The simplest way to get audio from a video on your iPhone

You can extract audio from a video on your iPhone using the built-in Files app and a free tool called GarageBand, which comes pre-installed on most iPhones. The process takes about five minutes: you open the video in Files, use the Share menu to send it to GarageBand, trim it if you want, and export the audio as an MP3 or WAV file. No subscription or third-party app purchase is required.

If you do not have GarageBand, you can read it free from the App Store. Some people prefer third-party apps like AudioShare or Splice, which offer more control over the conversion, but GarageBand handles the basic task without cost.

Key Takeaways

  • GarageBand, which is free and built into most iPhones, can convert video to audio in under five minutes without any additional purchases.
  • You can also use the Files app to locate your video, then share it directly to GarageBand for conversion.
  • After GarageBand imports the video, you can trim the audio, adjust volume, or add effects before exporting it as an MP3 or WAV file.
  • Third-party apps like AudioShare or Splice offer more advanced editing options if you need to split, layer, or heavily edit the audio.

Converting video to audio using GarageBand

Open GarageBand and tap the plus icon to create a new project. Select "Audio Recorder" as your instrument type. Then tap the loop icon (the circular arrow) in the top left corner, which opens the media browser. Tap "Files" at the bottom of the screen, navigate to your video file, and tap it once to select it. GarageBand will import the video and extract the audio automatically.

Once the audio appears in your project, you can listen to it, trim sections you do not want, or adjust the volume. To trim, tap and hold the edge of the audio clip and drag it inward. When you are finished editing, tap the three dots in the top right, select "Share," and choose "Audio File." Pick MP3 or WAV format, then tap "Export." Your audio file will be saved to your Files app or sent to another app you choose.

Using the Files app to locate and share your video

If your video is stored in the Files app, Photos app, or iCloud Drive, you can share it directly to GarageBand without opening GarageBand first. Open Files, find your video, tap and hold it, and select "Share." Scroll down and tap "GarageBand." The app will open and begin importing your video automatically.

This method is faster if you have multiple videos to convert, because you can process them one at a time without hunting through the Files app each time. The video stays in its original location, so you do not lose it during the conversion.

Exporting your audio in different formats

GarageBand exports audio as either MP3 or WAV. MP3 is smaller and works on almost any device or app — use this if you plan to share the file, upload it to a website, or play it on multiple devices. WAV is larger but preserves more sound detail — use this if you are editing the audio further in another app or if sound quality is your priority.

When you tap "Share" and select "Audio File," you will see both format options. Choose one, then decide whether to save it to Files, send it to another app, or upload it directly to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. The export usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the video length.

Third-party apps for more control over conversion

AudioShare (paid app, around $5) lets you import video, trim it, adjust the audio levels, and export in multiple formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, and AAC. It also shows you a waveform of the audio so you can see exactly where to cut. Splice (free with optional paid features) is designed for music production and lets you layer audio, add effects, and export in high quality.

These apps are worth considering if you convert video to audio regularly, need to edit the audio heavily, or want more format options. For a one-time conversion or straightforward extraction, GarageBand is sufficient and costs nothing.

What to do if your video is too long or has unwanted sections

GarageBand lets you trim audio before exporting, which saves storage space and gives you a cleaner final file. After importing your video, tap the audio clip once to select it, then tap and hold either edge and drag inward to remove the parts you do not want. You can also tap the clip and use the trim handles that appear to be more precise.

If your video is very long (over 30 minutes), GarageBand may slow down or use a lot of memory. In that case, trim the video itself before converting it. Use the Photos app or a video editor like iMovie to cut out the sections you do not need, then convert the shorter video to audio. This approach is faster and uses less of your phone's storage.

Saving and organizing your audio files

When you export audio from GarageBand, choose where to save it. The Files app is the most organized option — your audio will appear in a folder you can name and find later. You can also send the file directly to cloud storage like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, which backs it up automatically and makes it available on other devices.

If you convert multiple videos, create a folder in Files called "Extracted Audio" or similar, and save all your audio files there. This keeps them separate from your original videos and makes them straightforward to find when you need them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert video to audio without downloading an app?

No, you need either GarageBand (which comes pre-installed) or a third-party app. There is no built-in iPhone feature that extracts audio without using an app. GarageBand is free, so you do not need to purchase anything.

What audio formats can GarageBand export?

GarageBand exports as MP3 or WAV. MP3 is smaller and more universal; WAV preserves more sound detail. If you need other formats like FLAC or AAC, use a third-party app like AudioShare.

Will converting video to audio delete my original video?

No. The conversion process creates a new audio file and leaves your original video untouched. Your video stays in Photos, Files, or wherever you stored it.

How long does the conversion take?

The actual conversion is fast — usually 30 seconds to two minutes depending on video length. The slowest part is exporting the file, which happens after you tap "Share" and select your format.

Can I convert a video from YouTube or another app?

You can only convert videos that are stored on your iPhone. You cannot directly extract audio from YouTube, streaming apps, or websites. You would need to read the video first, which may violate the service's terms of use.