Option 1: Enhance Recording in Voice Memos

Apple's Voice Memos app has an Enhance Recording control that, in Apple's words, reduces background noise and room reverberation with a single tap. Open the memo, tap Edit Recording and tap the magic wand icon. It is free and quick, and it works on memos recorded in Voice Memos.

Option 2: Noise Reducer, for stronger noise

  1. In Voice Memos, tap the memo, then the share button, and choose Save to Files.
  2. Open Noise Reducer and pick the file from Files.
  3. Listen to the cleaned version and compare it with the original.
  4. Save it as M4A or WAV, or share it straight away.

Record cleaner memos

  • On iOS 26 and later you can turn on Voice Isolation for recording apps from Control Center, under Mic Mode. It works while recording, not on old files.
  • Hold the phone 15 to 30 cm from the speaker.
  • Move away from fans, fridges and air conditioning vents.

See Voice Isolation on iPhone for details. Facts checked on 19 October 2026 (support.apple.com, App Store).

Questions and answers

Can you remove background noise from a voice memo?

Yes. Use Enhance Recording in Voice Memos, or open the memo in Noise Reducer for stronger cleaning.

Will the original memo be changed?

No. Noise Reducer writes a new file and leaves the original as it is.