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How to convert an Urdu voice note to text (Roman or Urdu script)
Someone sent you a two-minute Urdu voice note. You can’t play it right now, and WhatsApp won’t transcribe Urdu — it isn’t on WhatsApp’s supported-language list, in either script. So how do you actually read it?
Here’s the simple way, start to finish.
Step by step
- Open WhatsApp and find the Urdu voice note.
- Long-press it, then tap Share.
- Choose Hearless from the share sheet.
- The transcript appears in a sheet on top of WhatsApp. Tap the script toggle to read it in Roman Urdu (“Kya haal hai, main kal aa raha hoon”) or the native Urdu script.
- Copy or share the text — it’s saved to your library too.
That’s it. No exporting the file, no uploading it to a website, no earphones.
A few things that make it nicer
- Roman or Nastaliq, your choice. Set a default and switch per message whenever you want.
- Urdu + English works. “Kal office mein meeting hai” stays exactly as spoken — English words kept, not mangled.
- Long notes are fine. There’s no length limit; a rambling five-minute note becomes something you can skim.
- Not just Urdu. The same works for Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Bengali and Nepali in Roman script, plus 54 other languages.
Why not WhatsApp’s own feature?
Because it doesn’t do Urdu. WhatsApp’s built-in transcripts skip Urdu and Punjabi entirely, and never offer Roman script. If you only ever need English or Hindi on an iPhone, the built-in tool is fine — otherwise, see the honest WhatsApp vs Hearless comparison.
New to the idea of Roman Urdu? Here’s what it is and why people type in it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert an Urdu voice message to text for free?
Yes. Hearless is free to start, and you share the voice note straight from WhatsApp — no exporting or uploading files.
Can it write the Urdu in English letters?
Yes. Choose Roman script and the transcript comes back in Roman Urdu, with a tap to switch to the Urdu (Nastaliq) script.
Does it handle Urdu mixed with English?
Yes. Mixed Urdu-English voice notes transcribe correctly, keeping the English words as spoken.
Hearless Team
The team behind Hearless, the app that turns WhatsApp voice notes into readable text in 60 languages — with Roman-script output and voice typing.
Related posts
What is Roman Urdu — and why people type Urdu in English letters
Roman Urdu is Urdu written in English letters — kya haal hai instead of the Nastaliq script. Here's what it is and why millions prefer it.
How to transcribe WhatsApp voice notes (2026 guide)
Three ways to turn a WhatsApp voice note into text on Android — the built-in feature, a third-party app, and what to do when your language isn't supported.
Which languages does WhatsApp voice transcription support?
A clear, sourced list of the languages WhatsApp's built-in voice transcripts support on Android and iPhone in 2026 — and the big gaps.