RECAP makes two ways to record a conversation, and they solve different problems. The quick rule: RECAP S2 is for phone calls; RECAPture is for meetings on your Mac. Here’s how to choose.
The one-line answer
Recording a phone call — a mobile call, WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime, a landline — use RECAP S2, the hardware adapter.
Recording a meeting app on your Mac — Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, Slack — use RECAPture, the Mac app.
Both keep recordings on your own device, and both can hand off to RECAP afterward for transcripts and summaries.
RECAP S2 — the hardware adapter
S2 is a small audio adapter that connects your phone to a computer, voice recorder, or mixer. You plug in, make the call, and record both sides — your voice and theirs — through the adapter. Because it’s hardware, it doesn’t care what app or device you’re on: a regular cellular call, WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom on your phone, or FaceTime all work the same way.
Reach for S2 when:
The call happens on a phone, not a computer.
You need to record across many apps or even a landline, without installing anything.
You want a one-time purchase ($99, no subscription) and a physical device you own.
S2 includes 3 months of RECAP.cx Pro early access for transcription. One thing to check first: recording into a computer needs a stereo input, and many laptops are mono — see RECAP’s compatible-adapters list before you buy.
RECAPture — the Mac app
RECAPture is software for macOS 14.2+. It records a meeting app’s audio plus your microphone directly on your Mac — no hardware, no virtual audio driver, and no bot joining the call. You pick the app, hit record, and get a local file with both sides.
Reach for RECAPture when:
The meeting happens on your Mac in Zoom, Meet, Teams, or Slack.
You don’t want to carry or set up any hardware.
You want capture that’s entirely software and stays on your machine.
RECAPture is $99/year and covers up to 2 Macs.
Side by side
RECAP S2
RECAPture
What it records
Phone calls (any app/device)
Mac meeting apps + your mic
Form
Hardware adapter
macOS app (14.2+)
Best for
Mobile, WhatsApp, Signal, landline
Zoom, Meet, Teams, Slack on a Mac
Price
$99 one-time
$99 / year, up to 2 Macs
Recordings
Stay on your device
Stay on your Mac
Setup note
Needs a stereo input
No driver, no bot
Can you use both?
Yes — and a lot of people will. Use S2 for calls you take on your phone and RECAPture for meetings at your desk. Either way the recordings are yours and local, and both feed into RECAP when you want transcripts, summaries, and a searchable archive.
Still unsure? If it rings on a phone, get RECAP S2. If it opens on your Mac, get RECAPture.
Recording your own voice on a Mac is easy. Recording both sides — your mic and whatever’s coming out of the meeting app — is where people get stuck, because macOS keeps app audio and microphone input separate. Here’s how to capture both in one recording.
Why “both sides” is the hard part
When you record with QuickTime or Voice Memos, you get your microphone only. The other person’s audio is playing through your speakers or headphones, but the system won’t let a normal app grab that output. The usual workarounds — a virtual audio driver, or a bot that sits in the call and records server-side — exist purely to get at that second audio stream.
Capture mic + app audio together
RECAPture records two sources at once on macOS 14.2+: your microphone, and the audio from the meeting app you choose. No virtual driver, nothing joining the call.
Pick the app the other person is on — Zoom, Meet, Teams, Slack, FaceTime — and record.
You end up with one file: your voice and theirs, captured cleanly from the source rather than re-recorded through your speakers.
Stereo split or single mix
By default RECAPture keeps the two sources on separate stereo channels — your mic on one side, the app on the other. That’s handy if you want to transcribe each speaker independently or balance levels afterward. Prefer one simple track? Switch on “blend into one mono track” and you get a single combined file instead.
A note on consent
Two-party-consent states and many countries require everyone on a call to know it’s being recorded. RECAPture gives you the recording; making sure you have permission to make it is on you. Tell people you’re recording — it’s good practice everywhere and the law in some places.
From recording to transcript
Capture happens locally and stays on your Mac. When you want both sides turned into a labeled transcript or a summary, upload the file to RECAP. That step is optional and separate, so your raw recordings never leave your device unless you send them.
Get RECAPture
RECAPture is $99/year and runs on up to 2 Macs. Download it and record your next call with both voices in one file.
macOS doesn’t let apps record system audio out of the box, which is why most guides for recording Google Meet or Microsoft Teams send you to install BlackHole or another virtual audio driver. You don’t have to. Here’s how to capture Meet or Teams audio on a Mac without any of that.
Why people reach for BlackHole
BlackHole is a virtual audio device. To record a meeting with it you typically:
Install the driver (a system-level audio extension).
Open Audio MIDI Setup and build a multi-output device.
Route the meeting app to that device, then point a recorder at it.
Remember to switch everything back afterward.
It works, but it’s fiddly, easy to misconfigure, and you’re routing your audio through extra plumbing every time.
The driver-free way
On macOS 14.2 and later, an app can tap another app’s audio directly through a supported system API. RECAPture uses that to record Google Meet or Teams audio and your microphone together — no driver, no Audio MIDI Setup, no routing.
Allow the microphone and system-audio permission once.
Choose Google Chrome (for Meet) or the Teams app, press record, and join your meeting.
Meet runs in the browser, so pick the browser RECAPture is capturing; Teams has a desktop app you can select directly. Either way you get one local file with both sides of the conversation.
Two tracks or one file
RECAPture records the app’s audio and your mic as a clean stereo pair — their voice on one side, yours on the other — or blends them into a single mono track if you’d rather. Useful if you want to edit one speaker later, or just want the simplest possible file to hand to a transcriber.
Keep it local, add AI when you want it
Recordings save to a folder on your Mac and never leave it. When you need a transcript or summary of a Meet or Teams call, upload it to RECAP — transcription and search are a separate, opt-in step, so capture stays private by default.
Start recording
RECAPture is $99/year for up to 2 Macs. Download it here, select Meet or Teams, and skip the virtual-driver setup entirely.
You can record a Zoom meeting on a Mac without inviting a recording bot, without installing a virtual audio driver like BlackHole, and without uploading anything to someone else’s cloud. Here’s the short version, and why most “easy” methods aren’t.
Why most recording methods are a hassle
There are three common ways people record Zoom on a Mac, and each has a catch:
Zoom’s built-in recording needs host permission, and cloud recording uploads the call to Zoom’s servers.
A meeting bot (the kind many AI notetakers use) joins as a visible participant. Everyone sees “Notetaker has joined,” and some companies block them outright.
A virtual audio driver like BlackHole works, but you have to install a kernel-level extension and hand-build a multi-output device in Audio MIDI Setup before anything records.
If you just want a clean local recording of the call, all three are more friction than the job needs.
The simpler way: capture the app’s audio directly
macOS 14.2 added a system API that lets an app tap another app’s audio directly — no driver, no bot. RECAPture uses it to record the Zoom app’s audio and your microphone at the same time, into one file on your Mac.
