How to Record Calls on an iPhone

  If you want to record a call, there are few limitations on Android. Things get tricky when you want to record a call while using an iPhone. Here are some of your best options.

You want to record a call on your smartphone. Maybe it's an interview for work, a customer service call, or a conversation with a loved one. On Android, there are few limitations (and many of the tips below also work for Android phones).

Things get tricky when you want to record a call while using an iPhone.

You would think there'd be app for that, but Apple doesn't allow third-party apps to access the microphone and the integrated Phone app directly. However, there are tricks within some apps and services to get around that limitation that can make you a mobile wire-tapping master.

Before you push record, be sure to tell the person on the other end of the line you're recording; depending on your location, you may be breaking a law(Opens in a new window) if you don't. Some US states—like New York(Opens in a new window) and even the feds—only require one-party consent, which means you can record without telling the other person or persons. In California, all parties must know they're being recorded—even if the recorder is out of state. Under federal law, one-party consent is okay, but only if you're part of the conversation; otherwise that's considered eavesdropping.

None of these laws are as cut and dried as they seem (Nevada's one-party consent has been viewed by the courts as an all-party consent). Play it safe: get permission on any recorded call. "Forgiveness" could get litigious and costly, and even lead to criminal charges. If you're nervous, don't record at all. The folks at Rev did a deep-dive into the laws(Opens in a new window) to help drive that advice home.

---

Simply Record a Speakerphone Chat

This works for any call, live conversation, or endless Zoom call. On a second device—be it another iPhone, an iPad, laptop, or Android phone—open a voice-recorder app and hit record while you're talking. On iOS, the built-in version is called Voice Memos; we have a full tutorial on how to use it. Windows 10 has a built-in Voice Recorder(Opens in a new window). Android has a bunch of them.