There are many reasons why you might want to record calls on your iPhone, whether you’re conducting an interview, conducting research, or otherwise need to document a conversation.
Apple’s latest release, iOS 18.1, allows users to record calls directly on their devices using Apple Intelligence, and also provides transcriptions and summaries in the Notes app. However, ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Heiner notes that the summary is “still a work in progress.”
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For privacy reasons, and due to laws that vary by state, Apple has not previously allowed iPhones to use the iPhone’s built-in microphone to record calls during calls. For example, an app version of an artificial intelligence (AI) transcription service Otter.ai If your phone is in the middle of a call, a pop-up message will appear on the screen and will not be recorded due to iOS limitations.
To run iOS 18.1 and use Apple Intelligence features, your iPhone must be running iOS 16.5 or later and be a newer model than iPhone X. Learn more about eligible devices and how to install iOS 18.1. here.
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Whether you have access to iOS 18.1 or not, here are some ways to record calls on your iPhone, both with and without third-party apps. Before recording a call, always make sure that recording the call is legal. Each state has different laws regarding recording calls. Check your state’s policy here.
How to record calls on iPhone with iOS 18.1
what you need: iPhones newer than X running iOS 16.5 or later. These models include: iPhone SEModel XR ~ 13, iPhone14, iPhone15 pro, iPhone 15 Pro Maxand iPhone16 (See the complete list here).
Start a call. A new icon will appear in the upper left corner of the call screen. Click this to start recording.
When you start recording, you will see a notification alerting all parties and an audio message indicating that recording has started.
Once you’ve finished and ended the call, you’ll see a notification from the Notes app at the top of your screen with a link to the audio file and transcript of the recording. Click to open in Notes.
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You can play the audio and read the transcript directly in your notes.
How to record calls on iPhone without iOS 18.1
Even if you haven’t upgraded to iOS 18 yet or don’t have a compatible device, there are several ways to record calls. Although not as seamless as native functionality, options range from using multiple devices to third-party apps with separate calling software, such as: Google voice (These apps may require subscription fees).
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This first method is considered the easiest to use by most iPhone users who want to record conversations, especially when subtlety is important. To record, you need an external iOS device with audio recording and microphone capabilities.
what you need:
- One iPhone to host the call. We recommend wearing a speakerphone
- Another recording device (could be another iPhone, iPad, or Android device) to record the call using Voice Memos or another recording app
First, make sure you have an iPhone and another iOS device (such as a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone) with the Voice Memos app installed. The Voice Memos app comes preinstalled on most devices, but app store. If you have an Android device, make sure you have a recording app, such as: this is free.
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Open the Voice Memos app, tap the red record button, and start speaking long enough to make sure the audio quality is good enough to record your conversation. Once the recording is complete, press the red button again. An audio file named “New Recording” will appear. [number correlating to the voice recordings you have]”. Location services When turned on, the recording title will have your location address instead.
Audio recordings are automatically saved with different names based on whether location services are turned on.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Then play the file and see if the audio is recognized. make any necessary adjustments in front Record phone calls.
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For example, if the sound quality is too low, try speaking louder or increasing the microphone sensitivity ([設定]>[サウンドと触覚]), or you may need to place the speaker near your mouth.
After disclosing that you’re recording, or getting permission to record if necessary, set up a second device so that Voice Memos (or any other app you use) can record. Place your device near the phone you are calling and press the red button again to record.
Please start recording before starting the call. This action may add a few seconds of silence to your audio file, but you won’t miss any dialogue. On iPhone, always start the call on speakerphone.
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You can improve the audio quality during a call by swiping down from the top right of the screen to access Control Center.[マイク モード]>[音声分離]Select.
Pro tip: The red line on the sound graphic, called the waveform, indicates how much sound the app is picking up. The higher the bar, the higher the detected volume. If the waveform remains flat, you may need to increase the volume of your call or move your device closer.