Grant the microphone and system-audio permission once when prompted.
Pick Zoom from the app list, hit record, and take your call.
Nothing joins the meeting. The other side sees a completely normal call. When you stop, the recording is saved to a folder on your Mac — your voice and theirs, ready to keep, share, or transcribe.
Is it allowed?
Recording the app’s audio under the microphone permission is a normal macOS capability — it’s not screen recording, so there’s no orange screen-recording dot. What you do need to handle is consent: recording laws vary by state and country, and you’re responsible for letting participants know when the law requires it. That’s true of any recording method.
What it doesn’t do
RECAPture captures audio — that’s the whole job. It doesn’t transcribe or summarize on its own. When you want transcripts, summaries, and a searchable archive of your calls, you upload the recording to RECAP. Capture stays local and private; the AI step is opt-in.
Get started
A RECAPture license is $99/year and covers up to 2 Macs. Download the app, point it at Zoom, and record your next meeting with nothing in the call but the people on it.
Phone recording apps are unreliable. Apple blocks call recording on iPhone. Android has restricted it in recent updates. Even apps that still work often capture only one side, require cloud processing, or charge monthly fees.
RECAP S2 is a hardware adapter that bypasses all of that. It sits between your phone and your wired headset, capturing both sides of the conversation directly — no apps, no OS restrictions, no subscriptions.
Why a Phone Recording Device Beats Apps
Most people searching for a way to record calls hit the same wall: software can’t reliably do it anymore. Here’s why hardware is different:
Works on every phone — iPhone (all models), Android (all models). No OS version restrictions.
Captures both sides — Apps often only record your microphone. RECAP captures the full conversation from the audio signal.
No monthly fees — Pay once ($99), use forever. No subscriptions, no cloud storage fees.
Works with any calling app — Regular phone calls, WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, FaceTime, Teams, Messenger — anything that plays through your headset.
No announcements — iOS 18’s native recording plays a tone to the other party. RECAP does not. You are responsible for following recording laws in your jurisdiction.
Works offline — No internet connection needed. Audio stays on your recording device, not in the cloud.
How It Works
RECAP is a passive analog device — no batteries, no Bluetooth, no software to install.
Connect RECAP to your phone — Plug into the headphone jack (or use a Lightning/USB-C adapter for phones without one).
Plug in your headset — Talk normally through RECAP’s headset port.
Record — Connect the RECORD port to your computer, digital voice recorder, or mixer. Press record.
That’s it. RECAP works the moment you plug it in.
RECAP S2 vs Other Recording Methods
Feature
RECAP S2
iOS 18 Native
Recording Apps
AI Voice Recorders
Records both sides
Yes
Yes (with alert tone)
Often one side only
Proximity mode only
Announces recording
No
Yes, always
Varies
No
Works with WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom
Yes
No (phone calls only)
Rarely
Limited
Works on all iPhones
Yes
iPhone 15+ only
Blocked by Apple
Separate device
Monthly cost
$0
$0
$5–15/mo
$7–14/mo
Needs internet
No
No
Many do
For transcription
Price
$99 one-time
Free (limited phones)
Subscription
$149–169 + subscription
Who Uses Phone Recording Devices
Journalists and podcasters — Record interviews over the phone with broadcast-quality audio. Journalist guide · Podcaster guide
Lawyers and legal professionals — Document client calls, depositions, and witness statements. Legal professional guide
Business and sales teams — Capture meeting notes, client calls, and training sessions. Business guide
Healthcare providers — Record patient consultations for accurate documentation. Healthcare and HIPAA guide
Researchers — Capture phone interviews and oral histories. Researcher guide
Anyone — Insurance disputes, contractor agreements, family calls you want to keep.
Yes. RECAP works with every iPhone model, including iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, SE, and older. Phones without a headphone jack need a Lightning-to-3.5mm or USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter.
Can I record calls without the other person knowing?
RECAP does not produce any tones or alerts. Unlike iOS 18’s native recording, there is no announcement. You are responsible for following call recording laws in your jurisdiction.
What’s the difference between RECAP and a voice recorder app?
Voice recorder apps capture your microphone, which only picks up your side of the call (and often poorly). RECAP taps the audio signal directly, capturing both sides at full quality. It also works regardless of OS restrictions that block recording apps.
Does it work with WhatsApp and Zoom calls?
Yes. RECAP captures any audio that plays through your wired headset — regular phone calls, WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, FaceTime, Messenger, Teams, and any other calling app.
Is there a monthly subscription?
No. RECAP is a one-time purchase ($99). There are no monthly fees, no cloud storage charges, and no premium tiers. Your recordings stay on your own devices.
How is this different from AI voice recorders like Plaud?
AI voice recorders like Plaud Note are standalone devices that sit near your phone’s speaker during calls. They record via proximity microphone, which means audio quality depends on speaker volume and background noise. RECAP connects directly to the audio signal for clean, consistent recording of both sides. RECAP also costs less ($99 vs $159+) and has no subscription requirement.
You need to record a WhatsApp call. Or a Signal call. Or a Zoom meeting you joined from your phone. You open your settings, search for a recording option, and find nothing. You try your phone’s built-in call recording feature and it does not work. You search the App Store or Play Store for a recording app and everything looks sketchy, subscription-heavy, or flat-out broken.
You are not missing something. Your phone is deliberately blocking you from recording these calls. Here is why – and the one method that actually works.
Why You Can’t Record These Calls with Software
Both Apple and Google have locked down call recording at the operating system level. The restrictions are designed around the built-in Phone app, and third-party calling apps get no recording support at all.
iPhone (iOS)
Apple added built-in call recording to the iPhone. But it only works with the Phone app and FaceTime. Open WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any other calling app and the record button simply does not exist. There is no API, no workaround, and no setting to change this. Apple’s recording feature is hard-wired to their own calling apps.
Third-party recording apps on iPhone have never been able to access call audio directly. The few that exist (like TapeACall) use a three-way calling workaround that only works with carrier phone calls – not with WhatsApp, Signal, or any VoIP app.
Screen recording does not help either. If you try using iOS screen recording during a WhatsApp or Signal call, it captures the video on screen but mutes the other party’s audio from the recording. Apple intentionally strips incoming call audio from screen recordings to prevent exactly this kind of workaround.
Android
Google has been tightening restrictions on call recording with each Android release. The built-in recording features on Pixel (Google Phone app) and Samsung (Samsung’s One UI) only work with the native dialer – standard carrier phone calls. They do not activate during WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, or any third-party calling app.
Third-party recording apps like Cube ACR face the same wall. On modern Android versions, these apps can typically only record your microphone audio, not the other party’s voice. This is an OS-level restriction that no app can bypass without root access.
Screen recording on Android has the same limitation as iPhone for most devices: the remote party’s call audio is either muted or severely degraded in the recording.
