
Introduction
The term “kept” under a voice note in Apple’s iMessage signifies that the voice note has been saved permanently. By default, iMessage automatically deletes voice notes two minutes after they’ve been listened to in order to save storage space. However, the user can choose to keep a voice note indefinitely by tapping “keep” under the note. Once this action is taken, the term “kept” appears under the note, indicating it has been saved and won’t be automatically deleted.
The Enigma of “Kept” Decoded
Apple’s iMessage service is a multifunctional platform that allows users to send text, images, videos, and voice notes. One feature that may cause some confusion is the “Kept” label that appears beneath voice notes.
Understanding “Kept” in iMessage
Significance of “Kept”
The “Kept” feature in iMessage is part of Apple’s design to provide a user-friendly, efficient, and flexible communication environment. By understanding its purpose and function, users can effectively manage their storage and keep the important voice notes they wish to revisit.
How to Keep a Voice Message?
Keeping a voice message in iMessage is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Steps to Keep a Voice Message on iMessage:



Things to Keep in Mind:
If Apple has made any updates or changes since then, please check with the latest resources to ensure these steps are still accurate.
How does iMessage Work?
Apple’s iMessage is an advanced messaging platform that is incorporated into its iOS and macOS devices. It allows users to send and receive a variety of message types beyond simple text. Here is a detailed breakdown of how iMessage works:
Understanding iMessage
Key Features of iMessage
Apple frequently updates its software, so some aspects of iMessage may have changed if you’re checking this information after that date.
What does it Mean When an Audio Message Says “Kept”?
When an audio message says “Kept” in iMessage, it indicates that the audio message has been saved and won’t be deleted automatically. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Understanding “Kept” in iMessage
Significance of “Kept”
Change Default Settings
Remember, the above steps may vary slightly based on the device or software you’re using and their version.
Changing Default Settings on a Web Browser (e.g., Google Chrome)
Do Audio Messages Expire if Not Opened?
Audio messages sent via iMessage will expire after 2 minutes of being played by default, not after being opened. If an audio message has not been played, it should not expire.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Default Settings: Apple designed iMessage to automatically delete audio messages 2 minutes after they have been listened to. This feature helps save storage space on your device
2. Before Playing: If an audio message hasn’t been played, it doesn’t fall into the 2-minute countdown, meaning it should stay in your conversation until you choose to listen to it
3. Keeping Messages: If you don’t want an audio message to expire after listening, you can change the settings or manually save each message. If you tap “Keep” beneath the message after you’ve listened to it, it will not be automatically deleted, and the status will change to “Kept”
How to Change the Expiry Setting
Where are Audio Messages Kept on the iPhone?
Audio messages sent or received through the iMessage app on your iPhone are not stored as separate audio files in a specific location like your Music or Voice Memos app. They’re actually kept within the individual iMessage conversation threads where they were sent or received.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Locating Audio Messages on iPhone
Things to Note
Will the Sender Know if you Replay their Audio Message?
Apple’s iMessage system does not notify the sender when you replay their audio message. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
iMessage Notifications and Sender Information
How to Manually Keep a Voice Note on iMessage?
Keeping a voice note on iMessage is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Manually Keep a Voice Message on iMessage:




Things to Remember
How to Automatically Keep a Voice Note on iMessage?
iMessage will delete voice messages 2 minutes after they’ve been played to save storage space on your device. However, you can adjust this setting so that voice messages are kept automatically. Here’s how you can do that:
Steps to Automatically Keep Voice Messages on iMessage
What to Keep in Mind
How to Save Audio Messages from your iPhone to your Mac?
