How to Record a Call on iPhone

For years, recording a phone call on an iPhone meant using a third-party app, often with a paid subscription just to save the audio.

That changed with iOS 18.1, when Apple added call recording directly to the Phone app. The feature is still available in iOS 26, but it doesn't show up for everyone. Your iPhone model and region both determine whether you can use it.

In this guide, we'll show you how to record a call using Apple's built-in feature, what your options are if it isn't available, and how to use Fireflies for meetings and in-person conversations.

First, let's check whether your iPhone supports Apple's built-in call recording feature.

Can You Record a Call on an iPhone?

Yes, you can now natively record a phone call on your iPhone. This process used to require clunky workarounds or third-party apps, but that is no longer the case. Apple introduced built-in call recording with iOS 18.1 in October 2024 and expanded the feature in iOS 26.

However, you must fulfill a few requirements to use the feature. Your device cannot be set to a blocked country region. You also need an iPhone XS or newer to use the basic built-in tool. Plus, you must follow local consent laws, which we cover further down in this guide.

How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone Natively (iOS 18.1 and iOS 26)

Apple provides a powerful built-in tool that makes call recording on iPhone fast and simple. It removes the need for expensive third-party apps or workarounds. Here's exactly how to configure, initiate, and locate your recordings.

Turn on Call Recording

Native call recording is enabled by default if your device is set to a supported region. You can confirm your active settings or disable the tool by checking its system path.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Select Phone from the application list.
4. Tap Call Recording.
5. Toggle the switch to the On position to ensure the feature is ready for live calls.

Record a Phone or Facetime Audio Call

Native call recording works exclusively on standard cellular calls and FaceTime audio calls running iOS 18.1 or later. You can find your controls and manage your recording by following these steps:

1. Initiate or accept a standard cellular call or a FaceTime audio call.

2. Find the on-screen recording options based on your active operating system version:

• iOS 18.1 users: Tap the waveform icon located in the upper-left corner of your live call screen.
• iOS 26 users: Tap the More button (three dots) on your primary in-call menu interface and select Call Recording. 

3. Tap the recording icon to start the audio capture

4. Listen for the mandatory audio disclosure. Both parties on the line will hear an automated voice state, 'This call will be recorded.' This disclosure cannot be disabled and repeats periodically throughout the conversation.

5. Tap the square Stop button on your screen to halt the capture, or simply hang up to end the recording automatically.

Where Recordings and Transcripts Are Saved

Your phone automatically saves your files inside a dedicated folder within the built-in Notes app, which you can access by following these quick steps:

• Open the native Notes app on your iPhone.
• Navigate to your primary folders list.
• Tap the auto-generated Call Recordings folder.
• Select the specific note named after your contact or phone number to view the audio track.

Transcripts and AI summaries via Apple Intelligence

Basic text transcription is available on the iPhone 12 and newer. However, to generate advanced AI summaries, your device must support Apple Intelligence. 

Apple Intelligence lets you:

• Read written transcripts: Your phone automatically types out the conversation after the call ends. You can read this text inside your note right below the audio recording track. 
• Get quick AI summaries: The system automatically creates a short summary highlighting the key points of the talk. This feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any newer generation iPhone (such as the iPhone 16 or 17 series). 
• Check language limits: Apple only supports a specific list of languages for call transcription. If you speak in an unsupported language, the transcript will not appear. 
• Double-check the text: Always review the text yourself before using it for official business. Strong accents, overlapping speech, and loud background noise can cause transcription errors. 

Which iPhones and Regions Support Call Recording?

Whether you can record, transcribe, or summarize a call depends on your iPhone model, iOS version, and region. Here’s what you need for each feature.

Where the Feature is Blocked

Apple does not currently offer call recording in certain countries and regions. You can check Apple’s iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability page for the latest availability in your location.

• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Egypt
• The European Union
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

Languages You Can Use for Text Transcripts

Even if call recording is available in your region, transcription has its own limits. According to Apple's current feature availability page, call transcription supports these languages and regions:

• Cantonese (Hong Kong)
• English (Australia)
• English (Canada)
• English (India)
• English (New Zealand)
• English (Singapore)
• English (United Kingdom)
• English (United States)
• Japanese (Japan)
• Korean (South Korea)
• Mandarin Chinese (China mainland)
• Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan)
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Spanish (Mexico)
• Spanish (United States)

Alternative Ways to Record Calls on Your iPhone

If your phone does not support Apple’s built-in feature or you live in an excluded region, there are a few other ways to record iPhone calls.

Method 1: Use Speakerphone and a Second Device

This method requires no paid subscription. You’ll need your iPhone for the call and a second device, such as an iPad, another phone, or a computer, to record the audio.

1. Set up the recording device: Open Voice Memos or another recording app on your second device and place it near your iPhone.
2. Place the call: Use your iPhone to make or answer the call.
3. Turn on speakerphone: Tap the Audio button on the call screen and select Speaker.
4. Start recording: Press Record on your second device.
5. Adjust the volume: Turn up your iPhone volume until the other person can be heard clearly on the recording.

Method 2: Use Third-Party iPhone Call Recorder Apps

If you want to compare your options first, read our guides to the best call recording software and top-rated voice recorder apps.

Many third-party call recording apps use three-way calling. The app connects to a recording line, and you merge that line with your active call. There are a few limitations to keep in mind:

• TapeACall: This app is free to download and offers subscription plans with free trial periods. It can record incoming and outgoing calls, but some call-recording features require your carrier to support three-way calling. After the trial period ends, you’ll need to pay for the subscription plan you selected.
• Google Voice: This tool only works if you live in the United States. It only records calls when someone dials your number. You cannot use it to record calls when you dial out to someone else. The app automatically plays an announcement so both sides know the call is being recorded.

Method 3: Can You Screen Record an iPhone Call With Sound?

You might try the iPhone's built-in screen recorder, but you’ll usually find that your phone call audio is missing from the recording.

1. Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Open the audio options: Press and hold the Screen Recording icon.
3. Turn on the microphone: Tap the Microphone icon until it turns red and says Microphone On.
4. Start recording: Tap Start Recording and wait for the three-second countdown.

Why doesn’t it record the call audio? Apple’s system restricts call audio during screen recordings. Even a workaround like an external microphone won’t reliably solve this, and recording someone without their knowledge may violate local consent laws.

How to Record FaceTime and Meeting Calls on iPhone

FaceTime and meeting apps work differently from regular phone calls, so your recording options depend on the type of call you're making.

FaceTime Audio vs. FaceTime Video

If you're on a FaceTime audio call, you can use Apple's built-in call recording feature the same way you would for a regular phone call, as long as it's available on your device and in your region.

FaceTime video is different. Apple's built-in call recorder doesn't record video calls. You can use your iPhone's screen recorder to capture the video, but iOS restricts the call audio. If you need both, read our guide on how to record a FaceTime call with audio.

Recording Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams

If you want to record a Zoom meeting on iPhone, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, you have three main options:

• Record through the meeting app: If you're the host or have permission to record, you may be able to use the app's built-in recording feature and save the meeting to the cloud. For Google's platform, see our guide on how to record a Google Meet.
• Use your iPhone screen recorder: Screen recording can work with meeting apps, but what gets captured depends on the app and its settings. You also won't get a transcript or AI summary from iPhone's screen recorder alone.
• Use an AI meeting assistant: If you also want a transcript and summary of the meeting, an AI meeting assistant is another option. We'll show you how that works in the next section.

Capture and Transcribe Meeting Calls with the Fireflies Mobile App

If you want transcripts, summaries, and searchable notes from meetings, the Fireflies Mobile App gives you a few ways to capture them from your iPhone. Fireflies is the #1 AI Assistant for meetings, email, Slack, CRM and work.

You can use it in three main ways:

• Join online meetings: Add Fireflies to a live Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams meeting. It records the conversation and gives you a transcript, summary, and action items afterward.
• Record in-person conversations: Tap the record button in the mobile app to capture meetings, interviews, voice notes, or other face-to-face conversations directly from your phone.
• Upload existing recordings: Upload an audio or video file, including MP3, MP4, M4A, or WAV, to get a transcript and summary. You can then use AskFred to ask questions about the conversation or pull out specific details.

