Does the iPhone record calls?

Yes, on supported iOS versions and in eligible regions. Use the Phone app’s call-recording control; participants hear an announcement. The recording is saved in Notes. Transcription and Apple Intelligence summaries depend on the supported language and device.

Where do iPhone call recordings go?

Apple’s built-in recordings are saved in Notes. Open the call’s note to listen and, when available, read its transcript. Calls recorded through Wave appear in the Wave library after processing.

Why can’t I see the call-recording button?

Check your iOS version, regional availability, and the Call Recording setting under Settings → Apps → Phone. Menu placement varies by iOS version. Apple’s current guide lists availability; do not assume every iPhone or country supports it.

Does everyone hear the recording announcement?

Apple’s built-in recorder announces recording to the participants. For any recording method, tell the people on the call and obtain their agreement before recording.

Is Wave phone recording free?

Wave’s phone features require Premium. The free transcription tool is a separate option for audio files you already have. Check the app’s current plan and destination availability before placing a call.

Does Wave use my real caller ID?

Wave’s dialer uses your verified phone number as caller ID. Verify your number in the app before placing a call.

Record Phone Calls on iPhone — Here's How

On a supported iPhone and in an eligible region, you can record a call in the Phone app and find the audio and transcript in Notes. Start with the built-in steps below. For calls you want to organize alongside meetings and voice memos, Wave adds a searchable recording library and AI summaries.

How to record an iPhone call, step by step

Use the built-in Phone app

Apple added call recording in iOS 18.1. Availability varies by region; transcription and Apple Intelligence summaries have their own language and device requirements.

Confirm the other person agrees to be recorded, then make or answer a supported phone call.
During the call, open More and choose Call Recording. On earlier iOS versions, look for the call-recording button directly on the call screen. Both participants hear a recording announcement.
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.

Check Apple’s current instructions and availability

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 may reflect regional availability rather than a broken microphone. A third-party app has its own device, plan, and destination requirements.

Read Apple’s call-recording guide

Record a call with Wave

Wave’s phone features require Premium. Check the supported call destinations and options in your app before upgrading.

Open Wave’s phone feature and verify the number you want to use as caller ID.
Choose a contact or enter the destination number. Tell the participant that you are recording and obtain their agreement.
Place the call through Wave. After the call processes, open its recording, speaker-labeled transcript, and summary in your Wave library.
Review names, commitments, and deadlines before sharing the notes. Use search or ask Wave a question when you need to return to the conversation.

See Wave’s phone features

Already have a recording?

Export an audio file you are allowed to use and try Wave’s free transcription tool. It produces a transcript and summary without an account; it does not record a live phone call.

Transcribe an existing audio file free

Apple: record and transcribe a call

The problems you know too well

Know which option fits the call

The built-in recorder is a useful first option when supported. Wave is useful when you want calls, meetings, and imported recordings in the same library.

Check availability before you need it

Device, language, country, carrier, and plan restrictions differ. Test your chosen method before an important conversation.

Review the transcript

Names and numbers can be misheard. Keep the recording so you can verify important details before using or sharing the notes.

Features

Everything you need to capture every conversation

Built-In Dialer

Place calls directly from Wave. Enter a number or pick a contact — the other party sees your real caller ID, not an unknown number.

Record Both Sides

Wave captures audio from both sides of the call in high quality. No speakerphone required, no external recorder.

Instant Transcript

When the call ends, Wave delivers a transcript with speaker labels. Read what was said instead of replaying 45 minutes of audio.

AI Call Summary

Get a draft of the key points, commitments, and next steps after the call. Review it against the recording before sharing.

Bridge Into Active Calls

Already on a call? Use Wave's bridge feature to merge a recording line into your active conversation. Requires carrier support for three-way calling.

Beyond Phone Calls

Wave also records meetings (desktop, Chrome, bots), in-person conversations (phone mic, Apple Watch), and imported audio files — all in one app.

Perfect for

Client and business callsPhone interviewsInsurance and contractor discussionsConference call dial-insPersonal reference callsLegal and contract discussions

FAQs

Common questions

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