If you have valuable audio messages on your iPhone that you want to store or back up on your Mac, there are a few methods to transfer these messages. Using the macOS’s native app, Finder, or using iCloud and iMessage settings, you can ensure that your cherished audio messages are securely stored. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Using Finder for Backup
Method 2: Using iCloud and iMessage Settings
Please Note
How to Send Voice Messages with the Message App
The iMessage application on Apple devices allows you to send voice messages in addition to text, providing a personal touch to your conversations. This can be particularly useful when you’re on the go or when a text message just doesn’t convey what you want to say. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sending voice messages via the Messages app on an iPhone:
Steps to Send Voice Messages via iMessage
Things to Remember
How to Send Audio Messages Using Voice Memos App
The Voice Memos app on your iPhone allows you to create audio recordings, which you can then share through various channels, including iMessage. This feature can be especially helpful when you need to send detailed information or convey something more personal than a text message. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Send Audio Messages Using Voice Memos App:
Considerations
Save Audio Messages One by One
Saving audio messages one by one in iMessage is a handy feature if you want to ensure that specific messages don’t get automatically deleted. This allows you to preserve valuable voice notes while still benefiting from the space-saving auto-delete feature. Here’s a guide on how to save individual audio messages:
Steps to Save Audio Messages One by One
Points to Remember
How Self-Destructing Audio Messages Work?
Self-destructing audio messages in iMessage is a security feature designed to automatically delete voice notes after a set period, preserving storage space and ensuring private conversations remain private. This feature, when enabled, adds an extra layer of convenience and privacy to your communications. Here’s how it works:
How Self-Destructing Audio Messages Work
Considerations
How to Save All Audio Messages on iPhone and iPad
Preserving all audio messages on your iPhone or iPad can be valuable if you frequently use this feature and want to ensure that none of your messages are lost. The settings in your device allow you to choose whether audio messages expire after a certain time or are kept indefinitely. Here’s how you can set your device to save all audio messages automatically:
Steps to Save All Audio Messages on iPhone and iPad
Important Considerations
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons:
Keeping and sending audio messages through iMessage can provide a unique and convenient way to communicate, but there are also certain considerations to keep in mind. Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Here are some of the prominent FAQs
1: What does ‘kept’ mean under a voice note in iMessage?
Ans: ‘Kept’ under a voice note in iMessage means that the audio message has been saved and won’t be automatically deleted after 2 minutes.
2: How can I save a voice note in iMessage?
Ans: After listening to the voice note in iMessage, two options will appear below the message: “Keep” and “Expire”. Tap the “Keep” option to save the audio message.
3: Can the sender see when I keep an audio message?
Ans: No, the sender cannot see when you choose to keep an audio message on your end. The ‘Kept’ label only appears on the recipient’s device.
4: Do audio messages in iMessage expire?
Ans: Yes, by default, audio messages in iMessage are set to expire or auto-delete 2 minutes after being listened to. This setting can be changed in the “Messages” section of your device’s settings.
5: Where are audio messages stored on my iPhone?
Ans: Audio messages are stored within the specific iMessage conversation in which they were received or sent. They are not saved in a separate location like the Voice Memos app.
6: Can I send voice messages to non-Apple devices?
Ans: Yes, you can send voice messages to non-Apple devices, but the recipient will receive them as an audio file attachment, which may not be as seamlessly integrated as it would be for iMessage users.
7: Can I change the default settings for audio message expiration?
Ans: Yes, go to Settings > Messages > Audio Messages > Expire, and choose “Never” if you want to keep all audio messages automatically.
8: Will audio messages use up my data allowance?
Ans: Yes, if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, sending and receiving audio messages will consume mobile data.
9: Can I manually delete a ‘Kept’ audio message?
Ans: Yes, you can delete a ‘Kept’ audio message by long-pressing the message and selecting “Delete” from the options that appear.
10: Can I save an audio message to my Mac?
Ans: Yes, you can save audio messages to your Mac by syncing your iPhone with your Mac using the Finder (for MacOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (for MacOS Mojave or earlier) and manually moving the files.
Conclusion
The ability to send, receive, keep, and manage audio messages in iMessage enhances the versatility and convenience of Apple’s messaging platform. Whether you want to save space by having messages auto-delete, retain important voice notes, or convey more personal and expressive messages, understanding how audio messages work in iMessage can significantly improve your messaging experience. For more such Apple–related guides, you may frequently visit Qnnit.com.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential privacy concerns, storage implications, and compatibility issues with non-Apple devices. As always, for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, refer to the latest Apple support resources.

