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How to Record Calls on iPhone (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Have you ever wished you could save an important phone call? Maybe your grandma gave you a recipe, or your coach shared game tips you don’t want to forget. With the new iOS 18.1 update, iPhones can now record calls and create written transcripts of what everyone said!
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use this feature, where to find your recordings, and how to stay safe and legal. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Record Calls
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- An iPhone running iOS 18.1 or newer (older versions won’t work).
- A phone or FaceTime audio call (this doesn’t work for video calls or apps like WhatsApp).
- Permission from everyone on the call (the iPhone automatically tells them you’re recording).
Step 1: Check Your iPhone’s iOS Version
Your iPhone needs the latest software. Here’s how to check:
- Open Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Software Version. If it says 18.1 or higher, you’re good!
If you need to update:
- Go back to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
Step 2: Start Recording a Call
Recording is simple once you’re on a call:
- Make or answer a phone call like normal.
- Look for the Record button in the top-left corner (it looks like a circle inside a square).
- Tap the Record button. A 3-second countdown starts.
- Wait for the announcement: The iPhone will tell everyone, “This call will be recorded.”
Important:
- Everyone on the call must agree to be recorded. If someone says “no,” stop the recording immediately.
- You’ll see a waveform (moving lines) and a timer while recording.
Step 3: Stop or Save the Recording
You can stop recording in two ways:
- Tap the Stop button (red square) during the call.
- End the call – the recording stops automatically.
Where to find your recording:
- After hanging up, a notification will say, “Call recording saved to Notes.”
- Open the Notes app and look for the Call Recordings folder.
What You Can Do With Recordings
Your iPhone doesn’t just save the audio – it also creates a written transcript(like subtitles for your call). Here’s how to use it:
1. Play the Recording
- Tap the Play button to listen from the beginning.
- Drag the waveform to skip to any part of the call.
2. Read the Transcript
- The transcript shows who said what (e.g., “You” or “Mom”).
- Tap any sentence to jump to that part of the audio.
3. Edit or Share
- Add notes: Tap the transcript to type reminders (e.g., “Grandma’s lasagna recipe starts here!”).
- Share the recording: Tap the Share button (square with an arrow) to send it via text, email, or save to Files.
Cool Features to Try
Search the Transcript
Forgot where Aunt Karen mentioned the lasagna?
- Tap Search (magnifying glass icon).
- Type “lasagna” to find every time the word was said.
Apple Intelligence Summary
If you have an iPhone 15 or newer, you’ll see a Summary button at the top of the transcript. This creates a short recap of the call using AI. For example:
“Aunt Karen will bring lasagna ingredients, not a prepared dish. She’ll arrive at 6 PM.”
Tips for Better Recordings
- Practice first: Record a call with a friend to test the feature.
- Speak clearly: The transcript works best with clear voices (avoid noisy backgrounds).
- Edit transcripts: Fix small mistakes (e.g., change “Cabin Cookie Company” to “Kevin Cookie Company”).
Important Legal Rules
Recording calls is helpful, but you must follow the law:
- Tell everyone: The iPhone automatically alerts participants. Never hide recordings.
- Check your state’s laws: Some states require all people to agree to recording. Ask a parent or teacher if you’re unsure.
Troubleshooting Problems
“I don’t see the Record button!”
- Update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.
- Make sure it’s a regular phone call (not FaceTime video or apps like Zoom).
“The transcript is wrong”
- Noisy backgrounds or fast talkers can confuse the AI. Edit the transcript manually or relisten to the audio.
FAQ: 5 Common Questions About Recording Calls on iPhone
1. Can I record a call without the other person knowing?
A: No. When you start recording, your iPhone automatically plays a message saying, “This call will be recorded.” Everyone on the call will hear this announcement. Recording someone secretly is against the law in most places, so always make sure everyone agrees.
2. Where do my recordings go?
A: All recordings and transcripts are saved in the Notes app. Open Notes, tap the Call Recordings folder, and you’ll see a list of your recorded calls. Tap any note to play the audio or read the transcript.
3. Does this work on older iPhones?
A: You need an iPhone running iOS 18.1 or newer. If your iPhone is compatible (like iPhone XR or later), update your software in Settings > General > Software Update. Older iPhones (e.g., iPhone 8 or earlier) won’t support this feature.
4. Why is the transcript wrong sometimes?
A: The transcript is created by AI, and it’s not perfect. Background noise, fast talking, or accents can cause mistakes. You can edit the transcript by tapping Add Transcript to Note and fixing errors manually. Always double-check important details by listening to the audio.
5. Can I share a recording with someone else?
A: Yes! Open the recording in Notes, tap the Share button (the square with an arrow), and choose how to send it. You can email it, text it, or save it to cloud storage like iCloud Drive. The recipient will get both the audio file and the transcript.
Conclusion
Recording calls on your iPhone is a powerful tool for saving important conversations, whether it’s homework instructions, family recipes, or weekend plans. Just remember:
- Always ask permission before recording (your iPhone does this for you!).
- Practice first with a friend to learn how the feature works.
- Follow the law—different places have rules about recording calls.
With iOS 18.1, your iPhone isn’t just a phone—it’s a digital notebook that never forgets! Try recording your next call and see how easy it is to stay organized.
also read my article to learn more about 23 Tips and Tricks for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Device that I encourage you to read!
