Record Phone Calls on iPhone — Here's How

1. Use the built-in Phone app (iOS 18.1 and later)

Apple added call recording in iOS 18.1. It isn't offered in every country, and transcription and Apple Intelligence summaries have their own language and device requirements. It works for phone calls and FaceTime audio calls.

1. Confirm the other person agrees to be recorded, then make or answer a supported phone call.
2. During the call, open More and choose Call Recording. On earlier iOS versions, look for the call-recording button directly on the call screen. Everyone on the call hears a recording announcement.
3. Stop recording or end the call. Open the saved recording in Notes to listen, view an available transcript, or use an Apple Intelligence summary on a compatible device.

If the recording button is missing

Check your iOS version and region first. In Settings → Apps → Phone, check Call Recording if the setting is available. A missing feature usually reflects regional availability rather than a broken phone. A third-party app has its own device, plan, and destination requirements.

2. Speakerphone and a second device

This works on any iPhone, any iOS version, and any country. Put the call on speaker and record it with another phone, a laptop, or a smart watch. The other person's voice comes through the speaker, so a quiet room and a nearby recorder matter. Nothing is announced, so tell the other person yourself. Screen recording doesn't work: iOS keeps call audio out of it.

3. Google Voice (incoming calls)

With a Google Voice number, you can record calls you receive by pressing 4 once Incoming call recording is on. Everyone hears an announcement, and personal accounts can't record calls you place.

4. Your carrier or business phone service

Some carriers and business phone systems sell call recording as an add-on or include it in business plans. Features, prices, and announcements vary, so ask your provider what's available on your line.

5. Record a call with Wave

Wave places the call from its Phone tab, inside the app, using the number you verify as caller ID. Before each call, Wave shows a recording notice and asks you to tell the other person. Wave plays no tone or message to them: they hear a normal call from your number. Both sides are recorded, and you get a transcript and summary.

1. Open Wave's Phone tab and verify the number you want to use as caller ID. Wave checks it with an automated call.
2. Choose a contact or enter the number. Read the recording notice, tell the participant you're recording, and get their agreement.
3. Place the call through Wave. After it processes, open the recording, speaker-labeled transcript, and summary in your Wave library.
4. Already on a call, or someone called you? Tap Record a call you're already on, answer Wave's call, and tap Merge Calls. This needs three-way calling on your carrier plan.
5. Review names, commitments, and deadlines before sharing the notes. Use search or ask Wave a question when you need to return to the conversation.

Want to skip Apple's announcement?

Apple's announcement can't be turned off. Methods that don't play one still need the other person's consent where the law requires it.

Comparing call recorder apps?

Wave, Apple's built-in recorder, Google Voice, TapeACall, Rev, Plaud and Otter ranked on platforms, transcription, price and whether the other person hears an announcement.

Is it legal?

In the US, federal law and most states let you record a call you're part of with your own consent, but twelve states, including California, Florida, and Washington, require everyone's. When a call crosses state lines, follow the stricter rule. This is general information, not legal advice.

Recording on Android instead?

The Google Phone app, Pixel limits, and why third-party recorder apps stopped working.

On a Samsung Galaxy?

Samsung's Phone app has its own Record calls setting, with auto-record for chosen numbers.

WhatsApp calls

WhatsApp calls don't go through the Phone app, so the iPhone's recorder can't capture them.

Already have a recording?

Export an audio file you're allowed to use and try Wave's free transcription tool. It produces a transcript and summary without an account; it doesn't record a live phone call.