Help and FAQ
The most common questions about Wavewrite. Didn't find yours? Write to support@wavewrite.app.
Basics
Does Wavewrite work without internet?
Yes. You only need internet once, to download a model. After that, speech recognition, export and history work offline. For Apple Speech and Apple translation, iOS downloads the language packs once by itself.
Which devices does it run on?
iPhone and iPad with iOS or iPadOS 26 or later, and Mac with macOS 26 or later. Transcription speed depends on the device. Newer devices are considerably faster.
Are my recordings sent anywhere?
No. Recordings, files and texts stay on your device. Wavewrite has no account, no ads and no analytics. The only connection is downloading a model, and nothing of yours is transmitted. Details are in the privacy policy.
Models and languages
Which model should I choose?
- Parakeet Ultra (Pro) is the most accurate model. It detects the language itself.
- Parakeet Redux (free) is the smaller version with the same languages. Both show text while you are still dictating.
- Apple Speech needs no separate download. You set the language yourself.
Each model's size is shown next to it in Settings.
Which languages are recognised?
Parakeet recognises 25 European languages and detects the spoken language itself, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Polish. With Apple Speech you get the languages iOS offers. There you choose the language yourself.
Recording and files
Which files can I transcribe?
Audio and video in formats iOS can open, for example M4A, MP3, WAV, MP4 and MOV. Pick them from Files or Photos inside the app, or send them from another app via “Share” or “Open in”.
Does transcription continue when I leave the app?
For files longer than one minute, yes. Progress shows in the Dynamic Island. If you close the app completely in the app switcher, iOS stops the work. You can turn this off in Settings under “Long files in the background”.
Why does the screen stay on while working?
So nothing gets interrupted. During a recording, a transcription or a translation with Tencent, the screen doesn't lock by itself. Afterwards your normal setting applies again.
Translating and exporting
How do I translate a transcript?
In a transcript, tap “Translate” and the translation appears right below the original. Translation happens on your device, either with Apple (no separate download) or with the Tencent Hy-MT2 model, which you download once. In Settings you decide whether the button appears or whether transcripts are translated automatically.
Which export formats are there?
PDF, Markdown, plain text and SRT subtitles with timestamps. This works for translations too.
Storage and deletion
How long are my transcripts kept?
As long as you set in Settings. When the period ends, Wavewrite deletes text, audio and database entry. With “Immediately”, nothing is stored at all. Audio has its own, shorter period.
Do my transcripts end up in my backup?
If you use iCloud or computer backups, transcripts may be included, just like with other apps. The models themselves are excluded from backups. On a new device you simply download them again.
Purchase
What's free and what does Pro include?
Free: dictation and files up to 5 minutes with live text, Parakeet Redux and Apple Speech, Apple translation, plain-text export, history up to 7 days.
Wavewrite Pro (€14.99 one-time): Parakeet Ultra, Tencent translation, PDF, Markdown and SRT subtitle export, dictation and files of any length, history for 30 days or unlimited.
Is there a subscription?
No. Pro is a one-time purchase. It covers iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same Apple ID. Use “Restore Purchase” to get it on a new device.