By Richard Priday
last updated
Recording iPhone phone calls can be easy with one of these methods — just check it's legal where you are first
Jump to:
- Apps for recording iPhone calls
- Google Voice for recording iPhone calls
- Recording services for iPhone calls
- External recording methods for iPhone calls
Knowing how to record phone calls on an iPhone can come in handy, whether you're recording an interview, a customer service call or just a conversation with a loved one. But it's not a capability that Apple includes with its iPhone.
Packed as iOS 16 may be with features, call recording isn't one of them. But you're not totally out of luck, as there are multiple options for recording a phone call from an iPhone — and a couple of them won't cost you a dime.
Before we give you the rundown on what you can use to record a phone call on the iPhone, it's best to make sure you're legally allowed to record your conversation. Depending on where you live, the laws concerning recording conversations differs.
In most U.S. states, "one-party" rules apply, where as long as one person involved is aware of the recording (in this case you), then you're fine to hit the record button. However, it's good manners to let the person on the other end of the line know that they're being recorded.
In 11 U.S. states — California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington — two-party consent rules apply. That means both participants have to agree to be recorded. In Connecticut, all parties must be made aware of electronic recordings, with certain exceptions.
If you're in the U.K., you are allowed to make recordings for personal use only without disclosing the fact you're doing so to the other callers. Sharing or publishing the data without permission is not permitted, however.
No matter where you live, informing the other caller(s) of what you're doing is always going to be the best decision. If you're not in the U.S. or U.K. then you should check the law of where you are before you start.
How to record phone calls on an iPhone
You've got a three different choices when it comes to recording a phone call on an iPhone – use a third-party recording app, turn to Google Voice and its built-in recording feature or pay for a recording service. Let's go through the pros and cons of each approach.
Apps for recording iPhone calls
You may think that "there's an app for that" to fill in the ability to record iPhone calls. But it's not quite that simple, as Apple blocks apps from accessing the Phone app. Still, there are options like our favorite choice, Rev Call Recorder (opens in new tab).
Rev Call Recording merges both your line and the person on the other end of the call with a third line that's then recorded. The app is free to use, with no time limit on how much you can record. The only charge comes if you want a transcript of your phone call for $1.50 per minute.
There's one other limitation with Rev Call Recorder. It only works with U.S. numbers starting with +1. If you live outside the U.S., you'll need to look elsewhere.
That said, there are plenty of other well-reviewed apps to choose from if you simply search the App Store. Just be aware that most will require some kind of in-app purchase if you want to use their full feature sets.
Other App Store options include:
- TapeACall Pro (opens in new tab): This app is best if you find yourself needing to record calls on a regular basis. While there's a free 7-day trial , you'll need to sign up for a $9.99/month subscription for unlimited calls, storage and transcripts.
- NoNotes (opens in new tab): The NoNotes app offers 20 minutes of free call recording each month, but go over that limit, and it's $11.99/month for unlimited call recording and auto-transcription, file archiving and sharing.
Google Voice for recording iPhone calls
The easy-to-use Google Voice (opens in new tab) service offers you a number you can access on your iPhone as well as other devices, but is also a limited method of recording any calls you receive.
After setting up your Google Voice account, go to Settings, then Calls and Incoming call options. Here, you can enable a toggle switch that lets you turn recording on and off by pressing the 4 key on your iPhone's number pad during calls. The recording gets forwarded to your email after you're done, or can be found among your voicemails in the app.
The major limitation with Google Voice's call recording is that the service only records inbound calls. You can't record any calls that you make. When recording, an automated voice will announce that the call is being recorded, so that will address any consent concerns.
One handy bonus feature is Voice's voicemail transcription service. If you happen to miss a call but need to keep a record of it, you can get a text version or the audio version without a fuss.
Recording services for iPhone calls
If you don't want to use an app, for example because you also record regularly from landline numbers, then you can set up a separate service such as RecordiaPro (opens in new tab) or Recordator (opens in new tab).
Both offer pay-as-you-go packages depending on how long you plan to record for — RecordiaPro starts at $29.99/month while Recordator costs $10 for 67 minutes of recording. Both let you dial a number, either before a call or during, to add a recording participant to your calls. When you're done, you log into the respective online services to access your recordings, with the option to request transcription if you wish.
External recording methods for iPhone calls
If you're unimpressed with the software methods, then now's the time to resort to something clunkier, but possibly more reliable: separate hardware.
If you aren't fussed about quality, you can just put your phone on loudspeaker then switch on another device to record it. You can probably do this already, assuming you own more gadgets than just your iPhone. A quiet space to set this up is a must, though, unless you want external noise covering up your conversation in the playback.
If you don't mind spending a little more, you could invest in an in-ear microphone, such as the Olympus TP8 telephone pick-up microphone (opens in new tab) that I personally use. It plugs into the microphone port of your computer or a dictaphone, and lets you hold the phone to your ear normally while recording everything you and the other callers say.