The Bottom Line
There is no software solution – not an app, not a built-in feature, not screen recording – that reliably records both sides of a WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, or Teams call on a modern iPhone or Android phone. The operating systems do not allow it.
Recording Methods Compared
Method
Works with WhatsApp / Signal / Zoom
Records both sides
No announcement
Audio quality
Cost
Screen recording
Captures screen only
No – strips remote audio
Yes
N/A (no call audio)
Free
Speakerphone + external mic
Yes
Both sides, poorly
Yes
Poor – room echo, noise
Free
iPhone / Android built-in recording
No – Phone app only
Yes (Phone app)
No (mandatory announcement)
Good
Free
Third-party recording apps
No – blocked by OS
Your voice only
Varies
Poor to none
Free—Subscription
RECAP S2 (hardware adapter)
Yes – every app
Yes – both sides clearly
Yes
Excellent
$99 one-time
How RECAP S2 Records Any Calling App
RECAP S2 is a hardware audio adapter that works at the analog level, completely outside the reach of iOS and Android software restrictions.
The Signal Path
Here is how audio flows when you use RECAP S2:
Your phone (any calling app)
|
v
Headset jack (or adapter)
|
v
RECAP S2 --- copies audio ---> Recording device (computer, voice recorder, tablet)
|
v
Your wired headset (you hear + speak normally)
The key insight: by the time audio reaches the headset jack, your phone has already decoded it. WhatsApp has decrypted it. Signal has decrypted it. Zoom has decoded it. The analog audio signal coming out of the headset connection is just sound – it contains both sides of the conversation, and it does not matter which app generated it.
RECAP S2 sits in the middle of that signal path, makes a copy, and sends it to your recording device. You continue hearing the call through your headset as normal. The other party has no indication that anything is different.
Every App That Works
Because RECAP captures audio from the headset connection, it works with any app that routes sound through wired headphones. That includes:
WhatsApp (voice calls and video calls)
Signal (voice calls and video calls)
Telegram (voice calls and video calls)
Zoom (mobile app meetings and calls)
Microsoft Teams (calls and meetings)
Google Meet (mobile app)
FaceTime (audio and video)
Discord (voice channels and calls)
Facebook Messenger (voice and video calls)
Viber
LINE
WeChat
Skype (legacy – Skype was shut down in May 2025 and now redirects to Microsoft Teams; if you still have the app installed, RECAP works with it)
Regular phone calls (carrier calls through the Phone app)
If you can hear the other person through your wired headset, RECAP can record it. The app is irrelevant.
Setup Guide
Setting up RECAP S2 takes a few minutes. The process is the same regardless of which calling app you use.
What You Need
RECAP S2 audio adapter ($99 – one-time purchase, no subscriptions)
A wired headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work). Bluetooth headsets will not work – the audio must travel through the wire.
An adapter if your phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack (most modern phones). See our compatible adapters guide for tested options.
A recording device – a computer, digital voice recorder, tablet, or second phone with any voice recording app.
iPhone Setup
Connect the appropriate Apple adapter to your iPhone — Lightning to 3.5mm for iPhones with a Lightning port, or USB-C to 3.5mm for iPhones with a USB-C port.
Plug RECAP S2 into the adapter.
Plug your wired headset into the RECAP S2 headset port.
Connect the RECAP S2 output cable to your recording device’s microphone input.
Open your calling app (WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, whatever you need) and make or receive a call. Hit record on your recording device.
Connect a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC to your Android phone. (If your phone still has a 3.5mm jack, skip this step.)
Plug RECAP S2 into the adapter (or directly into the headphone jack).
Plug your wired headset into the RECAP S2 headset port.
Connect the RECAP S2 output cable to your recording device’s microphone input.
Open your calling app and make or receive a call. Hit record on your recording device.
Important for Samsung and Pixel users: You need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC (not a cheap passive adapter). The Apple USB-C adapter works on all Android phones. See our compatible adapters guide for the full tested list.
RECAP S2 works with both WhatsApp voice calls and video calls. During video calls, you hear and speak through your wired headset while the video displays on screen normally – RECAP captures the audio portion.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which protects your call data while it travels over the internet. By the time the audio reaches your headset jack, your phone has already decrypted it. RECAP captures the decrypted analog audio – the same audio you hear with your ears. Encryption protects data in transit, not what plays through your headphones.
Signal
Signal is designed for maximum privacy, and its encryption is among the strongest available. The same principle applies: encryption protects the data between phones. Once Signal decrypts the audio on your device and sends it to your headset, it is an analog audio signal like any other. RECAP captures that signal. The encryption is not broken, bypassed, or weakened – the recording happens after decryption, at the hardware level.
Zoom and Microsoft Teams
RECAP S2 works when you join a Zoom or Teams meeting from the mobile app with your headset connected. This is a useful alternative to Zoom’s and Teams’ built-in recording features, which notify all participants that the meeting is being recorded. With RECAP, the recording happens locally at your headset connection – no notification is sent to other participants.
Note: Skype was discontinued by Microsoft in May 2025. Skype users were migrated to Microsoft Teams. The same hardware setup works with Teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record WhatsApp calls on iPhone?
Not with any built-in feature or app. Apple’s built-in call recording only works with the Phone app and FaceTime – not WhatsApp. There is no App Store app that can record WhatsApp call audio on iPhone. RECAP S2 records WhatsApp calls (and every other calling app) because it captures audio from the headset connection at the hardware level, outside of Apple’s software restrictions. See our iPhone call recording guide for the full setup.
Does recording Signal calls break the encryption?
No. Signal’s end-to-end encryption protects your call data while it travels between devices over the internet. RECAP captures audio after your phone has already decrypted it – at the analog headset connection. This is the same audio you hear through your headphones. The encryption remains intact for its intended purpose (protecting data in transit). Recording what you hear through your own headset does not compromise Signal’s security model.
Will the other person know I’m recording?
RECAP S2 is a passive hardware device. It does not send any notification, play any announcement, or alter the call in any way. The other party has no technical indication that you are recording. That said, recording laws vary by jurisdiction – some places require you to inform the other party. Check your local laws before recording any call.
Can I record video calls, or just audio?
RECAP S2 captures audio only. During a video call on WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, or any other app, the video displays on your phone screen as normal while RECAP captures the audio portion through your headset connection. If you need both audio and video, you would need to pair RECAP’s audio recording with a separate screen capture – but for most use cases, the audio is what matters.
What about Zoom’s built-in recording?
Zoom’s built-in recording feature works, but it notifies all participants that the meeting is being recorded. If you are the host, this may be fine. If you are a participant and want a personal record of the meeting, or if the notification is a problem for your use case, RECAP S2 records locally without any notification to other participants. The same applies to Microsoft Teams’ built-in recording.
