How To Record a Phone Call on an iPhone

There are many situations where a handy phone call recorder would make things easier. For legal reasons, iPhones have no built-in function allowing you to record phone calls. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible; you’ll just need to look for a workaround.

Read on to learn several ways to record a phone call on an iPhone.

Recording a Phone Call on an iPhone

Depending on where you live, recording a phone conversation without letting the other party know in advance could get you in trouble. In most states, the activity is considered legal if at least one party is aware that the conversation is being recorded. However, in 11 U.S. states, all participants need to be informed. This applies even if you’re calling from elsewhere. In addition, federal law, which enforces one-party consent but only if you’re one of them, can also make local privacy laws more complicated. The solution? Always ask for permission to record a conversation before starting.

How to Record a Phone Call on an iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13

There are several ways to record a phone call on an iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13. You can use simpler solutions without restrictions, but the recording quality won’t be the best. Using a third-party app will yield better sound quality, but you might not always be able to use these solutions legally. Here are some of your options.

Use an External Recorder

The easiest way to record a phone call without downloading an additional app is by using a second device. There is no limit to the call length you’ll be able to record this way. In addition, you can use whatever device you have on hand. This might not be the best solution if you want to use the recording for something professional, as the sound quality isn’t always great.

Here are some of the devices you can use as an external recorder.

• Another phone or tablet
• Your Apple Watch
• Your PC

To record the conversation in the best possible quality, make sure you’re in a quiet space. Investing in a good microphone for your PC might also pay off if you are going to do this regularly. The process will look something like the steps outlined below.

1. Call the person in question.
2. Let them know the conversation will be recorded.
3. Press the speaker button on your iPhone’s screen.
   
4. Hit the record button on your recording device.
   

Try Google Voice

If you don’t need to use your own phone number for the call, you can employ the services of Google Voice. This solution is free, and it gives you the option to record incoming conversations as long as you’re not using a Workspace or Education account. If you don’t yet have a Google Voice account, set it up to receive a phone number. If you already have Google Voice, enable call recording in your settings.

1. Go to the Google Voice website and log in with your Google account.
   
2. Find your “Settings.” In the “Calls” tab, find “Incoming call options” and turn it on.
   

As mentioned, you can only record incoming calls with Google Voice. To record a phone call, follow these steps.

1. Receive the incoming call.
   
2. Hit the keypad icon and press the number 4 button to start recording. You can stop recording the same way.
   

A voice will let both of you know that the call is being recorded. Later, you’ll find the recording in your Google Voice inbox.

Use a Call Recorder App

You’ll find many apps in the iPhone App Store that offer call recording. While most of them are paid, there are a few free solutions, including the Rev Call Recorder. This app simplifies the seemingly complicated 3-way call process. Your recorded conversations will all be stored in the app and you can replay, trim, or even have them transcribed. You just need to register with your phone number, and you can start using Rev for both outgoing and incoming calls.

To record an outgoing call, press the call button and dial the number you want to call. You’ll be prompted to connect to the recording line first. If you want to record an incoming call, you’ll need to receive the call first, open the application, and then press record.

Utilize Your Voicemail

Finally, another possible solution is a bit complicated but can eliminate the need for a third-party app. If your iPhone is capable of 3-way calling and your carrier allows you to download your voicemail messages, you can try using your voicemail to record conversations.

1. First, call the person you want to record and tap “Add call,” then call your own number to go to your voicemail.
   
2. Wait until your voicemail begins recording then tap “Merge Calls” to use your voicemail to record the conversation.
   

This solution may not work for everyone. In addition, the length your voicemail can record may also be limited. You should do a test run before relying on this method entirely.

How to Record a Phone Call on an iPhone 6, 7, or 8

If you have an older iPhone model, you have similar options to record your phone call. You can use an external recording device to record any call, albeit with less than ideal sound quality. You can try a few third-party apps if you need a more solid solution. Some of the best options are shown below.

Record Your Conversation With an External Device

The simplest way to record a phone conversation is by putting your phone on speaker and using another device to record the sound. This solution allows you to record any length of conversation. However, the sound quality may not be ideal, especially if you want to use the recording for your podcast or similar project. Nevertheless, you can use whatever device you have on hand to record a phone conversation this way, including a phone or tablet, your apple watch, or your PC. Record your conversation in the following way.

1. Move to a quiet space before beginning the call.
2. Call the person you want and let them know you’ll be recording.
3. Hit the speaker button on your phone’s screen.
   
4. Start recording with the other device.
   

Use Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to record any incoming call with a simple tap of a button. Set up a free Google Voice account to receive a phone number, and ensure you have enabled call recording in your settings. When someone calls that phone number, follow the steps below to begin recording the conversation.

1. Receive the call as usual.
   
2. Press the keypad button on your screen. Tap number 4 to start recording.
   
3. You’ll hear a voice informing both of you that the conversation is being recorded. Stop recording by pressing the keypad button and then number 4 again.

The recording will be in your Google Voice inbox.

Download a 3-Way Call Merge App

There are many apps for iPhone that claim to offer call recording solutions. Unfortunately, most of them are paid. The Rev Call Recorder app is an exception that is easy to use and has excellent reviews. Once you’ve registered with your phone number, press the call button and dial the number you want to call. You’ll first be connected to the recording line, and then with the person you wanted to reach. Like Google Voice, the app will announce that the conversation is being recorded. This app can be used for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Use Your Voicemail

iPhones that support 3-way calling and voicemail download may also be suitable when you want to record a phone call on an iPhone. You’ll create a conference call with yourself to use your voicemail as a recording device. Note that this method won’t work with all carriers, so you should test it beforehand. The process will look as follows.

1. Call your contact and let them know you’ll be recording the conversation.
2. Press “Add call” and dial your own number.
   
3. You should be directed to your voicemail. Wait until you hear the beep indicating that it’s recording. Press “Merge Calls” to create a conference call.
   

Your voicemail will then record the conversation, and you’ll be able to download the file later.

There’s a Solution to Everything

Recording phone calls is a sensitive topic, so make sure you always inform the other party of your intentions. If they give you the green light, use one of the solutions mentioned above to record a phone call on an iPhone.

Have you tried any of these methods to record a phone call on an iPhone before? Or do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comments section below.