Change the microphone mode when a call is active.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Spikes in the red waveform bar indicate loud sounds. A flat bar indicates low volume. If the waveform appears low when recording, you may need to move closer to the voice memo phone to pick up more accurate audio.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Once the conversation is over or you have the information you need, tap the red button to end the recording.
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Select a recording file from within the Voice Memos app and tap the ellipsis button (three dots) to the right of the recording name for sharing options. Send directly to your iPhone via iMessage and other messaging apps, email, AirDrop, Slack, and even Google Drive.
Open sharing options.[録音の編集]You can also click to trim the recording or rename it to something easier to remember.
Screenshot by Radhika Rajkumar/ZDNET
Other recording methods
Following the steps above is the easiest, most efficient, and most discreet way to record calls on your iPhone. If you or a trusted third party don’t have another spare device, here are some alternatives:
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Note: Many apps that record calls may require you to join the call before recording begins. This may take some time and may be detected by the person you are calling.
Rev has several options depending on your needs. If you want to record the call, call recorder App — Free, no recording time limit, and legal guide within the app. To record other conversations, use Rev’s voice recorder The app is also free and has an easy-to-use interface.
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Additionally, Rev offers AI support transcription You can also transcribe your recordings for $0.25 per minute. You can also have your recordings professionally transcribed for $1.50 per minute. Once you download the file, it will appear as an MP3 file on your device. This is a great option for recording calls and narrating screen recordings.
Google’s voice App for iOS You can make free and recorded calls using Wi-Fi via Google Voice. If you have a personal Google Account, you can: Record only incoming callsand they need to come to your Google Voice number. If you have a Google Workspace account through your work or school, you’ll have more recording features, but you’ll need to get the right account. Google Voice license.
You can choose which device you want to initiate calls via the app. For incoming calls,[設定]>[通話]>[着信通話オプション]and toggle incoming call recording options.
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Once everyone has joined the call, press number 4 on your keypad to start and end recording. Once the call ends, the recording menu option will appear.
easy voice recorder is another free app that lets you record high-quality voice memos and recordings to PCM, MP4, or ACC files, which you can save to your iCloud account. Although this app cannot record calls hosted on the same device, it does have a quick and easy built-in transcription feature at no additional charge.
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As the name suggests, this app is designed to allow users to pull out their phone and start recording anytime, anywhere. If you download the app and record on your iPad, you can drag and drop recordings using Files or other recording apps to further transcribe or merge recordings.
FAQ
Is it illegal to record phone calls?
Federal law requires the consent of at least one party. This means you must be present in the conversation you are recording or have the consent of at least one person who is participating in the conversation. Otherwise, the recording may be interpreted as wiretapping or illegal eavesdropping. Some states have even stricter laws that require the consent of everyone involved in the conversation.
Before recording the conversation, check Your state law.
Is there an app to record calls on iPhone?
In addition to on-device recording in iOS 18.1, there are several third-party apps available for download that allow you to record calls on your iPhone. However, Apple has restrictions on allowing these apps to use your microphone during calls. Most apps require you to join the call as a participant in order to record.
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You can also record phone conversations using most computers or tablets with a microphone, as long as the phone is connected to a speaker or the microphone is near the other device’s speaker. There are many audio recording software options available for both MacOS and Windows computers.
Does Apple have an app to record iPhone calls?
Unfortunately, it’s not without iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence. Apple doesn’t have an app, but third-party apps are available at: app store. Additionally, Voice Memos will likely be automatically installed on your iOS device.
Does iPhone screen recording record calls?
When you record your screen during a voice or FaceTime call, only your screen is recorded. No audio from the user or mobile phone is captured.
Is there a time limit for iPhone voice memos?
As long as you have enough free space, the Voice Memos app can record an unlimited number of recordings. To check the storage space on your device, check your iPhone’s[設定]>[一般]>[デバイス]>[ストレージ]Move to.. You can also purchase additional iPhone storage.