Do I need different equipment for different apps?
No. The exact same RECAP S2 setup works with every calling app. Once you have your headset, adapter, and recording device connected, you can switch between WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, or any other app without changing anything. The hardware does not know or care which app is generating the audio.
Record WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, and every other calling app – on any phone.
If your phone call recordings sound too quiet or distorted, the problem is almost always the microphone input level on your computer. Setting it too low gives you a barely audible recording. Setting it too high causes clipping and distortion that no amount of post-processing can fix.
The good news: adjusting it takes about 30 seconds on both Windows and Mac. Here is how to do it, plus how to tell when you have it right.
When You Need to Adjust
There are two symptoms to watch for:
Too quiet. You play back a recording and have to crank the volume to hear anything. If you open the file in audio software, the waveform is a thin line hugging the center.
Too loud (clipping). The recording sounds harsh or crunchy. Loud parts are distorted. In an audio editor, the waveform is smashed flat against the top and bottom edges — the signal exceeded what the system could capture, and the peaks were chopped off.
The goal is a strong, clean signal without clipping. You want your loudest peaks landing around 50-80% of the maximum level. In decibel terms, that means peaks between -12 dB and -6 dB. This leaves enough headroom for sudden loud moments while keeping the signal well above the noise floor.
Adjusting Microphone Volume on Windows
Windows 11
Open Settings (Win + I).
Go to System > Sound.
Scroll down to Input and select your microphone device.
Use the Input volume slider to raise or lower the level.
Windows 10
Open Settings (Win + I).
Go to System > Sound.
Under Input, choose your microphone from the dropdown.
Click Device properties.
Use the Volume slider to adjust.
Advanced Controls (Windows 10 and 11)
For finer control, use the classic Sound panel:
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
Select Sound settings, then scroll down and click More sound settings (Windows 11) or click Sound Control Panel (Windows 10).
Go to the Recording tab.
Double-click your microphone device to open its Properties.
Go to the Levels tab.
Here you will find two controls:
Microphone — the main input volume slider (0-100).
Microphone Boost — adds hardware-level gain in +10 dB increments.
Microphone Boost is useful when the signal is extremely weak even at 100% volume, but it amplifies everything, including background noise and electrical hum. Use it sparingly and only when the main slider is not enough.
Adjusting Microphone Volume on Mac
System Settings
Open System Settings (click the Apple menu, then System Settings).
Click Sound.
Select the Input tab.
Choose your microphone or audio input device from the list.
Drag the Input volume slider to adjust.
The input level meter next to the slider shows real-time activity. Speak or play audio and watch the meter respond.
Audio MIDI Setup (Advanced)
For more precise control, open Audio MIDI Setup (found in /Applications/Utilities/). This utility lets you select specific sample rates and bit depths and adjust input gain for devices that support it. It is especially useful when working with external audio interfaces or USB audio devices.
Setting the Right Level
The best way to dial in your level is to watch the meter while sending a real signal:
Start a test call, or speak into the microphone at the volume you expect during actual use.
Watch the input level meter in your software. Aim for peaks that land in the green-to-yellow range. The meter should bounce actively but never hit red.
In Audacity specifically, the recording meter should peak between -12 dB and -6 dB. If it regularly hits 0 dB, you are clipping.
Go back to your system settings and nudge the input volume up or down until the meter sits in the right zone.
It is better to record slightly too quiet than too loud. A quiet recording can be amplified later with minimal quality loss. A clipped recording is permanently damaged.
Common Problems
No signal at all. The most likely cause is having the wrong input device selected. If you have multiple audio devices connected (built-in mic, USB headset, external adapter), check both your OS sound settings and your recording software to make sure they are pointed at the correct device.
Very quiet even at 100%. On Windows, try enabling Microphone Boost in the advanced Levels tab (see above). On Mac, verify that your input is not set to Line In when you need Mic In, or vice versa. These are different signal levels, and using the wrong one will result in a very weak or very hot signal.
Crackling or distortion. The input level is too high. Reduce the input volume slider. If you have Microphone Boost enabled on Windows, try lowering it by one step or disabling it entirely.
Electrical hum or buzz. This is often caused by a ground loop, which happens when two connected devices have slightly different electrical ground potentials. Try plugging into a different USB port. If the problem persists, a USB audio adapter with galvanic isolation can break the ground loop. Moving the audio cable away from power cables can also help.
If You Are Using RECAP S2
RECAP S2 outputs a line-level audio signal, which is significantly stronger than a typical microphone signal. This is by design — it gives you a clean, full-strength signal — but it means your input level settings will be different from what you would use with a regular mic.
If the recording is distorted: reduce the input level to around 50% as a starting point.
If the recording is too quiet: increase toward 75-80% and test again.
Because the signal is line-level, you should generally not need Microphone Boost enabled on Windows. If you do, something else may be misconfigured.
For complete setup instructions — including how to connect RECAP S2 to your computer and configure your recording software — see our computer recording guide.
FAQ
Should I use Microphone Boost? Only as a last resort. If your signal is too quiet with the main volume slider at 100%, Boost can help, but it adds noise proportional to the gain. Try one step of Boost (+10 dB) and see if the noise is acceptable. If you need more than one step, the root issue is likely an impedance mismatch or wrong input type, not insufficient gain.
My USB device does not show a volume slider in system settings. Some USB audio devices handle gain internally and do not expose a system-level volume control. Check whether the device came with its own software or control panel — the volume adjustment may live there instead. If there is no software, the device may have a physical volume knob or be fixed-gain by design.
Does this apply to Mac and Windows the same way? The concept is identical: you are adjusting how much the system amplifies the incoming signal before it reaches your recording software. The only differences are where the controls live in each operating system. The target levels (-12 dB to -6 dB peaks) apply regardless of platform.
RECAP S2 sits between your phone and your recording device. Before you buy, make sure you have the right connections — this is the #1 source of setup issues.
How RECAP Connects
RECAP has three connection points. Each one needs to be right for recording to work:
CALL plug → goes into your phone’s headphone jack (or an adapter if your phone doesn’t have one)
HEADSET port → your wired headset plugs in here (you talk and listen through this)
OUTPUT plug → goes into your recording device (computer mic input, voice recorder, or mixer)
If any of these three connections has a problem, recording won’t work. Let’s check each one.
1. Your Phone Connection
RECAP’s CALL plug is a standard 3.5mm connector. If your phone has a headphone jack, plug it straight in — no adapter needed.
No headphone jack? You need an adapter. Here’s what works:
Has a built-in DAC and supports microphone passthrough. Works with RECAP.
iPhone 7 through iPhone 14 (Lightning)
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter — Amazon | Best Buy
Apple no longer sells this directly, but it’s widely available from retailers.
Use Apple’s adapter only. Third-party Lightning adapters often skip the microphone channel, which means RECAP can’t capture your voice.
