How do you attach an audio file to a text message on Android?

Sharing audio files through text messages has become increasingly popular as an easy, convenient way to communicate messages or audio clips. This article explains step-by-step how to attach audio files to text messages on Android, making it a useful reference for anyone wanting to send audio files to convey information, share music clips, or simply add a personal voice message.

With text messages already widely used for communication, attaching audio files provides another dimension for self-expression. Audio messages can help clarify information, avoid misinterpretation of tone that can happen through text-only messages, and allow hands-free listening. The ability to quickly record and send audio clips through messaging apps helps streamline communication and makes conversing more efficient.

By following the simple steps outlined in this article, Android users will learn how to find audio files on their device, open their messaging app, start a new message, attach an audio file from their music library or recordings, preview it, and send the audio-enabled text message. With illustrated guidance, users will gain useful knowledge for adding audio files to personal and professional text conversations.

Prerequisites

To attach an audio file to a text message on Android, your device must meet certain requirements:

• Your Android version needs to be 4.1 or higher. According to the Android Compatibility Definition document, Android 4.1+ supports attaching audio files like PCM/WAV to messages.
• Your phone must have enough storage space for the audio file. The maximum file size for attaching audio files directly to SMS/MMS messages is typically 1 MB.
• You need a messaging app that supports attaching audio files. The default Messages app included on most Android phones allows attaching audio.

As long as your Android phone meets these prerequisites, you should be able to attach audio files up to 1 MB in size to text messages.

Locate the Audio File

To attach an audio file to a text message on an Android device, you first need to locate the audio file you want to send. Here are some tips for finding audio files on your Android device:

Open the Files app. On most Android devices, this app allows you to browse and search all files stored on your device, including audio files. You can search for specific file names or browse folders like Music, Downloads, etc. to try and locate your audio file (1).

Check music apps on your device like Spotify or Google Play Music. If you downloaded the audio file from a streaming music service, it may still be available in that app.

Use a file manager app to browse all of your device’s storage. Apps like File Manager+ let you access every folder on both internal storage and external SD cards to find audio files (2).

Check your Web & App Activity page if you think Google services may have saved a copy of the audio file, for example if it was a voice recording. You can browse and delete past recordings here if needed (3).

Open the Messaging App

The default messaging app on Android may be called something like Messages, Messaging, or SMS, depending on your phone’s brand and operating system version.

To open the app, navigate to the apps menu or home screen and select the app icon that displays a speech bubble with dots in it.

If you have installed a third-party or preferred messaging app like WhatsApp or Android Messages instead, you can also use that to send an audio file in a text message. Simply open your preferred messaging app.

Start a New Message

Once you have the messaging app open and have located the audio file you want to attach, start composing your text message.

1. Click on the pencil, compose, start chat, or new message icon or button. This allows you to begin typing a new text message.
2. Enter the phone number of the recipient in the To field at the top. You can enter the full phone number or select a contact from your address book.
3. Optionally, enter a subject or description for the message in the Subject field.
4. Tap inside the text field at the bottom to begin composing your message text.

Attach the Audio File

To attach an audio file that is already saved on your Android device:

1. Open the messaging app and start a new message thread with the desired recipient.
2. Tap the attach file icon, which looks like a paperclip or pin.
3. Select “Audio” from the menu.
4. This will open up your audio files. Navigate to and select the audio file you want to attach.
5. You may need to grant the messaging app permission to access your audio files if this is the first time attaching an audio file.
6. Once selected, the audio file will be attached to the message.

You can preview the audio message before sending by tapping the play icon next to the attachment. This allows you to ensure you have selected the correct file.

(TechRepublic, https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-send-audio-clips-via-sms-in-android/)

Preview the Message

Before sending the audio file in your text message, it is worthwhile to play back the audio to preview it. This allows you to confirm that the correct audio file is attached and also verify that the quality sounds as expected.

To preview the audio file:

• Tap the play icon next to the audio file’s file name within your text message.
• The audio will play through your device’s speaker or if headphones are connected, through your headphones.
• Adjust the volume as needed using your phone’s volume keys on the side. Increase the volume to ensure you can properly hear the attached audio.
• Listen to the entirety of the audio clip to confirm it is the correct file and has adequate audio quality.

If the wrong audio file is attached or the quality is poor, tap the trash icon next to the file to remove it, then repeat the steps to attach the audio file and select the correct audio file. You can reattach a new audio file until you have previewed and are satisfied with the audio file in your text message.

Once the proper audio file is attached and previewed, you are ready to send the message.

Send the Message

Once you have attached the audio file and written your text message, you are ready to send it. To send the message with the audio file:

1. Tap the “Send” icon, which is typically an arrow pointing right or the word “Send.” This will be in the messaging app toolbar at the bottom or top of the screen.

2. The messaging app will attach the audio file to the text message and send it to the recipient.

3. On the recipient’s end, they will receive the text message with the audio file attached. They can play back the audio file directly within the messaging app by tapping on it.

And that’s it! The audio file is now sent along with the text message. The recipient can listen to your attached audio clip as you intended.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues attaching audio files to text messages on your Android device, here are some potential solutions:

Microphone Permissions

Make sure you have granted microphone permissions for your messaging app. Go to Settings > Apps, select your messaging app, and enable microphone access. If permissions were already granted, try toggling them off and back on again (source).

Clear App Cache and Data

Your messaging app’s cache and data may have become corrupted, preventing proper audio functionality. Go to Settings > Apps, select your messaging app, select Storage, and tap both Clear Cache and Clear Data buttons. Then restart your phone (source).

Conclusion

In summary, sending audio files via text message on Android devices is a convenient way to communicate. By locating the audio file you want to send, opening the messaging app, starting a new message thread, attaching the file, previewing the message, and hitting send, you can seamlessly share voice messages. This saves time over typing long messages and allows you to add more personality and emotion to your communications.

As discussed in sources like [1], audio messages are an excellent alternative to traditional text messages or voice calls. They offer more convenient, intimate, and meaningful two-way communication. With the prevalence of smartphones, sending audio files through text messages is easy and accessible for both personal connections and business purposes.

So consider embracing audio messages more regularly. As we’ve outlined, Android makes it simple to attach and send audio files to enrich your text conversations. Just follow the step-by-step process, and you’ll be voice messaging in no time.