Transcripts in 100+ Languages

Fireflies supports transcription in more than 100 languages, with 99% accuracy in English and 95% in other languages.

It also connects with 100+ apps, so you can send meeting notes, tasks, and other details to the tools your team already uses.

Already have a recording? Upload any iPhone recording or voice memo to Fireflies for a transcript, summary, and AskFred Q&A.

Is It Legal to Record Phone Calls?

Yes, recording a phone call is generally legal, but the consent rules depend on where the people on the call are located. This is general information, not legal advice.

There are two main consent rules to know:

• One-party consent: Only one person on the call needs to agree to the recording. If you're part of the conversation, your own consent is enough.
• Two-party (all-party) consent: Everyone on the call must agree to the recording.

The All-Party Consent States

Some states require everyone on the call to consent before it can be recorded. As of this writing, those states include: California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

For a full state-by-state breakdown, see our guide to call recording laws by state.

The rules can get a little more specific in some states, especially when you compare phone calls with in-person conversations.

Key State Nuances and Exceptions

• Connecticut: All parties must consent to recording phone calls, while in-person conversations generally follow one-party consent rules.
• Oregon: All parties must consent to recording in-person conversations, while electronic communications generally follow one-party consent rules.
• Hawaii: Hawaii is generally a one-party consent state, but requires two-party consent if the recording device is installed in a private place.

What About Calls Between Different States?

Things get more complicated when the people on a call are in different states. If any participant is in an all-party consent state, treat the whole call as requiring all-party consent.

The 2006 case Kearney v. Salomon Smith Barney shows why this matters. The California Supreme Court held that California's call-recording law could apply to calls made by an out-of-state business to people in California.

Does Apple's Recording Announcement Count as Consent?

This brings us back to Apple's built-in recording feature. It announces that the call is being recorded, which helps make everyone aware of the recording. But the announcement alone does not guarantee compliance with the consent laws that apply to the call.

FAQs

Can I record an iPhone call without the other person knowing?

No. Apple's native call recording always plays an announcement to both parties that the call is being recorded. There’s no way to turn this alert off.

If you're using a different method (like a second device on speakerphone), whether the other person needs to know depends on your state's consent laws. See the legality section above for more details.

When in doubt, it's simplest and safest to just tell them.

Is it legal to record a phone call on an iPhone?

Legality depends on where the people on the call are located. Some states require everyone on the line to agree. Other states only require one person to know. Look at our legality section above to see the specific rules.

Why is call recording not available on my iPhone?

If you're not seeing call recording on your iPhone, it usually comes down to your software, your location, or your phone model.

For example, Apple does not offer this feature in certain parts of the world, including the European Union, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. It also requires users to be on iOS 18.1 or above to record and transcribe conversations directly on the device.

If your software is up to date and you're in a supported region, your specific iPhone model may just be too old to support it.

Can you record a FaceTime call on an iPhone?

Yes, but only if it is a FaceTime audio call. You can record it the exact same way you record a normal phone call. It does not work for FaceTime video calls.

Can I screen record a phone call with audio on an iPhone?

No, you will only get the video. Your iPhone automatically blocks and mutes the conversation audio the moment you start a screen recording during a call.

How do I record a call on iPhone for free?

You can record a call on your iPhone for free using Apple's built-in recorder. You just need to have iOS 18.1 or later installed. Keep in mind that this feature always plays an announcement to both people stating that the call is being recorded.

If your iPhone is older or in a blocked region, you can put the call on speakerphone and record it for free using a second device. Apps like TapeACall offer free trials but require a subscription for continued use.

Does the other person know when you record a call on iPhone?

Yes. Apple's native call recording feature always announces to everyone on the call that recording has started. There's no way to turn that notice off.

Choosing the Right Way to Record on Your iPhone

The best way to record a call on your iPhone depends on what you're recording. Apple's built-in feature works for regular phone calls on supported devices and in supported regions, with an automatic announcement that lets everyone know the call is being recorded. If it isn't available to you, you can use a second device or a third-party recording app instead.

For meetings and in-person conversations, the Fireflies Mobile App gives you a different option. You can record conversations, get transcripts and summaries, and come back to searchable notes whenever you need them.