Android phones (USB-C, no headphone jack)
Best option: Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (same one listed above) — has a built-in DAC, supports mic passthrough, and works on every Android phone we’ve tested.
Active (with DAC) — contains a small digital-to-analog converter chip. Works on all phones. Apple, Samsung, and Google adapters are all active.
Passive (no DAC) — a bare wire remap with no electronics. Only works on phones that output analog audio over USB-C (some OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo models). Will not work on Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPhones, most Motorola, or Sony phones.
How to tell: If the adapter costs under $5 and weighs almost nothing, it’s passive. Active adapters have a small inline housing for the chip. When in doubt, get the Apple USB-C adapter — it’s active and works universally.
One thing to know: these adapters connect your phone to RECAP’s CALL plug only — they’re not your recording connection. RECAP’s OUTPUT plug needs a stereo mic input; a headphone dongle can’t capture it (see Your Recording Device below).
2. Your Headset
RECAP requires a wired headset with a microphone. The headset plugs into RECAP’s HEADSET port — this is how you talk and listen during the call.
Any standard wired headset with a 3.5mm plug and inline microphone works.
The headset that came with your phone works (if it has a 3.5mm plug).
Bluetooth headphones and AirPods do not work. RECAP captures audio from the physical cable — Bluetooth bypasses it entirely.
3. Your Recording Device
RECAP’s OUTPUT plug sends the call audio to whatever records it. This is where most compatibility issues happen with computers.
Recording to a computer
RECAP sends each voice to a separate stereo channel (yours on the left, theirs on the right). This requires a stereo microphone input. Most laptops made after 2015 only have mono inputs and can’t capture both channels.
Check your input before you buy: Run our Audio Device Scanner — it takes 10 seconds, runs in your browser, and tells you whether your input is stereo or mono. No data leaves your computer.
If your input is mono (or your computer has no mic input at all), you need:
Adds a stereo 3.5mm mic input via USB. No drivers needed on Windows or Mac.
Also works: Plugable USB Audio Adapter — works with RECAP, but the default mic gain is very low. You’ll need to increase the input gain significantly in your OS audio settings or recording software.
Most digital voice recorders accept an external stereo microphone — check your recorder’s manual. RECAP’s output looks like a standard stereo mic signal. Make sure your recorder is set to stereo recording mode (not mono).
You can record on a phone — but only as a separate device from the one you’re calling on, and only through a real USB audio interface with a stereo mic input (for example, an Andrea USB-MA on a USB-C or Lightning adapter) — not a headphone dongle, which records mono. One phone can’t both place the call and record it. Heads up: we haven’t fully verified this on current USB-C iPhones, and it needs a recording app that captures stereo from a USB input — so for most people, recording to a computer or a voice recorder is simpler and more reliable.
What Won’t Work
Setup
Why It Fails
Bluetooth headphones or AirPods
RECAP captures audio from the physical cable. Bluetooth bypasses it.
Passive USB-C adapter on Samsung or Pixel
These phones don’t output analog audio over USB-C. You need an active adapter with a DAC.
USB-C hub with a 3.5mm jack
Most hubs only pass audio out (headphones), not audio in (microphone). RECAP needs both directions.
May work, but output volume is often very low — you’ll need to crank the gain significantly. They may also be passive (no DAC) or missing mic passthrough. The Apple adapter avoids these issues.
Landline phones
RECAP is designed for cell phones with 3.5mm headset jacks. Landlines need a different type of recorder.
Verify you can hear the caller through your headset
Verify the caller can hear you
Check your recording — both voices should be captured
Only hear one side? Your adapter may not support microphone passthrough (common with third-party Lightning adapters and cheap USB-C adapters). Switch to one of the recommended adapters above.
Recording to a computer and only getting one channel? Your mic input is probably mono. Run the Audio Device Scanner to confirm, and get the Andrea USB-MA adapter.
For more setup help and troubleshooting, visit our support page.
Get RECAP S2 — no apps, no batteries, no subscriptions.
If you need to record phone calls on Android, Google has made it harder than ever — most third-party recording apps no longer work on recent Android versions. This guide covers every method that actually works to record phone calls on Android, from built-in features to hardware solutions, so you can pick the right one for your situation.
The easiest option — if your phone and region support it. Several Android manufacturers now ship native call recording in their dialer apps.
Google Pixel
Google rolled out native call recording to Pixel phones (Pixel 6 and newer), making it available in the US, UK, and several other countries through the Google Phone app.
How to use it: 1. Open the Phone app and make or receive a call. 2. Tap the Record button on the call screen. 3. An audible announcement plays: “This call is being recorded.” 4. Tap Stop recording when done. The file saves to your phone.
Limitations: – Both parties are notified — an audible announcement plays that you cannot disable. This is a dealbreaker for many professional use cases (journalism, legal, business calls) where you need discreet recording. – Requires a recent Android version and the Google Phone app on a Pixel 6 or newer. – Not available everywhere — while the US and UK are now supported, many countries in Europe, South America, and Asia are still excluded. If your phone’s region setting doesn’t match a supported country, the record button won’t appear. – No auto-recording — you have to manually tap Record on every call. If you want hands-free recording on every call, see our guide on how to automatically record every phone call. – Recordings save in M4A format, which is a standard audio format that works in most players and editors.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung added native call recording in the US with Samsung’s One UI. Samsung calls the feature “Call Transcript.”
The feature is available on a wide range of Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, A55, A54, and other eligible models. The exact availability varies by carrier and region.
How to use it: 1. During a call in the Samsung Phone app, tap the Record or Transcript button. 2. An audible announcement notifies both parties that the call is being recorded. 3. Samsung saves both the audio recording and an AI-generated transcript.
Limitations: – Both parties are notified — same as Pixel, an audible announcement plays. – Requires a recent One UI version — available on Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold/Flip 5 and 6, and select A-series devices that have received the update. Older models are not supported. – No auto-recording — must be activated manually each call. – Region-dependent — while the US is now supported, many regions where Samsung previously offered recording (parts of Asia) have different availability depending on local laws. – Transcripts available in about 20 languages.
Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Other OEMs
Several Chinese manufacturers include call recording in their phone apps: – Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): Built-in call recording in the Xiaomi Phone app. Often available in more regions than Pixel or Samsung. – OnePlus (OxygenOS): Recording available in the default Phone app on some models. – Realme, Vivo, Oppo: Various levels of support depending on regional firmware.
These tend to be the least restricted, but availability changes between firmware updates and regions. Don’t count on consistency across devices.
When Built-In Recording Works
Built-in recording is fine if: – Your phone supports it in your region – You don’t mind the other party hearing a recording announcement – You only need occasional, manual recording – M4A or standard audio format output is acceptable
It’s not suitable when you need discreet recording, automatic recording, or when your phone/region combination doesn’t support it.
