Have you ever received an important voice message on Telegram or WhatsApp that you wanted to save, share, or play on a device that doesn't support these apps? Both Telegram and WhatsApp use the OPUS audio format for voice messages, which is great for compression but not always compatible with other devices and players.
This guide will show you exactly how to extract and convert Telegram and WhatsApp voice messages from OPUS to MP3 format, making them playable anywhere and easy to share.
Why Convert Voice Messages to MP3?
Voice messages are convenient for quick communication, but they come with limitations:
📱 Device Compatibility
OPUS files from messaging apps often don't play on car stereos, older MP3 players, or some media players.
💾 Easy Archiving
MP3 format is universally supported, making it perfect for long-term storage and backup.
📤 Simple Sharing
MP3 files can be easily shared via email, cloud storage, or any platform without compatibility concerns.
🎧 Better Playback
Convert to MP3 for better control over playback speed, editing, and integration with other audio tools.
Understanding OPUS in Messaging Apps
Both Telegram and WhatsApp use OPUS encoding for voice messages because it offers:
- Excellent compression: Small file sizes for quick sending
- Low latency: Fast encoding and decoding for real-time communication
- Good quality: Clear voice reproduction at low bitrates
However, this efficiency comes at the cost of compatibility. Many devices and applications don't natively support OPUS, which is why conversion to MP3 is often necessary.
How to Extract Voice Messages from Telegram
Method 1: Desktop App (Easiest)
Step 1: Open Telegram Desktop on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
Step 2: Find the voice message you want to convert.
Step 3: Right-click on the voice message and select "Save as..." or "Save to Downloads".
Step 4: The file will be saved with a .ogg extension (Telegram wraps OPUS in an OGG container). This file contains OPUS audio and can be converted directly.
Method 2: Mobile App
Step 1: Open Telegram on your phone.
Step 2: Long-press the voice message you want to save.
Step 3: Tap "Forward" and send it to "Saved Messages" (yourself).
Step 4: Open Telegram Desktop, go to Saved Messages, and save the file using Method 1 above.
Alternatively, use a file manager app to access Telegram's media folder on Android: /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Audio/
How to Extract Voice Messages from WhatsApp
Method 1: Direct Export (Android)
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and find the voice message.
Step 2: Tap and hold the voice message, then tap the three-dot menu.
Step 3: Select "Share" and choose "Save to Files" or use a file manager app.
Step 4: Navigate to WhatsApp's media folder: /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Voice Notes/
Voice messages are saved as .opus files and can be directly converted.
Method 2: iOS (Using Computer)
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2: Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+) and access your device.
Step 3: Go to File Sharing → WhatsApp → Documents.
Step 4: Export voice messages (they may be in various subfolders).
Alternatively, use WhatsApp Web to forward messages to yourself, then save from the desktop version.
Converting OPUS Voice Messages to MP3
Once you've extracted your voice messages, converting them to MP3 is straightforward:
Step 1: Prepare Your Files
Gather all the voice message files you want to convert. They might have extensions like .opus, .ogg, or no extension at all. Our converter handles all of these.
Step 2: Upload to Converter
Visit opustomp3.net and upload your voice message files. You can upload multiple files at once for batch conversion.
Step 3: Configure Settings for Voice
For voice messages, you don't need high bitrates. We recommend:
- Bitrate: 128 kbps (perfect for voice, keeps files small)
- Sample Rate: 44100 Hz (standard, matches most voice recordings)
- Channels: Mono (voice is typically mono, saves space)
These settings provide excellent voice quality while keeping file sizes small—perfect for archiving or sharing voice messages.
Step 4: Convert and Download
Click "Convert" and wait a few seconds. Once complete, download your MP3 files individually or as a ZIP archive if you converted multiple messages.
Best Practices for Voice Message Conversion
1. Use Appropriate Bitrate
Voice doesn't need high bitrates like music. 128 kbps is perfect for voice messages—it maintains clarity while keeping files compact. Higher bitrates won't improve voice quality noticeably but will increase file size unnecessarily.
2. Batch Convert Multiple Messages
If you're converting multiple voice messages, use batch conversion. It's much faster than converting one at a time, and you can download everything in a single ZIP file.
3. Organize by Conversation
When extracting voice messages, organize them by conversation or date. This makes it easier to manage and find specific messages after conversion.
4. Rename Files Meaningfully
Voice messages often have cryptic names like "audio_1234567890.opus". After conversion, consider renaming them with descriptive names like "John_VoiceMessage_2024-09-15.mp3" for easier identification.
Common Use Cases
Use Case 1: Archiving Important Conversations
Convert important voice messages to MP3 for long-term storage. MP3 format ensures compatibility with future devices and software, making it perfect for archiving.
Use Case 2: Creating Podcasts or Content
If you receive voice messages that could be valuable content, convert them to MP3 for editing, mixing, or publishing. MP3 files work with all audio editing software.
Use Case 3: Sharing Across Platforms
Need to share a voice message via email, cloud storage, or another platform? Convert to MP3 first to ensure the recipient can play it regardless of their device or software.
Use Case 4: Playing in Car or Other Devices
Many car stereos and older MP3 players don't support OPUS. Converting to MP3 makes voice messages playable on virtually any device.
Ready to Convert Your Voice Messages?
Our free converter makes it easy to transform Telegram and WhatsApp voice messages into universally compatible MP3 files. Perfect for archiving, sharing, or playing on any device.
- ✓ Supports .opus and .ogg files from messaging apps
- ✓ Batch convert multiple voice messages at once
- ✓ Optimized settings for voice (128 kbps recommended)
- ✓ Fast conversion in seconds
- ✓ Secure processing with automatic file deletion
Voice Message Conversion FAQ
Why are my voice messages in OPUS format?
Both Telegram and WhatsApp use OPUS because it provides excellent compression and quality for voice. OPUS is specifically designed for speech encoding, making it ideal for voice messages.
Will converting to MP3 reduce quality?
With proper settings (128 kbps for voice), the quality difference is negligible. Voice doesn't require high bitrates, so 128 kbps MP3 maintains excellent clarity while ensuring compatibility.
Can I convert WhatsApp voice messages on iPhone?
Yes, but extraction is more complex on iOS. The easiest method is to use WhatsApp Web on a computer, forward messages to yourself, then save and convert from the desktop version.
How do I find voice messages on my phone?
On Android: Use a file manager to navigate to WhatsApp/Telegram media folders. On iOS: Use iTunes/Finder file sharing or WhatsApp Web. Voice messages are typically in dedicated "Voice Notes" or "Audio" folders.
Can I convert voice messages in bulk?
Absolutely! Our batch conversion feature lets you upload and convert dozens of voice messages simultaneously. Perfect for archiving entire conversations.
Conclusion
Converting Telegram and WhatsApp voice messages from OPUS to MP3 opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you need to archive important conversations, share messages across platforms, or play them on devices that don't support OPUS, conversion to MP3 is the solution.
Remember: Use 128 kbps for voice messages (perfect quality at small file sizes), take advantage of batch conversion for multiple files, and organize your converted files for easy access. With these tips, you'll be managing voice messages like a pro.