends or family.
- Record singing, music or sound effects to share.
- Tell longer stories or relay experiences.
- Send voice memos recounting your day.
- Leave voice encouragement for friends going through a tough time.
Voice messages are more personal than text. Take advantage of them to connect in a more intimate way. Surprise your friends with a tune, joke, or heartfelt audio message!
Voice Message Etiquette
Voice messaging opens up new communication possibilities. But it also requires some basic etiquette. Follow these voice message dos and don’ts:
DO:
- Keep it brief – no one wants to listen to a 10 minute recording.
- Have purpose – give context before sending an unexpected voice clip.
- Respect others – don’t send messages at inappropriate times.
- Use headphones – this prevents echo or background noise.
- Find a quiet place – minimize ambient sounds.
DON’T:
- Send sensitive content – nothing confidential or inappropriate.
- Forget to hit send – double check your message was delivered.
- Overuse voice messages – texting may still be preferable for basic conversations.
- Send without permission – make sure your recipient is OK receiving audio clips.
Follow basic voice message etiquette, and you’ll get the most out of this fun new communication option.
Conclusion
Facebook voice messaging provides a quick, easy way to exchange engaging, emotional audio clips. Now you know how to record and send voice messages across iOS, Android, and desktop. Explore when voice can elevate your communications above text alone. But stick to voice message best practices so recipients enjoy and appreciate your recordings.
With a bit of practice, voice messages can become a fun new way to interact via Facebook Messenger. So grab your phone, record a tune or funny reaction, and send your first voice message now!