Method 2: Third-Party Call Recording Apps
Despite Google’s crackdown, a handful of third-party apps still attempt to record phone calls on Android. But “attempt” is the key word.
What’s Still Available
Cube ACR is the most well-known surviving call recording app. It uses an “App Connector” plugin to work outside the Play Store restrictions. However: – On current Android versions, many users report it only records their own voice, not the other party’s. This makes it useless for most purposes. – The App Connector plugin may need to be downloaded and configured separately from the main app. – Functionality varies wildly between phone manufacturers. What works on Samsung may not work on Xiaomi, and vice versa.
A few other apps (Call Recorder Automatic, various regional apps) exist on the Play Store, but they face the same fundamental limitation: Android blocks apps from accessing the other party’s audio stream during a call.
The Reality of App-Based Recording Today
Here’s what you should know before investing time in app-based solutions:
Most apps can only record your voice, not both sides of the conversation. This is an OS-level restriction, not an app bug.
Apps that claim to record both sides typically require root access (voiding your warranty and potentially bricking your phone).
Every Android update can break recording apps. If you find something that works today, it may stop working after the next security patch.
Apps installed from outside the Play Store receive no automatic security vetting. You’re trusting unknown developers with microphone access.
When Third-Party Apps Work
App-based recording can work if: – You have an older Android version where restrictions are less severe – You only need to record your own side of the conversation – You’re willing to root your phone (advanced users only) – You accept that it may break with any update
For everyone else, app-based recording is unreliable at best.
Method 3: Google Voice and VoIP Workarounds
If you use Google Voice for calls, it has a built-in recording option:
Open the Google Voice app and go to Settings > Calls > Incoming call options.
During an incoming call, press 4 on the dial pad to start recording.
Press 4 again to stop. The recording saves to your Google Voice inbox.
Limitations: – Only works for incoming calls — you cannot record outgoing calls. – Both parties hear an announcement when recording starts and stops. – Requires a Google Voice number and routing calls through Google Voice. – Audio quality depends on your internet connection.
Other VoIP services (Skype, Zoom, Teams) have their own recording features, but these only work for calls made through those apps — not regular phone calls.
Method 4: Speakerphone + External Recorder
A low-tech option: put the call on speaker and record with another device.
Make or receive your call and tap Speaker.
Use a second phone, digital voice recorder, or computer to record the audio in the room.
Limitations: – Terrible audio quality — room echo, background noise, and uneven volume between your voice and the caller’s. – Not private — everyone nearby hears the conversation. – Unreliable — background noise can make recordings unusable.
This works in a pinch, but anyone who needs reliable, clear recordings for professional use will find it inadequate.
How to Record Phone Calls on Android with a Hardware Adapter
The methods above all have significant trade-offs: notification announcements, one-sided recording, region restrictions, or poor audio quality. A hardware adapter bypasses all of these limitations because it captures audio at the electrical signal level — outside the reach of Android’s software restrictions.
RECAP S2 is an audio adapter that connects between your phone and a headset. It taps the audio signal carrying both sides of the conversation and routes it to any recording device — a computer, digital voice recorder, tablet, or second phone. No apps to install, no batteries to charge, and no subscriptions — just plug in and record.
How RECAP S2 Works
Connect RECAP S2 to your phone’s 3.5mm headset jack. If your phone uses USB-C (most modern Android phones), use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC — see the adapter compatibility guide.
Plug your headset into the RECAP S2 headset port. You talk and listen through your headset normally.
Connect the RECAP S2 output to your recording device’s microphone input using the included cable.
Hit record on your recording device. Both sides of the call are captured in clear, full-quality audio.
Because RECAP works at the physical audio level, it doesn’t matter what Android version you’re running, what manufacturer made your phone, or what region you’re in. Google’s software restrictions don’t apply.
What You Should Know About RECAP S2
RECAP S2 is a dedicated hardware solution, and that comes with trade-offs worth understanding:
Requires a wired headset — you need a headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work). Bluetooth headsets won’t work because the audio signal needs to pass through the physical adapter.
Needs an adapter for modern phones — since most Android phones manufactured after 2019 lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, you’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC. Not every adapter works — see our compatible adapters guide for tested options.
Requires a separate recording device — RECAP S2 outputs the audio signal to a recorder. This can be a computer running recording software like Audacity or OBS, a digital voice recorder, a tablet, or even a second phone with a voice memo app. You need to bring your own recorder.
These requirements mean RECAP S2 is best suited for people who record calls regularly and can set up a consistent recording station — a desk with a computer, or a portable kit with a voice recorder. It’s not a casual “tap a button” solution, but it’s the most reliable way to record phone calls on Android when the built-in options don’t meet your needs.
Most modern Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, all Pixels, recent OnePlus) don’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter — but not all adapters are the same.
There are two types: – Passive adapters (cheap, no electronics inside) — only work with phones that output analog audio through USB-C. This includes some OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Vivo phones. – Active adapters with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) — required for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and most other major brands that output digital audio through USB-C.
If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone, you need an active DAC adapter. A cheap passive adapter will not work. See our compatible adapters guide for tested options and where to buy.
A recording device: PC, Mac, digital voice recorder, tablet, or a second phone running any voice recording app
A headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work)
If your phone lacks a 3.5mm jack: a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with built-in DAC (see compatible adapters)
Compatible Android Phones
RECAP S2 works with every Android phone through the headset jack (or USB-C adapter):
Samsung Galaxy: S25, S24, S23, S22, S21, S20 series, Z Fold and Z Flip series, A series, and older
Google Pixel: Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6 series and older
OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, and all other Android phones
Since RECAP is hardware, it works identically on every Android version — past, present, and future.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Use built-in recording if: You have a supported Pixel or Samsung phone, your region supports it, and you don’t mind the other party being notified. Good for casual use.
Use Google Voice if: You only need to record incoming calls and are already using Google Voice as your phone number.
Use RECAP S2 if: You need reliable, clear recordings of both sides on any Android phone, without notification announcements, regardless of Android version or region. This is the choice for professionals — journalists, researchers, lawyers, business owners — who can’t afford unreliable recordings. Learn more about RECAP S2.
Avoid third-party apps unless you’re on an older Android version or willing to root your phone. The era of reliable app-based call recording on Android is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record phone calls on Android without the other person knowing?
Built-in call recording on Pixel and Samsung phones always notifies the other party with an audible announcement that cannot be disabled. Third-party apps that bypass this are blocked on modern Android versions. RECAP S2 is a hardware solution that does not trigger any software-based notification — the other party is not alerted. Note: recording laws vary by state and country. In the US, federal law requires one-party consent (you can record if you’re a participant), but some states require all-party consent. Always check your local laws.
My phone doesn’t have a headphone jack. Can I use RECAP S2?
