Record Voice Memos from the iOS 18 Lock Screen

Apple's iOS 18 introduces deep Lock Screen customization, allowing users to swap out the legacy Flashlight and Camera buttons for actions of their choice. This guide explains how to configure your iOS 18 Lock Screen to launch standard voice recordings instantly or trigger custom, automated Voice Memos recordings using the Shortcuts app without needing to unlock your device first.

Method 1: Add the Native Voice Memos Control

If you simply want quick access to the standard Voice Memos recorder, you can add Apple's native control directly to the bottom of the Lock Screen:

  1. Wake your iPhone and long-press on an empty area of the Lock Screen until the gallery editor appears.
  2. Tap Customize at the bottom, then select the Lock Screen preview.
  3. Tap the Minus (–) icon on either the bottom-left or bottom-right toggle to remove the existing shortcut (such as the Flashlight or Camera).
  4. Tap the empty Plus (+) button to open the Controls Gallery.
  5. Scroll down to the Voice Memos section (or use the search bar at the top) and select Record Voice Memo.
  6. Tap Done in the top-right corner, then tap the Lock Screen once more to save your changes.

Tapping this button will now immediately open Voice Memos and begin recording.

Method 2: Trigger a Custom Recording via Shortcuts

For advanced workflows—such as automatically saving recordings to a specific folder, transcribing the audio, or naming files with custom date stamps—you can link a custom Shortcut to your Lock Screen:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Plus (+) icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
  3. Tap Add Action and search for Record Audio or Voice Memos actions such as Create Recording. Configure any desired parameters (such as quality, start/stop conditions, or destination folders).
  4. Name your Shortcut (e.g., "Quick Memo") and tap Done.
  5. Return to your Lock Screen, long-press to enter edit mode, and tap Customize > Lock Screen.
  6. Remove an existing corner button by tapping the Minus (–) icon.
  7. Tap the Plus (+) icon, search for Shortcut, and select the Shortcut control.
  8. Tap the newly placed Shortcut icon within the editor to assign it, then choose your custom recording shortcut from the list.
  9. Tap Done in the top-right corner to confirm.

Your customized Voice Memo workflow is now accessible with a single tap straight from your Lock Screen.