How to Record a Call on iPhone and Android

Recording a phone call on your iPhone or Android can be useful for interviews, remembering important details, or keeping a record of a conversation. This guide covers the built-in options and the most reliable third-party apps for both platforms, plus the legal basics you should know before you hit record. You will need a compatible phone, an app (or a second device for iPhone), and consent from the person you are recording where required.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone (iOS 14.5 or later) or an Android phone (Android 9 or later).
• A call-recording app for Android, or a second device (like a laptop or another phone) for iPhone.
• Permission from the other party if you are in a two-party consent location, or if you plan to share the recording.
• Storage space on your device or cloud account for the audio file.

Step-by-Step

On iPhone (Built-in Method via iOS 18.1+)

1. Open the Settings app and go to Phone > Call Recording.
2. Turn on Call Recording. You will see a notice that the other party will be informed when a call is being recorded.
3. Make a call as usual. During the call, you will see a recording icon (a red dot) in the top-left corner of the screen.
4. Tap the red dot to start recording. A voice prompt will announce that the call is being recorded.
5. When you are done, tap the red dot again to stop. The recording is saved to the Notes app under the Call Recordings folder.

On iPhone (Without iOS 18.1 – Use a Second Device)

1. Place your iPhone on speakerphone.
2. Open a voice memo app on a second device (like another phone, a tablet, or a computer with a microphone).
3. Start the voice memo recording on the second device.
4. Keep the second device near the iPhone’s speaker. Speak clearly and avoid covering the microphone.
5. When the call ends, stop the voice memo and save the file.

On Android (Using a Built-in Recorder – Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

1. Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu (or gear icon) in the top-right corner.
2. Look for Call Recording or Record calls. On Samsung devices, it is under Settings > Call Recording.
3. Turn on the toggle for Record calls. You may have options to record all calls, only unknown numbers, or ask each time.
4. During a call, you will see a Record button on the call screen. Tap it to start recording.
5. To stop, tap the Stop button. Recordings are saved in the Phone app under Call History > Recorded calls, or in the My Files app under Call recordings.

On Android (Using a Third-Party App – ACR, Cube ACR, etc.)

1. Download a reputable call recorder app from the Google Play Store (such as ACR Phone or Cube ACR).
2. Open the app and grant the permissions it asks for: Phone, Microphone, and Storage.
3. In the app’s settings, choose your recording mode. Most apps offer Automatic (record every call) or Manual (ask each time).
4. Make a test call to ensure the app records both sides of the conversation clearly.
5. During a call, the app will show a floating widget or a notification. Use it to start or stop recording if you chose manual mode.
6. Find your recordings in the app’s library. You can usually share or export them from there.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to check your local consent laws. Recording without permission where two-party consent applies can be illegal.
• Relying on the iPhone’s built-in recorder if you have an older iOS version – it simply won’t be there.
• Using an Android app that only records your voice (the mic) instead of the actual call audio. Look for apps that specifically say “call recording” and check reviews.
• Not testing the app before an important call. Background noise or a bad connection can ruin the recording.
• Assuming the recording is saved automatically. Some apps require you to press stop or they may not save if the call drops.

Tips

• Always tell the other person you are recording. It’s courteous and often legally required.
• For iPhone users without the built-in feature, using a second device on speakerphone is the simplest workaround, but the audio quality depends on the room’s acoustics.
• On Android, if the built-in recorder isn’t available, try a well-reviewed third-party app. Some devices (like Xiaomi or OnePlus) may have their own recorder hidden in the dialer settings.
• If you need a transcript, many recording apps have a transcription feature, or you can upload the audio to a transcription service.
• Back up your recordings to a cloud service (like Google Drive or iCloud) so you don’t lose them if you switch phones.

Troubleshooting

• The recording is silent or only picks up your voice. This usually happens on Android when the app doesn’t have proper access to the call audio stream. Try a different app or check the app’s settings for a “record calls” mode. On iPhone, make sure you are on speakerphone when using a second device.
• The built-in iPhone recorder isn’t showing up. It’s only available on iOS 18.1 or later. If you have an older version, update your phone or use the second-device method.
• Android says “Call recording not supported on this device.” Some carriers or phone models block call recording for legal reasons. You can try a workaround like using a Bluetooth recorder or a second device, but there’s no guaranteed fix.
• The recording stops abruptly. Check if your phone’s battery saver mode is killing the app in the background. Add the recording app to your battery optimization exception list.
• Can’t find the recording after the call. Look in the app’s folder, not just the default voice recorder. On Samsung, recordings are in the Phone app under “Recorded calls”. On iPhone, they are in the Notes app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to record a phone call?

It depends on your location. In most US states, only one person (you) needs to consent. In California, Florida, and several other states, all parties must consent. Many countries have similar two-party rules. Always check your local laws and inform the other person to be safe.

Does the iPhone have a built-in call recorder?

Yes, starting with iOS 18.1, iPhones have a built-in call recording feature that automatically informs the other party. On earlier versions, there is no built-in recorder, so you must use a second device or a third-party app that uses the speakerphone method.

Why doesn’t my Android phone have a call recorder?

Some phone manufacturers (like Google Pixel) include a recorder, but others (like many Samsung models outside the US) do not due to legal restrictions. Carriers can also disable the feature. If it’s missing, you can try a third-party app, but it may not work on all devices.

Can I record a call on WhatsApp or FaceTime?

Yes, but the same rules apply. On iPhone, the built-in recorder only works for regular cellular calls, not FaceTime or WhatsApp. For those, use a second device or a screen recorder with audio (on Android). On Android, some call recorder apps can capture VoIP calls if you enable the “record VoIP” setting.

How do I share a recorded call?

Most recording apps have a share button that lets you send the audio file via email, messaging, or cloud storage. On iPhone, you can find the recording in Notes and share it from there. On Android, recordings are usually in the app’s folder, which you can access via a file manager.

Can I record a call without the other person knowing?

Technically yes, but it may be illegal in your area. Even where it’s legal, it’s generally considered unethical. Always disclose that you’re recording to avoid legal trouble and maintain trust.

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