Sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid it, we need to make a phone call. Messages are useful, but there's no avoiding that phone calls excel at allowing you to exchange information or have a discussion much faster than messaging apps. But, unlike emails and messages, calls are harder to save. That's why it may sometimes be necessary to record a phone call. Whether it's recording a work call, interview, or legal call, you may need a solid record of the call.
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. Also, if you're looking to record customer service calls or are searching for resources to fix consumer-related problems, note the website GetHuman is a potential workaround for using one of these recording options.
Finally, it's important to make sure you're following the local law when recording calls. We've included a must-read section at the end of this guide, so you know what to do.
How to record iPhone calls with another device
The easiest way to record a call is using another device to record your call in speakerphone mode. This is, by far, the simplest option. However, it does involve you having the additional device, so it's not for everyone. You can also use a computer with recording software and a microphone, but again, this requires having those additional devices, which not everyone may have. Finally, it's best for one-off calls, so if you record calls often, we recommend looking at other options for call recording.
We advise setting up your recording equipment ahead of time, so the steps below reflect this. Keep in mind you can't get around the additional device requirement by recording on the iPhone taking the call, as the microphone is locked out during calls.
Step 1: Create your recording workspace. You're not going to be able to move away from your recording device, so keep that in mind and make sure you're comfortable and have privacy (if required).
Step 2: Download and install whatever recording software you're using. If you're using a smartphone, we have a list of the best voice-recording apps for Android and iPhone, but in brief, Voice Memos is great for iPhone users, while Android users should look at Easy Voice Recorder.
If you're using a Mac or PC, you can use the built-in recording software or something free like Audacity. You'll also need a microphone of some sort though, so make sure you have one. We have a list of the best microphones for streaming, but don't recommend you buy an expensive microphone just for recording a single call.
Step 3: Open your recording software and place the phone you're making the call from near enough to the recording device to be heard. You can test with some music or YouTube videos to make sure it can be heard.
Step 4: Start your call, and make sure to place your phone on Speakerphone mode by tapping the Audio button on your call.
Step 5: Tap Record on the recording software of your choice.
Step 6: If required, make sure to inform the person on the other end that you are recording the call.
How to record iPhone calls using an app
There aren’t many high-quality, free call-recording apps out there, but there are a few options if you’re willing to pay a modest amount. We've tested a number of apps, and there are definitely a number that are better than the rest. These apps tend to have subscription costs, so they're best if you're a regular recorder of calls.
TapeACall Pro: Call Recorder ($11) — The best iPhone call recording app out there, by far. $11 gets you unlimited recording for a year, and it's $20 a year after that. It merges calls into a three-way call and records everything, including your own voice. But, this app only works if your carrier supports three-way conference calls. You can listen to the recording in the app, or share it with a number of cloud storage services. A great app if you're going to be recording a lot of calls.
Call Recorder Pro for iPhone ($10) — Another solid option, Call Record Pro uses three-way calling, so you need to make sure your carrier supports it. You can start the recording mid-call, and can share the recordings via email, cloud storage, or other apps. It's let down by its pricing structure, though, as the $10 fee upfront only gets you 300 minutes of calling. After that, you'll need to buy credits for more call time.
Call Recorder - IntCall — Our first option that's free to download, IntCall specializes in international calling, and functions on a credit system. You'll need a GSM network for it to work (as most of the world uses GSM networks), and it uses VoIP to make the call. Prices vary depending on the country being called, but most cost between 10-20 cents per minute. If you're not calling internationally, there's also a weekly subscription you can buy, but that uses three-way conference calls, so again, make sure your carrier supports it.
How to record iPhone calls using Google Voice
If you’re looking for a good, free option with the ability to record incoming calls, and unwanted call filters, Google Voice might be the ideal choice. You must port your phone number over to Google to get access to the recording feature, and it can’t record outgoing calls. This makes it rather inconvenient if you’re hoping to record any conversations that you need to initiate, or if you like your current carrier, but it's a small sacrifice if you want free recording. Read our guide on on how to set up Google Voice if you’re not familiar with the app.
To record incoming calls with your Google Voice account on an iPhone, you first need to set up an account. Just go to Google Voice and follow the instructions. Once your account is up and running, the next step is to enable call recording so you can record and automatically save your conversation as an MP3 file. Keep in mind, you'll have to answer the call within the app itself by using your provided Google Voice number, so be aware you won't be able to successfully record phone conversations using just your iPhone's phone number.
Be aware only personal Google Voice accounts can record, and Voice for Google Workspace accounts won't have access to this feature. Only the U.S. can use Google Voice, but you can dial outside of the U.S. from within it on Google Voice.
Step 1: Navigate to the Google Voice homepage.
Step 2: Click on Settings (gear icon) on the upper left-hand corner of the window.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Calls section and make sure that Incoming call options is enabled.
Step 4: To record calls, you'll need to download the Google Voice app.
Step 5: When you're ready to record, start the call and tap the number 4 on your keypad. When you do this, you and the person on the other line will hear an automated voice message announcing the call will be recorded.
Step 6: You can stop recording by hitting the number 4 on your keypad again or simply by hanging up. Once the recording has stopped, Google will automatically save the conversation so you can refer to it later.
Step 7: If all the settings are correct and you've already answered and recorded a call using the app, you will notice the conversation will pop up under your Calls and voicemail tab. If you'd like to listen to the recorded audio, just select the arrow and make sure your volume is turned up. The app will also email you a link to your conversation so you can view it in a browser.
Is it legal to record iPhone phone calls?
"Your calls may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes" is a common sentence to hear when calling a customer service line, and that's for a good reason. Many states have two-party consent laws in place. In 16 U.S. states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington), it is not expressly legal to record a phone call without the consent of the other participants in the call.
Make sure you know whether you need to warn the other person on the line that they are being recorded, as you may get into trouble if you don't. Do your research, and if in doubt, err on the side of caution. Remember, if it's a multi-person call, you need the consent of everyone on the call, not just one other person.
Be aware some of these laws will apply internationally, too. Always make sure you know whether the local law means you need to warn people of the call being recorded.
Editors' Recommendations
- I put the iPhone’s Dynamic Island on my Pixel 7 Pro — and I can’t go back
- I finally found an Android phone that makes me want to ditch my iPhone
- iPhone 15: release date and price predictions, leaks, rumors, and more
- Your iPhone could steal this Pixel Tablet feature when it gets iOS 17
- What are passkeys? How they’ll replace your passwords forever
