The Apple iPhone comes with a built-in Voice Memos app that makes it easy to record voice notes, lectures, interviews, or quick reminders. By default, iPhone voice notes are saved in the M4A (AAC) format. While this format is compressed and good for saving space, there are situations where you might need your recordings in WAV format, which is an uncompressed audio standard often required for professional editing, transcription, or archival purposes.

This guide walks you through how to convert iPhone voice notes to WAV step by step, exploring several methods so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

 

Why Convert iPhone Voice Notes to WAV?

Before diving into the methods, it’s worth knowing why you might want to convert your M4A files into WAV:

  • Higher audio quality: WAV files are uncompressed, meaning no data is lost during recording or editing.

  • Professional editing compatibility: Many audio editing programs (Logic Pro, Audacity, Adobe Audition) work better with WAV files.

  • Broadcasting and publishing: Radio stations, podcasters, and media platforms often prefer WAV for quality and consistency.

  • Archiving: WAV files preserve the original audio without quality loss, making them reliable for long-term storage.

 

Method 1: Convert Online Using Web Tools

To avoid downloading any apps or additional software, you can use a free online audio file converter. These websites allow you to upload your M4A file and download the converted WAV.

  • WAVConverter.com: Upload the file, choose the target format and download the resulting file.

Steps:

  1. Share your voice memo to Files or iCloud Drive.

  2. Upload the M4A file.

  3. Select WAV as the output format.

  4. Download the converted file.

This is one of the easiest methods, but it requires a stable internet connection and may not be suitable for very large files. Files are stored for 15 minutes before being deleted but for sensitive or confidential recordings, you may also want to be cautious about uploading them to third-party websites. 

 

Method 2: Use a File Conversion App on Your iPhone

If you’d rather skip the computer, you can use third-party iOS apps that directly convert your recordings into WAV format.

Recommended Apps:

  • Audio Converter – Extract MP3, WAV

  • The Audio Converter (by SmoothMobile, LLC)

  • iConv – Video & Audio Converter

How It Works:

  1. Download a trusted audio converter app from the App Store.

  2. Share the voice memo to the app using the Share > Open In… option.

  3. Select WAV as your output format.

  4. Save or export the converted file back to your Files app or cloud storage.

This method is quick and convenient if you want to stay entirely within your iPhone. However, some apps may limit features unless you upgrade to the paid version.

 

Method 3: Export and Convert Using a Computer

If you don't mind potentially having to install extra software, another option for getting your iPhone voice note into WAV format is to export it from your phone and convert it on a computer.

Step 1: Transfer the Voice Note

  1. Open the Voice Memos app.

  2. Select the recording you want to convert.

  3. Tap the Share button (box with an arrow).

  4. Choose a method to transfer the file (AirDrop, Mail, or Save to Files).

    • If using AirDrop, send it directly to your Mac.

    • If saving to Files, you can later access it via iCloud Drive on your computer.

Step 2: Convert the File

Once the M4A file is on your computer, you can use:

  • iTunes/Music app (Mac): Import the file and convert it to WAV by adjusting your import settings.

  • Windows Media Player (Windows): Rip and save the file as WAV.

This method is reliable and ensures high-quality conversion, though it may require additional software.

 

Method 4: Use Professional Audio Software

Again, if you're not averse to installing additional software on your laptop or computer and you plan on editing your recordings before exporting, you may want to skip basic converters and use professional audio software. These options will allow you to easily remove noise or add effects like reverb and compressionif you need to.

Examples:

  • Audacity (Free, Windows/Mac/Linux)

  • GarageBand (Mac/iOS)

  • Adobe Audition (Paid, Pro-level)

These tools allow you to import your M4A voice notes and immediately export them as WAV.

 

Tips for Best Results

  • Keep an original copy: Always save the raw M4A file before converting, in case you need it later.

  • Mind the file size: WAV files can be 10x larger than M4A files. Ensure you have enough storage, especially if you plan to store many recordings.

  • Batch conversion: If you have multiple voice notes, look for apps or tools that support bulk conversion to save time.

  • Check compatibility: Make sure your destination platform (podcast service, transcription software, editing program) supports WAV.

 

Conclusion

Converting iPhone voice notes to WAV is straightforward once you decide which method works best for you. If you value convenience, an iOS app or online tool may be sufficient. For professional or large-scale use, exporting to a computer and using dedicated software ensures the highest quality.

By following the steps above, you can easily transform your compressed M4A recordings into lossless WAV files—ready for editing, publishing, or archiving.