Yes. Use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Most modern phones — including all Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 6+, and recent OnePlus models — require an active DAC adapter, not a cheap passive one. Check our compatible adapters guide for tested options.
Does Google’s built-in call recording on Pixel phones work in the US?
Yes. Google rolled out native call recording to Pixel 6 and newer phones in the US, UK, and several other countries. However, it requires a recent Android version, plays a mandatory recording announcement to both parties, and must be activated manually on each call.
What about Samsung’s call recording?
Samsung added call recording in the US with a recent One UI update. The feature is available on Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold/Flip 5 and 6, and select A-series devices. Like Pixel, it plays a mandatory announcement. Samsung also generates AI-powered transcripts of recorded calls.
Will third-party call recording apps work on modern Android?
In most cases, no. Third-party apps like Cube ACR exist, but on recent Android versions they typically only record your own voice, not the other party’s. This is an OS-level restriction that can’t be fixed by the app developer. Apps that claim full recording usually require root access.
What’s the audio quality like with RECAP S2 compared to built-in recording?
Built-in recording (Pixel and Samsung) saves in M4A format at acceptable quality. RECAP S2 outputs a raw analog signal to your recording device, so quality depends on your recorder settings — but because it captures the audio signal directly rather than through software processing, it typically produces cleaner, more consistent recordings. You have full control over format, bitrate, and quality settings on your recording device.
Can I automatically record all calls with RECAP S2?
RECAP S2 is always passing audio through — it’s a passive hardware device with no on/off switch. Whether recording is automatic depends on your recording device. Many digital voice recorders have a voice-activated recording mode, and PC software like Audacity can be configured to start recording automatically. Built-in Pixel and Samsung recording, by contrast, requires you to manually tap Record on every call.
How is RECAP S2 different from putting the call on speaker and recording?
Speakerphone recording captures room audio — including echo, background noise, and uneven volume between you and the caller. RECAP S2 captures the electrical audio signal directly from the headset connection, producing clear audio of both sides at consistent volume with no room noise. It’s the difference between recording a concert from the audience versus plugging directly into the soundboard.
Need reliable call recording on any Android phone, with no announcements and no software restrictions?
Is it legal to record phone calls? In most of the United States, you can legally record a phone call as long as you are a participant. But in 12 states, every person on the call must consent to the recording. Getting this wrong can mean felony charges, civil lawsuits, or having your recording thrown out of court.
This guide breaks down federal law, explains the difference between one-party and all-party consent, provides a complete 50-state reference table, and covers how these laws apply regardless of whether you use a built-in phone feature, a recording app, or dedicated hardware like the RECAP S2.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Recording laws are subject to change. If you need guidance for a specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
What Does Federal Law Say About Recording Phone Calls?
At the federal level, recording phone calls is governed by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), specifically 18 U.S.C. Section 2511. This is the federal wiretapping statute, and it sets the baseline for the entire country.
Federal law follows one-party consent. That means a recording is legal as long as at least one person on the call consents to it. If you are a participant in the conversation and you decide to record, you are the consenting party. No additional permission is needed under federal law.
However, there is an important limitation: you cannot record a conversation you are not a part of. Placing a recording device on someone else’s phone line or intercepting a call between two other people is illegal wiretapping under federal law, regardless of consent.
The FCC also requires that if you are recording an interstate phone call, you must either use an automatic tone warning (a beep) during the recording or provide prior verbal notification to all parties. This applies specifically to calls that cross state lines.
The catch: Federal law is the floor, not the ceiling. Individual states are free to impose stricter requirements, and many do. When state law is stricter than federal law, the state law controls.
One-Party Consent vs. All-Party Consent
Understanding the difference between these two standards is the key to knowing whether it is legal to record phone calls in your situation.
One-Party Consent
In a one-party consent state, only one person involved in the conversation needs to agree to the recording. That person can be you. If you are on a phone call and you decide to hit “record,” that is legal. You do not need to tell the other person.
38 states plus Washington, D.C. follow one-party consent rules (including three states with nuances explained below).
All-Party (Two-Party) Consent
In an all-party consent state, every person on the call must know about and agree to the recording before it begins. The term “two-party” is slightly misleading because if there are three or more people on a conference call, all of them must consent. The more accurate name is “all-party consent.”
If you record a call in one of these states without getting everyone’s permission, you could face criminal charges (often a felony) and civil liability.
12 states require all-party consent for phone call recordings: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
What Counts as “Consent”?
Consent requirements vary by state, but generally fall into two categories:
Explicit consent: The person verbally agrees to being recorded, or provides written consent in advance. This is the gold standard and protects you in every jurisdiction.
Implied consent: In some states, if you announce “this call is being recorded” and the other person continues the conversation without objecting, their continued participation may constitute implied consent. Montana, for example, does not require a clear “yes” as long as all parties are clearly informed.
Best practice: Always announce that you are recording at the start of the call, regardless of which state you are in. This protects you legally and avoids any ambiguity.
Does the Recording Method Matter?
Whether you use your phone’s built-in call recording feature, a third-party app, or a dedicated hardware recorder like the RECAP S2, the same consent laws apply. The law governs the act of recording, not the tool. A recording made with an app has exactly the same legal standing as one made with a hardware device or a landline recorder.
Complete 50-State Phone Call Recording Laws Table
This is the definitive reference. The table below lists every U.S. state and whether it follows one-party or all-party consent for recording phone calls.
State
Consent Type
Notes
Alabama
One-Party
Alaska
One-Party
Arizona
One-Party
Arkansas
One-Party
California
All-Party
Cal. Penal Code Section 632. One of the strictest states. Recording a “confidential communication” without all-party consent can be a felony.
Colorado
One-Party
Connecticut
All-Party
Hybrid state. Criminal law is one-party, but civil law (C.G.S. Section 52-570d) imposes liability for recording phone calls without all-party consent. Treat as all-party for phone calls.
Delaware
All-Party
Conflicting statutes create ambiguity. Section 1335 requires all-party consent; Section 2402 allows one-party. Courts and most sources recommend treating it as all-party to be safe.
Florida
All-Party
Violations can be charged as a felony. Applies to all “oral communications.”
Georgia
One-Party
Hawaii
One-Party
Special rules apply in private settings (e.g., hidden microphones in private rooms may require additional consent).
Idaho
One-Party
Illinois
All-Party
Revised in 2014 after the old statute was struck down as unconstitutional. Current law (720 ILCS 5/14-2) requires all-party consent for “private conversations.” Recording in public spaces is generally permitted.
Indiana
One-Party
Iowa
One-Party
Kansas
One-Party
Kentucky
One-Party
Louisiana
One-Party
Maine
One-Party
Maryland
All-Party
All-party consent required regardless of how or where the conversation happens. Violations carry up to 5 years in prison.
Massachusetts
All-Party
One of the strictest states. Violations carry up to 5 years in prison. The law prohibits secret recording of any oral or wire communication.
