# Recording and transcription

> Record lectures and meetings, transcribe on your device, and optionally improve transcripts in the cloud.

- Source: https://rooqi.cn/docs/guide/recording-and-transcription/
- Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac
- Version: RooQi 1.0 (pre-release)
- Status: Pre-release
- Last verified: 2026-10-26 against the 1.0 test build interface and the RooQi privacy policy (2026-10-24)
- Known limitations: On-device transcription depends on the speech models available for your device and language. Automatic speaker separation currently distinguishes up to 4 speakers.

## Start a recording

Choose **New Recording** (Mac: **⇧⌘R**). RooQi needs microphone permission; if you revoke it in system settings, the rest of RooQi keeps working. You can also **Import Existing Audio…**.

RooQi always keeps the **original audio**. Transcripts, corrections and minutes are stored alongside it and never replace it.

## On-device transcription

With **On-device transcription**, speech is recognised on your device. You can review the transcript by time and **Correct Transcript** — the original text is always preserved.

## Cloud speech transcription (optional, subscription)

With a RooQi AI subscription you can improve a transcript in the cloud.

- RooQi uploads a copy of the audio prepared for transcription only after you confirm.
- Automatic cloud processing for new recordings needs a separate opt-in, and does not upload your past recordings.
- Cloud speech use counts towards your monthly allowance (300 minutes per subscription month for AI Pro or 2,000 for AI Max, shared across your authorised devices).
- The cloud result arrives as a **candidate transcript**; your current transcript is kept until you choose to apply it.

Details about where audio is processed and for how long are in the [privacy policy](/app/privacy/#en).

## Speakers

RooQi can group a transcript by speaker. You can rename speakers, merge them and keep **Frequent Speakers** so they are recognised across recordings. Manual changes always win over automatic grouping.

## Export

Use **Export Recording** or **Export Original Audio** to save audio, and **Export Text…** for the transcript.

## Troubleshooting

- **Nothing is transcribed:** check that on-device transcription is enabled in settings and that the recording finished saving.
- **Audio is waiting to download from iCloud:** the recording was made on another device. Keep RooQi open and online; it is checked again later.