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How to Record a Call or Conversation on an iPhone

Rev

Jul 22, 2022

How to Record a Conversation on an iPhone

RevBlogProductivityHow to Record a Call or Conversation on an iPhone

While it used to be a complicated process, these days, recording a conversation on your iPhone couldn’t be easier. 

In the past, recording phone calls required specialized equipment and adapters, but these days, it only takes a simple tap on your iPhone to capture the voice of a loved one or record a series of interviews. 

Whether you’re a phone call pro or one of the not-so-tech-savvy types, we’re here to walk you through how to record phone calls on an iPhone. 

Why record a phone call?

From business meetings to personal calls, there are a variety of reasons you may need to record phone conversations; perhaps you want a record of a legal conversation that took place, or maybe you hate taking meeting notes. Whatever your reason, there are many options for recording phone calls on both Android and iPhone. 

While iPhone users might seem to be at a disadvantage because Apple doesn’t include a native phone recording app on their devices, there are several ways you can record a phone call on iPhone.

How to record a phone conversation on iPhone

Before we get started, it’s important to note that recording phone calls with iPhones differs from Androids. 

Since Apple doesn’t allow third-party software access to the microphone while the phone app is in use, call recorder apps need to use a recording line. When you record a conversation on an iPhone, you call into a recording line for the app.

Once the call connects, you merge your party call into the recording line.  In essence, you’re creating a three-way call to enable recording capabilities. 

Don’t worry, it’s much simpler than it sounds and we’ll walk you through it.

Step 1: Know the law

Before you begin dialing, you’ll need to brush up on recording laws in your state to make sure you won’t be breaking the law when you hit the record button. 

Some states only require one-party consent to record, which means you can be the consenting party on the call. But, others need both parties to consent. 

To avoid getting called out, you can: 

  • Clearly announce that the call will be recorded at the beginning of the call
  • Ask all participants to clearly state their name, even if they won’t be speaking much (or at all)
  • Ask all participants to acknowledge recording permissions.

These tips will help you avoid legal issues or penalties associated with call recording laws.

If you’re unsure what the rules are where you are, check out our handy call recording law reference guide to find out more about your state’s regulations.

Step 2: Download an iOS call recorder app

To record your iPhone conversations, you’ll need a call recording app.

There is a long list of app options to choose from, but all apps are not created equal. We’re a little biased here, so we’d recommend Rev’s free call recorder, which offers unlimited call recordings, unlimited storage, and the ability to transcribe phone calls to text.

Once you’ve downloaded the call recording app, take a moment to verify your phone number and register the app. With your account established, you’re ready to record incoming and outgoing phone calls.

Step 3: How to record outgoing call on iPhone

To record iPhone conversations when you’re initiating the call, tap on your recording app to open and begin. 

1. Once the app is open, tap on “Start Recorded Call”

2. Tap the “Outgoing Call” option

3. Enter the phone number you wish to call

4. Follow the prompt to call Rev’s recorder

5. Tap “Add Call” to dial the phone number of your call recipient

6. Once your call connects, tap “Merge Calls” to merge the call with the recorder and begin your recording

7. To stop recording, end the call normally

Step 3a: How to record an incoming call on iPhone

Sometimes you need to record a call on the turn of a dime. Not to worry. 

Most call recording apps provide the option to record incoming calls. When you use the Rev app, you’ll follow these steps:

  • Accept your incoming call
  • Open the Rev app
  • Tap the “Start Recorded Call” option
  • Tap on the “Incoming Call” option
  • Call Rev’s recorder when prompted
  • Once that call connects, tap “Merge Calls” to start recording
  • To stop recording, end the call normally

Your call recording will be available moments after you hang up. You’ll see the recording listed under “Recordings” in the app. When you tap on your recording, you’ll see several options. You can play, share or export the recording, or use Rev’s top-rated transcription services.  Tap on the ellipses at the right of the recording and select the “Rename” option to keep your calls organized. You may also choose to trim the recording or delete it under these menu options.

Still need a bit of help working out how to record phone calls on your iphone? Check out this helpful video that’ll walk you through using the Rev call recorder app: 

How to record a call on iPhone without an app

The easiest way to record a phone conversation without an app is to put the call on speakerphone and use a second device to capture the audio – be it another iPhone, a laptop or an Android. Simply open up a voice recorder app and record your conversation while you’re spkeaing. Just make sure the room is quiet enough before you start.

If you’re recording an in-person conversation, you can easily use the built in voice memo app on your iPhone. Again, try to keep the room quiet and make sure that you place the phone a good distance from whoever is speaking.

While these are the cheapest and easiest options, the quality of the recording isn’t always the best as it really depends of the microphone and the environment you’re in. 

There are also some paid services that involve calling a number before or during your call that will record your conversation for you. This method only works for outgoing calls and can be pretty expensive depending on how long you need to record for. 

How do you record a conversation with someone in person?

If you’re wondering how to record a live conversation on your iPhone, the Rev Voice Recorder app’s got you covered. Rev Voice Recorder creates high-quality recordings of conversations, perfect for transcribing. Perhaps you’re video conferencing, or in a meeting room on speakerphone? Whatever the case may be, all you need is your iPhone and the Rev Voice Recorder app. 

For the most accurate meeting transcription, you’ll need to capture the best audio. Position your microphone four-to-six inches away from the audio speaker or person who’s talking. If you’re too close or too far away from the microphone, sounds will get distorted. Poor audio results in recordings that are difficult to decipher.

Now that you know how to record a conversation on iPhone, you’re ready to get organized and use your recordings! With Rev’s free recording apps, you can record and store phone conversations all in one place. Need a transcription? Rev makes it easy to request a copy from your saved recording. Ready? Set? Record!

Phone Call Recording FAQs

Can you record a phone call without the other person knowing?

While you can record phone calls without the other party’s consent in some states, many require everyone on the call to be aware that a recording is being made. Usually they’ll also need to give verbal or written consent. Check the regulations in your state to find out more.  

Can I record a phone call on an Android phone?

Yes you can! Many of the above methods will also work for an Android, especially the speakerphone technique using Rev’s Voice Recorder app. 

Where is a phone recording saved?

If you’re using the Rev Call Recorder app, you’ll see the recording listed under “Recordings” in the app. Your call recording is available moments after you hang up.

If you’re using another device to record a speakerphone or live conversation, the recording will be stored in whichever voice recording app you’ve used. 

What is the best app for recording calls on iPhone?

If you want to keep track of important phone conversations, call recorder apps, like the Rev Call Recorder, make it easy to record both incoming and outgoing calls. 

With the Rev app, you’ll create high-quality recordings of your calls, making transcriptions a breeze.

Ready to get recording? Check out our call recorder and voice recorder apps today. 

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