Question 1

How do I record a new memory?

Accepted Answer

Tap Record in the navigation. Choose "Record on my own" to press record and tell it your way, or "Talk with Pearl" for a guided interview where Pearl asks follow-up questions. Add photos before or after recording. Tap "Start Story" to begin and "Stop Recording" when done. Your voice is automatically transcribed to text.

Question 2

Can I type my story instead of recording?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Tap Record in the navigation, then tap "Prefer to type instead?" at the bottom of the screen. Write your story at your own pace, add photos if you like, and save when ready. Typed stories are just as meaningful.

Question 3

What is Talk with Pearl and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Pearl is Heritage Whisper's guided interviewer. Instead of recording on your own, Pearl asks thoughtful questions and follow-ups to help you tell richer, more detailed stories. Tap Record, choose "Talk with Pearl," and answer naturally. Pearl creates your story when you are finished.

Question 4

How does my family listen to my stories?

Accepted Answer

Once you invite family members, they receive a sign-in link by email. They tap the link to access your stories, where they can read your stories and hear them in your voice from anywhere in the world. Only people you invite can see your memories.

Question 5

What kinds of stories should I record?

Accepted Answer

Anything that matters to you! Ideas include: how you met your spouse, your first job, favorite family vacations, holiday traditions and recipes, lessons learned, funny moments with your kids, what life was like when you were young, and advice for your grandchildren. Tap Menu then Story Ideas for personalized prompts.

Question 6

I have old photos. Can I add them?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can add photos to any memory. For printed photos, take a picture of them with your phone then upload. For digital photos, upload directly from your device. You can also snap pictures of photo album pages. Free trial allows up to 5 photos per story, Premium allows unlimited.

Question 7

How do I edit a memory?

Accepted Answer

Find your story in Timeline, Book, or My Stories. Tap on the story to open it, then tap the "Edit Story" button. Change anything you want (title, date, text, photos, or lesson learned) and save your changes when done.

Question 8

Do I need to finish my story in one sitting?

Accepted Answer

Each recording is saved as its own memory. You can record one short story today and another tomorrow. We recommend keeping each memory to 2-5 minutes — it is easier to record and nicer to listen to. Short stories are often the most meaningful.

Question 9

Can my family help me record?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A family member can sit with you and tap the buttons while you talk, help you choose photos, ask questions to spark memories, and submit story ideas through the Family Circle to inspire your next recording. Many families make it a weekly activity together.

Question 10

What is the Memoir feature?

Accepted Answer

Memoir takes all the stories you have recorded and weaves them into a beautifully written, continuous narrative — like a professionally authored autobiography. Heritage Whisper creates the memoir from your stories. You can choose a writing style: faithful to your exact words, or a polished narrative. The more stories you record, the richer your memoir becomes.

Question 11

How do I organize my stories into chapters?

Accepted Answer

Chapters let you group stories by theme or topic instead of just by date. In Book view, tap the Table of Contents (book icon), switch to the Chapters tab, and create chapters to organize your stories. You can also reorder stories using Menu, then Edit Book Order with drag and drop.

Question 12

What happens to my stories if something happens to me?

Accepted Answer

Your stories live on for your family. You can set up a Legacy Contact — one trusted person (spouse, child, lawyer, or friend) who will receive access to your stories. Go to Menu, then Settings, scroll to Privacy & Legacy, and add their name, email, and relationship. They will receive a verification email to confirm. Family members you have already invited through Family Sharing will also continue to have access.

Question 13

What is a Legacy Contact and how do I set one up?

Accepted Answer

A Legacy Contact is one trusted person you choose to safeguard your stories — like naming a guardian for your memories. Go to Menu, then Settings, scroll to Privacy & Legacy, enter their full name, email address, and relationship, then tap Save Legacy Contact. They will receive a verification email to confirm. You can only have one Legacy Contact at a time, and you can change or remove them anytime in Settings.

How can we help you?

Getting Started

Memory & Photos

Family

Editing & Managing Memories

Viewing Your Stories

Technical Help

Printing & Exporting

Pricing & Subscription

Privacy & Trust

Still have questions?