Whether you’re conducting an interview, doing research, or need to document a conversation, there are many reasons to record phone calls on your iPhone, but very few ways to do so.
Due to privacy concerns and laws that vary from state to state, Apple has historically not allowed recording through the iPhone’s built-in microphone when on a call. However, at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, Apple announced: iOS 18 Call recording and transcription will be introduced to iPhone this fall as part of the new Apple Intelligence.
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Until then, here are a few ways to record calls on iPhone with or without third-party apps.
Before recording phone calls, keep the following in mind:
- Always check whether the recording is legal. States have different laws regarding recording phone calls. you can Check your state’s policies here..
- To record, you’ll need an external iOS device with audio recording and microphone capabilities, or a third-party app with separate calling software, such as: google voice. Third-party apps may require subscription fees.
- The first method below is considered the most accessible for most iPhone users who want to record conversations. This is especially true if you want to record conversations subtly.
How to Record Phone Calls on iPhone
Things that you need:
- One iPhone to host the call (speakerphone recommended)
- Another recording device (this could be another iPhone, iPad, or Android device) using Voice Memos or another recording app to record the call.
First, make sure you have both an iPhone and another iOS device that includes the Voice Memos app, such as a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone. The Voice Memos app comes pre-installed on most devices, but is also available for free on: app store. If you’re using an Android device, make sure you have a recording app like this: It’s free.
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Open the Voice Memos app, tap the red record button, and start speaking long enough to determine if the sound quality is suitable for recording a conversation. When you are finished recording, press the red button again. An audio file called “New Recording (number associated with the voice recording you have)” will appear. if you have location services When turned on, the recording will be titled with the address of your current location.
Voice recordings are automatically saved with different names depending on whether location services are turned on.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Now play the file to see if you can identify the audio. Make any necessary adjustments. before You record phone calls.
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For example, if the sound quality is too low, you may need to speak louder, increase microphone sensitivity (go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics), or place the speaker closer to your mouth.
always check Regarding consent to record, if the state in which you record and reside is a one-party or all-party state.
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A one-party state requires only one person on the call (you) to give consent. In all party states, consent is required from both the person recording and the person being recorded.
Disclose that you’re recording, or, if necessary, obtain recording permission, then set up a second device to allow Voice Memos (or another app you’re using) to record. Place the device near the phone you are calling from and press the red button again to record.
Start recording before you start the call. This may add a few seconds of silence to the audio file, but you won’t miss any dialogue. On iPhone, you must start a phone call using the speakerphone.
During a call, you can improve audio quality by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen to go to Control Center. Select Microphone Mode > Voice Isolation.
Pro tip: The red line in the sound graphic, known as the waveform, indicates how well the app captures the sound. The higher the bar, the higher the perceived volume. If the waveform remains uniform, you may need to increase the volume of phone calls or move the devices closer together.
Change microphone mode when a call is active.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Spikes in the red waveform bar indicate louder sounds. Flat sound indicates low volume. If the waveform appears low when recording, you may need to move closer to your phone for Voice Memos to capture the sound more accurately.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
When you’re done with the conversation or have gotten the information you need, press the red button to end the recording.
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Select a recording within the Voice Memos app and tap the ellipsis button (three dots) to the right of the recording name to bring up sharing options. You can send them directly to your iPhone via iMessage or other messaging apps, Mail, AirDrop, Slack, or Google Drive.
Open sharing options. You can also click Edit Recording to truncate or rename the recording to a more memorable name.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Other recording methods
Following the steps above is the easiest, most efficient and discreet way to record phone calls on iPhone. If you or a trusted second party does not have a spare device, here are some alternatives:
Note: Many apps that record phone calls may require you to conference the call before recording begins, which may take some time and may be detected by other people on the call.
Rev has several options depending on what you need. If you want to record phone calls, try this: call recorder App — Free, unlimited recording length, and includes in-app legal instructions. To record other conversations, visit Rev’s recorder The app is free and has an easy-to-use interface.
Rev also offers AI support. Warrior You can have a recording made for you for $0.25 per minute, or you can have someone professionally transcribe your recording for $1.50 per minute. Once you download the file, it will appear as an MP3 file on your device. This is a useful option for recording phone calls and narrating screen recordings.
google voice App for iOS Google Voice lets you make free recorded calls using Wi-Fi. If you have a personal Google Account, you can: Record only incoming calls, it must come from your Google Voice number. If you have a Google Workspace account through work or school, more recording features are available, but you must obtain the appropriate license. Google Voice License.
The app allows you to select the device you want to start the call from. For incoming calls, you can go to Settings > Calls > Incoming call options and then toggle the option to log incoming calls.
Once everyone is on the call, press the number 4 on your keypad to start and end recording. When the call ends, it ends with the Record menu option.
Easy Voice Recorder Another free app that allows you to record high-quality voice memos or recordings to PCM, MP4, or ACC files. All these files can be saved to your iCloud account. Although you can’t record phone calls on the same device, there’s a built-in recording feature that’s quick and easy at no extra cost.
As the name suggests, the app is designed to allow users to pull out their phone and start recording anytime, anywhere. If you download the app and use it to record on your iPad, you can also drag and drop recordings to make additional recordings or simply consolidate recordings using File or other recording apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is call recording illegal?
Federal law requires consent from at least one party. This means you must be involved in the conversation you are recording or obtain consent from at least one person in that conversation. Otherwise, it may be interpreted as wiretapping or illegal wiretapping. Some states have more stringent laws that require consent from everyone participating in the conversation.
Before recording a conversation: check Your state law.
Is there an iPhone call recording app?
Several downloadable third-party apps can record calls on your iPhone, but the feature isn’t built into the device itself. However, Apple restricts these apps from using the microphone during phone calls. Most apps require you to join the call as a participant and record it. In addition to the methods described above using the Voice Memos app, people also use Google Voice, Easy Voice Recorder, and Rev.
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Alternatively, you can use most computers or tablets equipped with a microphone to record phone conversations, as long as your phone is on speaker or the microphone is close to the speakers on another device. A variety of audio recording software options are available for both MacOS and Windows computers.
Does Apple have an app to record iPhone calls?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. At least not yet. There are no apps from Apple itself, but there are third-party apps available from Apple. app store. Voice Memos will also likely be installed automatically on your iOS device.
Will iPhone screen recording record my calls?
Screen recording during an audio or FaceTime call only records the screen and does not capture audio from you or your phone.
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Are there time limits on voice memos on iPhone?
The Voice Memos app allows unlimited recording as long as you have enough storage space. To check how much storage space you have on your device, go to Settings > General > Device > Storage on your iPhone.. You can also purchase more storage space on your iPhone.
