Getting YouTube transcripts on iPhone requires a different approach than desktop since the YouTube app has limited transcript features. The best method for iPhone users is to use Safari browser with the desktop site or a web-based transcript tool like NoteLM.ai that works perfectly on mobile.
Can You Get Transcripts in the YouTube App?
The YouTube iOS app has limited transcript functionality compared to the desktop website:
| Feature | YouTube App (iOS) | Safari (Desktop Mode) | NoteLM.ai |
|---|
| View transcript | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Copy transcript | ❌ No | ⚠️ Difficult | ✅ Easy |
| Download as file | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Timestamps | ⚠️ View only | ⚠️ View only | ✅ Included |
For the best iPhone experience, use a web-based tool like NoteLM.ai.
Method 1: YouTube App (View Only)
The YouTube app allows you to view transcripts but makes copying difficult.
Steps to View Transcript in YouTube App
Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
Play the video you want to transcribe.
Tap the video to show controls.
Tap "More" (three dots) below the video title.
Look for "Show transcript" option.
Not all videos show this option. If missing, the video either:
- Has no captions enabled
- Is too new (auto-captions take 12-24 hours)
- Has transcripts disabled by the creator
Limitations of This Method
- Cannot copy text: The app doesn't allow text selection
- No download option: Can only view on screen
- No timestamps in copy: Even if you screenshot, timestamps are separate
- Requires scrolling: Long videos need extensive scrolling
Method 2: Safari Desktop Mode (Better)
Using Safari in desktop mode gives you access to the full YouTube website features.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Go to youtube.com (not the app).
Tap the "AA" button in the address bar.
Select "Request Desktop Website."
Click the three-dot menu below the video.
Select "Show transcript."
The transcript panel opens on the right.
How to Copy the Transcript
- 1.Tap and hold on the transcript text
- 2.Select "Select All" (may require multiple attempts)
- 3.Tap "Copy"
- 4.Paste into Notes or another app
Pinch to zoom for easier text selection.
Limitations
- Small text can be hard to read
- Text selection is finicky on mobile
- Timestamps don't copy properly
- No file download option
Web-based tools work perfectly on iPhone and provide the best experience.
Using NoteLM.ai on iPhone
Copy the YouTube video URL.
- In the YouTube app, tap "Share" then "Copy link"
- Or copy from Safari address bar
Open Safari and go to NoteLM.ai.
View, copy, or download your transcript.
Why This Method Works Best on iPhone
| Advantage | Description |
|---|
| Mobile-optimized | Interface works smoothly on iPhone |
| One-tap copy | Copy button copies entire transcript |
| Timestamps included | All text includes time codes |
| Download options | Save as TXT file to Files app |
| No app needed | Works in Safari browser |
File Download on iPhone
When you download a transcript:
- 1.Safari shows download popup
- 2.Tap "Download"
- 3.File saves to Files app
- 4.Access via Downloads folder
Method 4: Shortcuts App Automation
Power users can create iOS Shortcuts for faster transcript access.
Basic Shortcut Setup
- 1.Open the Shortcuts app
- 2.Tap "+" to create new shortcut
- 3.Add "Get Contents of URL" action
- 4.Add "Open URL" with NoteLM.ai link
- 5.Save and add to Share Sheet
Using Your Shortcut
- 1.In YouTube app, tap "Share"
- 2.Select your shortcut
- 3.Shortcut opens NoteLM.ai with the video
- 4.Get your transcript instantly
Comparing iPhone Methods
| Method | Ease of Use | Copy Ability | Timestamps | Download |
|---|
| YouTube App | Easy | ❌ | View only | ❌ |
| Safari Desktop | Medium | ⚠️ Difficult | ❌ | ❌ |
| NoteLM.ai | Easy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shortcuts | Setup required | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Tips for Best Results on iPhone
Tip 1: Use WiFi for Faster Loading
Video transcript extraction works faster on WiFi than cellular.
Tip 2: Copy URL from YouTube App
The cleanest video URLs come from the YouTube app's share feature.
Add NoteLM.ai to your home screen:
- 1.Open in Safari
- 2.Tap Share button
- 3.Select "Add to Home Screen"
- 4.Now access transcripts in one tap
Tip 4: Use Split View on iPad
On iPad, use Split View to have YouTube and the transcript tool side by side.
Troubleshooting iPhone Issues
"Desktop Site" Doesn't Work
Safari keeps showing mobile YouTube.
Solution:
- Clear Safari cache: Settings → Safari → Clear History
- Force reload: Hold the refresh button, select "Reload Without Content Blockers"
- Try a different browser like Chrome
Transcript Won't Copy
Can't select text in YouTube.
Use NoteLM.ai instead—it has a dedicated "Copy" button designed for mobile.
Downloaded File Won't Open
TXT file shows strange characters.
Solution:
- The file uses UTF-8 encoding
- Open with Notes app or Pages
- Avoid opening with incompatible apps
Video Has No Transcript Option
Reasons:
- New video (wait 24 hours for auto-captions)
- Creator disabled captions
- Video is music or non-speech content
Use a speech-to-text tool for uncaptioned videos.
Q1Can I get YouTube transcripts in the iPhone app?
The YouTube app on iPhone allows viewing transcripts for some videos, but you cannot copy or download the text. For copying and downloading transcripts, use a web-based tool like NoteLM.ai in Safari browser.
Q2Is there a YouTube transcript app for iPhone?
There's no official YouTube transcript app. However, web-based tools like NoteLM.ai work perfectly in Safari on iPhone, offering better functionality than any dedicated app with copy and download features.
Q3How do I copy a YouTube transcript on my iPhone?
The easiest way is to use NoteLM.ai: paste the video URL, get the transcript, then use the "Copy" button. This copies the entire transcript with timestamps in one tap, which is difficult to achieve through YouTube directly on iPhone.
Q4Can I download transcripts to my iPhone?
Yes. Web-based transcript tools allow downloading TXT files that save to your iPhone's Files app. Open NoteLM.ai in Safari, generate the transcript, and tap the download button.
Q5Why can't I see the transcript option in YouTube app?
The transcript option only appears for videos with captions. If it's missing, the video may not have captions, or the feature may be disabled by the creator. Using a third-party tool can sometimes access transcripts that don't show in the app.
Q6Do transcripts work on iPad the same way?
Yes, all methods work on iPad. The iPad has additional advantages like Split View for multitasking and a larger screen for easier text selection.
Getting YouTube transcripts on iPhone is easiest with web-based tools rather than the native YouTube app. While the YouTube app allows viewing transcripts, it doesn't support copying or downloading. For the best mobile experience, use NoteLM.ai in Safari—it's optimized for iPhone, includes timestamps, and offers one-tap copying and downloading.
Quick iPhone workflow:
- 1.Copy video URL from YouTube app
- 2.Open Safari → NoteLM.ai
- 3.Paste URL and tap "Get Transcript"
- 4.Copy or download your transcript
Start getting transcripts on your iPhone now—no app installation required.