How to Record Calls on iPhone

There are many restrictions on the activities you can perform on your Apple devices. Some of these restrictions also extend to your mobile calls. While you may want to record proof of terrible conversations, interviews, or calls from a loved one, you can’t do that by default on iPhone. Even if you try to use the built-in screen recording feature, it goes off immediately you get on a call. If you try to enable it during a call, you only get a warning. It doesn’t work. This is because, in various locations, there are laws that state that you shouldn’t record a call except when consent is given. Since Apple cannot make sure anyone abides by these laws, they banned call recording. In this article, we’ve compiled the best ways you can record calls easily on your iPhone.

1. Use a Third-Party Call Recorder App

This is one of the first options people go for because it’s easier to activate and get your recordings. It is designed just for that purpose. Some of the best call recorders you will find on the store include:

1. Rev Call Recorder

This app is free and allows you to record as many calls as possible. With this app, you also get features like timestamps, in-app call transcription, and high-quality playback. After recording your call, you can also send the recordings to Dropbox or your email. You don’t have to pay a dime for these.

2. TapeACall Pro

This is one of the most popular call-recording apps with a free and premium version. The free version allows you to listen to your recordings for the first 60 seconds. You get access to the entire recording when you upgrade to the premium version. With the pro version, you can record as many calls as you like, convert them to MP3 files, and easily share them on various channels. It has had dozens of updates to keep it ahead of the competition.

TapeACall uses a local access number to record your calls. For incoming calls, you will put the caller on hold and merge the local access number with the caller’s number. While for outgoing calls, you will dial the local access number on the app first, add the receiver, then merge the calls. To easily access the app, you can add a widget to your home screen.

2. Use Google Voice

You might wonder why Google Voice is separated from the call recorder app category. Google Voice is a VoIP calling service that is free to use (only in Canada and the US). It has its calling rates and gives you a phone number and a voicemail box to make both domestic and international calls. Although it allows you to record your calls, you can only do this on incoming calls. Also, immediately you start recording, the app will inform the person on the other end that you started recording. The receiver will also be notified when you mute the call or stop the recording.

We love Google Voice because it’s far easier to use for recording than TapeACall. You only have to set it up after activating it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Download and install the Google Voice app from the iTunes store.
2. Sign in with your Google account and password.
3. Hit Search to find the phone number you want to use with your Google Voice account.
4. Confirm the number and click on Next when they ask you to input your mobile number.
5. Get your Verification code and use it to activate your Google Voice account.
6. Open the Google Voice website and sign in to your account.
7. Click on the Gear icon at the top corner of the page to access your settings.
8. Customize your settings, making sure the incoming call option is enabled.

Now that you’ve set up your Google Voice account, it is easy to activate it when a call comes in. All you need to do is press the number 4 key to start recording. Google will tell the other party that you are recording the conversation. After the call is done, you’ll find your recordings in your Google Voice inbox. You can easily download it from there.

3. Use Your Voicemail

Not everyone will be able to use voicemail to record their calls on their iPhones. This feature was first introduced in iOS 9, but not all carriers allow you to download your voicemail message. So, before you do anything, first check if you’re able to use it.

Launch the Phone app on your device and hit the Voicemail tab in the bottom-right corner. If you see voicemails there, then you can use it. Download them to your device.

However, if you only have a Call Voicemail option, then you will not be able to save the voicemails on your phone. They will be stored in your carrier’s voicemail inbox.

Here’s how to use your voicemail to record calls:

1. Place your phone call to your contact and tell them you’ll be recording the call. Ask them to hold the line for a second.
2. On your Phone app, click on the Add Call button.
3. Add your phone number. This should take you right to your voicemail inbox.
4. After the voicemail greeting, tap Merge Calls to start recording. It is a three-way conversation.

Since you’re calling yourself, your call will record as a voicemail. Depending on your carrier, you can either download the messages to your phone, or it will be stuck in your voicemail box.

4. Use a Jailbreak Tweak

If you’re using a jailbroken iPhone, you can easily record your calls by getting a tweak (here). You can get your Call Recorder tweak for as low as $2.99. With this tweak, you can either decide to record all your calls automatically or choose some of to record only calls with some contacts. You also have the option to manually stop a recording. This is the easiest method to record calls on your phone this list. Sharing, saving, and transcribing your recordings is also very possible using this tweak. Sadly, it is only limited to jailbroken devices, so not everyone can use it.

5. Use Skype

You cannot use Skype to record your traditional phone calls. However, if you’re using Skype to make your calls, then you have no problem recording them. On this platform, you can record both your audio and video calls. The other party will be notified that you are recording the call. When you’re done, the recording will be stored on the server for 30 days. While it is on the server, you and the other caller can save, view, and share the call. Only you can decide to remove the recording from the servers.

6. Use QuickTime Player

If you’re using a Mac, you can use the QuickTime Player on it to record your iPhone calls. But, it will only work if your calls are placed on speaker mode. So, you can’t plug in your headphones. It’s just like a normal voice recorder. If you choose to answer your call on your Mac, QuickTime Player will not be able to record it well. To use QuickTime player:

1. Make sure you put your phone on speaker mode for your FaceTime or normal phone calls.
2. Open your QuickTime Player.
3. Click on File.
4. Select New Audio Recording from the options.
5. Click on the drop-down options next to the record button and select Internal Microphone.
6. Record

You can save the file on your system if it sounds good enough after the call. You’re using your Mac as a tape recorder, so you will not get the best recording quality.

7. Use a Tape Recorder

If you don’t have Mac and you still want to record your FaceTimes and phone calls, you can use a tape recorder. It works just like the QuickTime Player. It isn’t the best method on this list, but it is also effective. Tape Recorders are small, so you can use them in places you won’t be able to use your Mac. However, you also have to turn on your speakers when using this method.