Voice notes are quick captures — record a thought, and Subtle transcribes and stores it automatically. Here's how to create, edit, and build on them over time.
Create a new note
- From Home, tap the mic button (or the new note control).
- Speak your note. You'll see a waveform and a transcription-in-progress indicator.
- Tap Stop when you're done.
- The note appears in your Home feed under Today once transcription completes.
Edit a note
- Open a note from the Home feed by tapping it.
- Tap into the text to position the cursor.
- Type corrections or additions (in-app fields use the standard system keyboard), or tap the mic to dictate edits.
- Changes save automatically.
Add more to an existing note
- Open the note you want to extend.
- Tap the mic button inside the note view.
- Record your addition. Subtle transcribes and appends it to the note.
Background transcription
After you tap stop, processing continues on its own — the note updates in your Home feed when transcription completes. Two timing details worth knowing: if you leave a note mid-dictation (before tapping stop), the recording is saved and a pill offers retry or discard when you return; if you switch away from the app entirely during a Home recording, that recording is cancelled — stay in the app until you tap stop.
Notes sync across your devices
Notes save to your account and stay in sync between your iPhone and Mac — edits merge automatically, even if you touched the same note on both.
Review before you rely on it
Transcription can make mistakes — especially with names, numbers, and domain-specific terms. Always review and edit your note before acting on it or sharing it.
Troubleshooting
- Note didn't appear: Check your connection and reopen the app. Offline recordings are queued until you reconnect.
- Transcription is blank or garbled: Check your earbud fit and microphone permission. See "Improve dictation accuracy."