How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone: Step-by-Step Methods

Figuring out how to record a phone call on iPhone isn’t as simple as you may think. Recording needs to be used to document calls due to interviews, saving important conversations, or a personal record. Now comes the tricky part- Apple does not allow native call recording because of privacy reasons.

So, how to record a phone call on iPhone? And far more to the point, how do you do it legally, preferably without warning, and preferably at no cost?

This guide takes you step-by-step, whether it is legal, or just simple tools and hidden techniques you can apply today.

How Can You Record a Phone Call Legally on iPhone?

Most importantly, you must know whether it’s legal or not to record a voice call before you learn how to do it. In the U.S. and in many other regions, laws are different across the states.

Two general types of consent exist:

• One-party consent: You are allowed to record so long as one of the individuals in the conversation (you) is aware that it is being recorded.
• Two-party consent: Everyone involved must be informed.

When you are wondering how to record a phone call on iPhone without notification, be aware that it actually is not allowed everywhere. Make sure you are not breaking your local laws and seek permission where necessary to prevent any legal issues.

Why You Can’t Natively Record a Phone Call on iPhone

Apple pays much attention to user privacy and protection. Thus, it does not access apps to use the Phone app and microphone when on a call. This is why it is not possible to recording calls on iPhone without an app or using any of the built-in options, except a creative workaround or one of the third-party solutions.

The question that comes to mind is, how can you record a phone call on iPhone? Now, let us look into what you should do best.

How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone: Best Methods

Method 1. Use a Call Recording App

The best alternative is a dedicated third-party app. Those apps commonly use 3-way calling as they combine the call with a recording line.

Popular Apps:

• Rev Call Recorder: It is free and simple to use, allows recording on incoming and outgoing calls.
• TapeACall: It has a free trial and requires the payment of features. High-quality recordings.
• Call Recorder iCall: Clean interface, and can store recordings in the cloud.

These are great apps in case you want to know how to record a phone call on iPhone for free. They usually inform both of the parties or request their permission to record, based on where you are located.

Method 2. How to Record Incoming Call on iPhone Without App

The question is how to record incoming call on iPhone without app? This is a sneaky loophole:

• Answer the call.
• Tap “Add Call” and call your own number (Voicemail).
• Once voicemail picks up, merge the calls.
• The conversation will be saved in your voicemail inbox.

It is not smooth and it does not work with every carrier, but it’s a valid free method.

Method 3. Use Google Voice (Free for Incoming Calls)

Google Voice is a powerful alternative if you’re searching for how to record a phone call on iPhone for free.

Steps:

• Install Google Voice and set up your number.
• Go to Settings → Calls → Enable “Call Recording.”
• Press 4 on the keypad any time before and during the call to make the recording active or inactive.

This method works only for incoming calls, and the other person hears a voice prompt so it’s not silent.

Method 4. How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone Secretly Without Notification

In case you want to know how to record a phone call on iPhone secretly or without notification, the only discrete way is using an external device.

• Put the call on the speaker.
• Record the conversation with a second phone, digital recorder or laptop.
• Apps like Voice Memos (on another iPhone) can help.

Be cautious: recording without consent might be against the law and therefore do so only where you have a legal right to do so.

Method 5. How to Record Voice Calls on iPhone Using 3-Way Merge

There are services such that you can phone a dedicated number, which begins recording. Then you call this number and combine it with the call.

Steps:

• Call the service number.
• Call your intended contact.
• Merge the calls.

It functions as third-party apps but does not require any downloads. This can be done with some paid services such as Recordator.

Choose the Right Call Recording Method for iPhone

When choosing the best method to record calls, consider:

• Cost: Do you need a free or premium solution?
• Legality: Will you notify the other person?
• Call Type: Is it incoming, outgoing, or both?
• Discretion: Do you need to record without notification?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Free	Secret	Incoming	Outgoing	App Required
Rev Call Recorder	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅
Voicemail Trick	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Google Voice	✅	❌	✅	❌	✅
External Recorder	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
3-Way Merge Service	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌

Tips for Safe & Legal Call Recording on iPhone

• Get permission: Always safer and more ethical.
• Use cloud storage: Apps like Rev or TapeACall allow instant cloud uploads.
• Label recordings: Include name, date, and purpose for easy future reference.
• Never misuse: Don’t share or post recordings without permission.

Final Thoughts

Recording phones on iPhones may sound challenging, but it is possible with the right tools. It does not matter what method you like best (installing apps, playing voicemail tricks, or external devices) there is a way that will work best with your needs, and the most important is to be legal and safe.

You still do not know how to record a phone call on iPhone? The best thing to do is to start with a free app such as rev or Google Voice and just go.

FAQs: How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone