Offline transcription with Vibe
Vibe is built around a simple idea: your transcript should be produced on your computer for typical local files, without sending those files to a transcription company’s servers.
What happens when you transcribe a local file?
In simple terms:
- Vibe reads your file and prepares audio for the model.
- The Whisper model you downloaded runs on your machine.
- You get text you can copy or export.
For standard “pick a file from disk” workflows, you should not need an internet connection at the moment you click transcribe. If you want to double-check, turn on airplane mode and try a short test clip after your model is installed.
When Vibe may still use the internet
- Downloading the app or downloading models.
- Checking for updates (depending on settings/version).
- Features that intentionally fetch media from the web (for example pasting a URL).
Privacy-minded uses
Local processing helps when you do not want recordings on a third-party server—interviews, legal notes, medical dictation, or sensitive meetings. Your final compliance story still depends on how you store, share, and back up files end-to-end.
Related
Download Vibe Transcribe — free
Open source · Works offline · No account needed · v3.0.19
Free downloadFrequently asked questions
Does Vibe Transcribe work without internet?
Yes, completely. After the one-time download of the app and a Whisper model, Vibe operates with zero internet connectivity. You can disconnect your network cable and Vibe will still transcribe perfectly.
Does Vibe Transcribe upload my audio files anywhere?
Never. Your audio and video files are processed entirely on your local machine using the downloaded Whisper model. No data is transmitted to any server during transcription.
Can I use Vibe on a plane or in an area with no internet?
Yes. As long as you've installed Vibe and downloaded at least one model beforehand, you can use it completely offline anywhere — on a plane, in a remote location, or on an air-gapped machine.
Does Vibe Transcribe collect any telemetry or analytics?
No. Vibe does not collect usage analytics, crash reports, or any form of telemetry. The only network activity is update checks (which can be seen in the source code) and explicit model downloads triggered by the user.
Is Vibe Transcribe suitable for HIPAA or GDPR compliance?
Vibe's offline-only processing model means patient or personal data never leaves the device, which is a strong foundation for HIPAA and GDPR compliance. However, compliance depends on your full data handling workflow — consult a compliance professional for formal guidance.