How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone: iOS 18 Guide (2026)
Learn how to record phone calls on iPhone using iOS 18's built-in feature, third-party apps, or external devices. Includes legal requirements by state.
Can You Record Phone Calls on iPhone?
Yes, you can record phone calls on iPhone—and Apple finally made it easy with iOS 18.1.
iOS 18.1 and later: Apple introduced a native call recording feature directly in the Phone app. It records both sides of the conversation, saves it to the Notes app, and even provides AI-generated transcriptions and summaries.
iOS 17 and earlier: There's no built-in recording feature. You'll need to use third-party apps (like TapeACall or Rev) or external recording devices.
Important: Recording phone calls has legal restrictions that vary by location. Before recording any call, understand the consent laws in your state or country (covered in detail below).
Method 1: Record Calls with iOS 18's Built-In Feature (Easiest)
If you're running iOS 18.1 or later on a compatible iPhone, recording calls is now built into the Phone app.
Requirements
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open the Phone app and make or receive a call as normal.
Step 2: During the call, look for the recording button in the top-left corner of the call screen. It looks like a waveform icon.
Step 3: Tap the recording button to start recording.
Step 4: Important: Both parties will hear an automated announcement: "This call is being recorded." This cannot be disabled—Apple designed it this way for legal compliance.
Step 5: To stop recording, tap the Stop button or simply end the call.
Step 6: Your recording is automatically saved to the Notes app in a folder called "Call Recordings."
What You Get After Recording
When you open the recording in Notes, you'll find:
This is remarkably useful for reviewing lengthy calls without listening to the entire recording.
Limitations of iOS 18 Call Recording
Method 2: Third-Party Apps (iOS 17 and Earlier)
If you're running an older iOS version or need features the built-in recorder doesn't offer, third-party apps can help.
How Third-Party Recording Apps Work
Due to Apple's privacy restrictions, these apps can't directly access your phone's microphone during calls. Instead, they use a clever workaround:
This works, but the extra steps can be clunky.
Popular Recording Apps
TapeACall Pro
Rev Call Recorder
Google Voice (Free)
Cube ACR
Downsides of Third-Party Apps
Method 3: External Recording Devices
For situations where app-based recording isn't practical—or when you need the "This call is being recorded" announcement to NOT play—external devices offer an alternative.
Speakerphone + Voice Recorder
The simplest approach:
Pros: No special equipment needed, works with any iOS version Cons: Lower audio quality, background noise issues, must be in a quiet space
Dedicated Call Recording Devices
Products like the Olympus TP-8 or RecorderGear PR200 are earpiece-style devices that:
Pros: Better audio quality than speakerphone method Cons: Requires additional hardware purchase ($30-100+)
Using a Mac with Your iPhone (Continuity)
If you have a Mac and iPhone on the same Apple ID:
Pros: Good quality, no additional apps needed Cons: Requires Mac setup, not portable
Legal Requirements: When Can You Record Calls?
This is crucial. Recording phone calls without proper consent can be illegal and may result in criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Laws vary significantly by location.
Federal Law (United States)
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511), you need consent from at least one party to the call. Since you're a party to your own calls, you can legally record them under federal law.
However, state laws often have stricter requirements.
One-Party Consent States (37 States)
In these states, only one person on the call needs to consent to the recording. Since you're on the call, you can record without telling the other person.
One-party consent states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii*, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Two-Party (All-Party) Consent States (13 States)
In these states, everyone on the call must consent to being recorded. Recording without consent can be a criminal offense.
Two-party consent states:
Cross-State Calls
Here's where it gets complicated: if you're in a one-party consent state but calling someone in a two-party consent state, the stricter law applies.
Example: You're in Texas (one-party) calling someone in California (two-party). You must get the California person's consent before recording.
Best practice: When in doubt, always announce that you're recording and get verbal consent.
International Calls
Laws vary dramatically by country:
How to Get Proper Consent
For maximum legal protection:
This creates clear evidence of consent if ever questioned.
Best Practices for Recording Phone Calls
Prepare Before the Call
During the Call
After the Call
Troubleshooting Common Issues
iOS 18 Recording Button Not Showing
Possible causes:
Solution: Check Settings → Phone to see if recording is available. Update iOS if needed.
Third-Party App Won't Record
Possible causes:
Solution: Ensure your carrier plan includes conference calling. Check app subscription status.
Poor Audio Quality
Possible causes:
Solution: Move to a location with better signal. Use wired headphones. Position external recorder closer to audio source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you record a phone call on iPhone without them knowing?
With iOS 18's built-in feature, no—both parties hear "This call is being recorded." For covert recording (where legal), you'd need an external recording device like a speakerphone with a separate recorder.
Is it legal to record a phone call on iPhone?
It depends on your location. In 37 US states with one-party consent laws, you can record your own calls. In 13 states with two-party consent (including California and Florida), all parties must agree. Always check local laws first.
How do I record a phone call on iPhone iOS 17?
iOS 17 doesn't have built-in call recording. Use a third-party app like TapeACall or Rev Call Recorder, or record via speakerphone with an external device.
Does iPhone have a built-in call recorder?
Yes, as of iOS 18.1 (late 2024). Go to the Phone app during a call and tap the recording button. The recording and transcription are saved to the Notes app.
Where are call recordings saved on iPhone?
iOS 18 saves recordings in the Notes app under a "Call Recordings" folder. Third-party apps typically save recordings within their own apps or to cloud storage.
Can I record a FaceTime call on iPhone?
iOS 18's call recording feature is for Phone calls, not FaceTime. To record FaceTime, you'd need to use screen recording (Control Center → Screen Recording) though this only captures your side's audio on some iOS versions.
Does the other person know I'm recording?
With iOS 18's built-in feature, yes—an automated message plays: "This call is being recorded." Third-party apps and external recorders typically don't notify the other party.
What's the best app to record phone calls on iPhone?
TapeACall Pro is the most popular for its reliability and unlimited storage. Rev Call Recorder is good if you need transcription. Google Voice is free but only records incoming calls.
Can I record calls on iPhone in California?
Yes, but California requires all-party consent. When using iOS 18, the automatic announcement satisfies this requirement. With other methods, you must verbally ask for consent.
How long can I record a call on iPhone?
iOS 18 doesn't have a stated time limit—recordings are limited by your available storage. Third-party apps may have limits based on subscription tier.
Related iPhone Features
If you're managing your iPhone's calling and communication features, check out these helpful guides:
Wrapping Up
Recording phone calls on iPhone has never been easier, especially with iOS 18.1's native feature that handles recording, transcription, and AI summaries automatically. Just remember: always know the consent laws in your jurisdiction before recording any call.
Key takeaways:
Whether you're documenting business conversations, keeping records of important instructions, or protecting yourself legally, iPhone call recording is now a built-in feature that just works.
Last updated: January 2026
Ready to Start Calling?
Make international calls from your browser with BubblyPhone. No app needed, instant setup.
Get Started Free