More iPhone tips and tricks
Now you know how to record phone calls on an iPhone, check out how this hidden feature will change the way you use your iPhone or our guide to all the new iOS 16 features. That includes how to control nearby devices on your iPhone.
If you're a frequent user of video calls, take a look at how to stand out and look your best on video calls. If you also dabble in filming videos why not learn how to record stereo sound on iPhone.
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Richard Priday
Senior Writer
Richard is a Tom's Guide senior writer based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.
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FAQs
Can I record a conversation on my iPhone without the other person knowing? ›
Here is how you can record a phone call on iPhone secretly: Step 1: Download iRec Call Recorder which is the top downloaded and top rated call recording app in the Apple App Store. When you open the app, you should see a big red record button which is what you need to tap on if you want to begin the recording.
Does iPhone 14 have call recording? ›Unfortunately, Apple's iPhones don't have built-in tools for recording calls — even the most recent iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Your best options for recording a call are recording the call with another device, using a specialist app, or using Google Voice's services — and we've got guides on how to use them all.
Can you record a phone call without the other person knowing? ›Yes, you can record a phone call without the other person knowing. It is possible via third-party applications to record incoming and outgoing phone calls without the other person knowing. Some apps give an alert while recording calls.
Can I use my iPhone to record a conversation? ›Record voice memos using the built-in microphone, a supported headset, or an external microphone. When Voice Memos is turned on in iCloud settings or iCloud preferences, your recordings appear and update automatically on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac where you're signed in with the same Apple ID.
Why does the iPhone not have a call recorder? ›Due to country- and state-specific laws, Apple has not created a built-in recording option for iPhone phone calls. Apple's impeccable privacy settings are one reason it has attracted so many worldwide customers. However, you can still record phone calls on your iPhone using some workarounds.
How do I record a live conversation? ›- On your Android device, open the Phone app .
- At the top right, tap More options Settings. Call recording.
- Under “Always record,” turn on Numbers not in your contacts.
- Tap Always record.
Professional Voice Recorder for iPhone, iPad and iWatch! No limitation, Completely FREE! Voice Record Pro is a professional voice recorder. It allows you to record voice memos and on-site sounds at unlimited length with configurable quality.
How long can you record on iPhone? ›140 hrs, 30 min.
How do I turn on call recording on iphone12? ›Most Android OEMs offer a native call recording function and disable it where it's prohibited by law. However, Apple does not offer call recording on iPhones. If you are looking to record calls on your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, then you need to rely on third-party solutions from the App Store.
Can I record my husbands cell phone conversations? ›Shapiro points out, it is not legal to record a spouse's conversation with other people unless consent has been obtained from one of the participants in that phone call. Likewise the same rule applies to conversations without the use of the phone.
Can personal phone calls be recorded? ›
Individuals. An individual may record a call as long as they are one of the participants of the call. The recording can be used as evidence in a lawsuit. However, it is illegal to record communications that the recording party is not participating in.
Can I use my phone to record an in person conversation? ›Federal law permits recording telephone calls and in-person conversations with the consent of at least one of the parties. See 18 U.S.C. 2511(2)(d). This is called a "one-party consent" law.
What is the best free recording app for iPhone? ›- Voice recorder - Voz. Utilities.
- Voice Record Pro. Utilities.
- Voice recorder: Audio editor. Utilities.
- iRecord: Transcribe Voice Memo. Utilities.
- Voice Recorder & Memos Pro. Utilities.
- Phone Call Recorder PRO - ACR. Utilities.
Step 1: 'Swipe Up' from your Android's home screen to bring up your apps. Click inside the “Search Apps” box and type in “Sound Recorder”.
Can I secretly record a conversation with my boss? ›California is a “two-party consent” state, which means that it can be illegal to secretly record conversations in person, over the phone, or through video chat if the other participant(s) also live in a “two-party consent” state. You would need the other party's consent and permission to legally record a conversation.
Why don't I have a call recording option? ›This normally happens when you have installed a beta version of Android OS. It is important to mention that your device must be running Android 9.0 Pie or higher to support the call recording feature. Also, if the call recorder app doesn't have the necessary permission then its features will not work.
How do I record my iPhone screen with sound? ›- Tap and hold the Record button.
- In the pop-up screen, tap on the microphone icon at the bottom, then tap Start Recording. You'll see the countdown begin.
- Tap twice to exit the screen and close the Control Center.
- Now the microphone will turn on any time you begin recording.
- Go to Settings > Control Center, then tap the Add button next to Screen Recording.
- Open Control Center on your iPhone, or on your iPad.
- Tap the gray Record button. ...
- Exit Control Center to record your screen.
- To stop recording, open Control Center, then tap the red Record button.
If you realize someone is recording you without your permission in a public setting, there isn't much you can do but ask them to stop or leave. If this is a recurring occurrence with a certain individual, you can call the police or choose to sue if you have legal grounds for it.
What is the best way to record audio on iPhone? ›- Launch the Voice Memos app.
- Start by locating the Voice Memos app on your iPhone. ...
- Record a Voice.
- Tap the “Record” button (round red) to start audio recording. ...
- When you've finished recording with the file, hit the “Done” icon.
- Save it to the Voice Memos page and assign a name.
How long can iPhone record without stopping? ›
If you're wondering how long an iPhone can record, the short answer is that it has no set limit, but it depends.
How long will an iPhone record audio? ›How long can I record audio on my iPhone? As a rule of thumb, 101 minutes of uncompressed stereo audio recorded at a standard of 44.1KHZ requires around 1GB of storage space. So the more storage space you have available on your device, the longer you can record.
Where are recordings on iPhone? ›On your iOS or iPadOS device: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, tap Show All, then turn on Voice Memos.
How do you record audio on iPhone without holding? ›You press the audio message button and then you swipe left and it will record without having to long hold. It will only record when your phone is unlocked, so tap your screen if you want it to be longer than your auto-lock, or change your auto-lock settings. Hope this helps, even though it's delayed.
How do I record on my iPhone 22? ›- Open Camera, then select Video mode.
- Tap the Record button or press either volume button to start recording. While recording, you can do the following: Press the white Shutter button to snap a still photo. ...
- Tap the Record button or press either volume button to stop recording.
Android also makes it quick and easy to record your phone's screen. These recordings also automatically include audio and can be edited in the Photos app. 1. Open the app: Swipe down twice from the top of your screen and tap Screen record.
What app can record calls on iPhone? ›Rev Call Recorder is the only iPhone app that allows you to record calls in just one simple step. No more fumbling over call merging with other apps. To top it off, call recording is completely free with absolutely no limits for incoming & outgoing calls.
How can I record a call on my iPhone 12 for free? ›The Google Voice app for iOS lets you make free and recorded calls using Wifi via Google Voice. You can select the device you want to make a call from via the app. For incoming calls, you can go to Settings > Calls > Incoming Calls and then toggle the incoming calls record option.
Can I secretly record a conversation with my spouse? ›The simple answer is no, it is not legal to record your spouse unless that person consents to being recorded. Under California Penal Code section 632, it is a crime to record a telephone call or conversation without the consent of both parties to the call.
Can you audio record your spouse without them knowing? ›As long as the recording is for personal use you don't need to obtain consent or let the other person know.
Can I record a conversation with my wife? ›
Under federal and state laws, it is considered a crime to record a conversation without the consent of everyone involved in said conversation. If violated, these laws could result in both criminal and civil penalties. The Wiretap Act is a federal law that applies to oral, over-the-phone, and electronic communications.
How do you know if call is being recorded? ›Note any unusual and recurring crackling noises, clicks on the line or brief bursts of static during a call. These are indicators that someone is monitoring and possibly recording the conversation.
Can I use a voice recording as evidence in family court? ›Ultimately, each case will need to be considered on its facts. Parties can apply for covert recordings to be admitted as evidence but there is no presumption this should be allowed.
How do I record a phone conversation? ›...
Use call recording responsibly and turn it on only when needed.
- On your Android device, open the Phone app .
- At the top right, tap More options Settings. Call recording.
- Under “Always record,” turn on Numbers not in your contacts.
- Tap Always record.
Voice Recorder is free, full-featured easy to use audio recording app for Android. This call record tool provides high-quality recordings without limits of time.
Which is the best call recorder for iPhone? ›- Rev Call Recorder.
- TapeACall Pro.
- Automatic Call Recorder (ACR Call Recorder)
- Call Recorder iCall
- Call Recorder Lite.
- Call Recorder App.
- Call Recorder – Int Call.
- Call Recording by NoNotes.
- Open the Control Centre by swiping up from the bottom edge of your screen. ...
- You'll see a new circle icon for screen recording.
- Tap it and you'll be given a three-second countdown.
- To capture sound while you record, press deeply on the circle icon and tap Microphone Audio.
Swipe up from the bottom of the phone screen to open the app drawer. Tap on the Recorder app to open it. When you first open the Recorder app, it will ask your permission to allow the app to record audio. You can allow Recorder to record audio at that particular time or whenever you use the app.
Can I record a conversation while I'm on the phone? ›Automatic Call Recorder
On devices with Android 10 or higher, you'll need to turn on the accessibility service. Tap the Turn On button. At the Accessibility settings screen, tap the entry for Call Recorder under Downloaded apps and turn on the switch for Use Call Recorder.
Federal law permits recording telephone calls and in-person conversations with the consent of at least one of the parties. See 18 U.S.C. 2511(2)(d). This is called a "one-party consent" law.
Can I record my phone conversation with someone? ›
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511) requires one-party consent, which means you can record a phone call or conversation so long as you are a party to the conversation.
How can I record both sides of a phone call for free? ›If you're looking to record calls on your Android device, then look no further than the Notta app. This is a voice-to-text application that can record from both ends of the conversation. Use Notta to convert calls to text in real-time.