Michigan
One-Party (Effective)
Technically the statute (MCL 750.539c) requires all-party consent, but courts have recognized a “participant exception” for 40+ years (Sullivan v. Gray, 1982). You can record your own conversations. A third party cannot record without all-party consent.
Minnesota
One-Party
Mississippi
One-Party
Missouri
One-Party
Montana
All-Party
All parties must be informed. Explicit verbal “yes” is not strictly required if all parties are clearly notified and do not object.
Nebraska
One-Party
Nevada
All-Party
NRS 200.620 requires all-party consent for phone calls specifically. In-person conversations only require one-party consent (NRS 200.650). This distinction is unique to Nevada. Violations are a category D felony.
New Hampshire
All-Party
All-party consent required for both phone and in-person recordings.
New Jersey
One-Party
New Mexico
One-Party
New York
One-Party
New York has periodically considered all-party consent legislation. Check current state law for any recent changes.
North Carolina
One-Party
North Dakota
One-Party
Ohio
One-Party
Oklahoma
One-Party
Oregon
One-Party (Phone)
One-party consent for phone calls. However, Oregon requires all-party consent for in-person conversations (ORS 165.540). Oregon also expanded its statute to require all-party consent for certain electronic communications, including video conferencing. For standard phone calls, one-party consent applies.
Pennsylvania
All-Party
Strictly all-party for any oral or electronic communication. One of the most strictly enforced states.
Rhode Island
One-Party
South Carolina
One-Party
South Dakota
One-Party
Tennessee
One-Party
Texas
One-Party
Utah
One-Party
Vermont
One-Party (Default)
No specific state statute on recording consent. Defaults to federal one-party consent rules. Courts have imposed restrictions on recordings in private homes (State v. Geraw, 2002).
Virginia
One-Party
Washington
All-Party
All-party consent required for private phone calls. Most phone calls are considered private.
West Virginia
One-Party
Wisconsin
One-Party
Wyoming
One-Party
Washington, D.C.
One-Party
Summary Count
One-party consent: 38 states + Washington, D.C. (includes Michigan, Oregon, and Vermont, which effectively function as one-party for phone calls)
All-party consent: 12 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Washington)
Important note on Michigan, Oregon, and Vermont: These three states do not fit neatly into either category. Michigan’s statute reads as all-party, but courts have carved out a participant exception. Oregon is one-party for phone calls but all-party for in-person conversations and certain electronic communications like video calls. Vermont has no state statute at all and defaults to federal one-party consent. For standard phone call recording purposes, all three effectively function as one-party consent states, but consult a local attorney if your situation is complex.
What About Cross-State Phone Calls?
When you are in one state and the person you are calling is in another, which law applies? Unfortunately, there is no definitive federal rule that settles this question. Courts have ruled differently depending on the jurisdiction.
The safest approach: follow the stricter law. If you are in a one-party consent state (like New York) but calling someone in an all-party consent state (like California), California law may apply. The person in California could potentially bring charges or a civil claim under California law.
For interstate calls, the FCC also requires either a beep tone or prior verbal notification that the call is being recorded.
Practical advice: If there is any chance the person you are calling is in an all-party consent state, announce the recording before you begin. This one habit eliminates virtually all legal risk.
Business Call Recording Rules
Businesses face additional regulations beyond standard state consent laws.
FCC Rules for Businesses
The FCC requires businesses to inform callers before recording interstate phone calls. Most businesses satisfy this with the familiar automated message: “This call may be recorded for quality assurance and training purposes.”
Under FCC rules (47 C.F.R. Section 64.501), businesses recording interstate calls must either:
Provide prior verbal notice to all parties, or
Use an automatic beep tone throughout the recording
TCPA and Marketing Call Consent
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) governs marketing and telemarketing calls. Businesses must obtain prior express written consent before making marketing calls or sending marketing texts.
Note: The FCC attempted to implement a stricter “one-to-one” consent rule that would have required consent to be given to a specific, identified seller rather than a blanket list of companies. However, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated this rule, and it never took effect. Businesses should monitor for future regulatory changes but currently operate under the existing TCPA consent framework.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Certain industries have additional recording obligations:
Financial services: Banks and investment firms often must record calls for compliance purposes under SEC and FINRA regulations.
Healthcare: HIPAA rules affect how recorded calls containing patient information must be stored and protected. See our healthcare call recording guide for details.
Call centers: Many states require call centers to disclose recording at the start of every call, regardless of whether the state is one-party or all-party consent.
Employer-Employee Recordings
If you are recording calls in a workplace context, be aware that some states treat employer recordings differently. In Illinois, for example, recording a workplace conversation without all-party consent is explicitly illegal under the eavesdropping statute.
Recording Laws for VoIP and Internet Calls
A common question: do the same rules apply to VoIP calls made through services like Zoom, Google Voice, WhatsApp, or Teams?
Yes, the same consent laws generally apply. The Federal Wiretap Act covers “wire, oral, and electronic communications,” which includes VoIP. State laws similarly apply to electronic communications in most jurisdictions.
However, VoIP occupies a regulatory gray area at the federal level. The FCC has not fully classified all VoIP services. “Interconnected VoIP” services (those that connect to the traditional phone network) are subject to FCC regulations, while purely internet-based services (like app-to-app calls) are less regulated.
Key points for VoIP recordings:
The same one-party or all-party consent rules apply based on the states involved
If the VoIP call connects to a regular phone number, it is treated like any other phone call
Video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams, Meet) typically notify participants when recording starts, which can serve as the required disclosure
Oregon specifically expanded its law to include video conferencing communications
Bottom line: Do not assume that because a call happens over the internet, recording rules are different. They are not.
Can Recorded Phone Calls Be Used as Evidence in Court?
Recording a call legally is one thing. Getting it admitted as evidence in court is another. Here is what you need to know.
Legal Recording Is a Prerequisite, Not a Guarantee
A recording obtained in violation of state wiretapping laws is generally inadmissible and could expose you to criminal prosecution. In all-party consent states, a secretly recorded call will almost certainly be excluded from evidence and may result in charges against the person who recorded it.
Authentication Requirements
Even a legally obtained recording must meet evidentiary standards before a court will accept it. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 901(a), you must establish:
Identity: The voices on the recording belong to the people you claim they are
Accuracy: The recording device was capable of producing an accurate recording
Completeness: The recording has not been edited, altered, or tampered with
Chain of custody: You can account for who has had access to the recording
The Hearsay Rule
Recorded statements are generally considered hearsay (out-of-court statements offered for the truth of the matter). However, several important exceptions apply:
Admissions by a party-opponent are not considered hearsay and are freely admissible
Excited utterances and present sense impressions may qualify as exceptions
Business records exceptions may apply to calls recorded in the ordinary course of business
Practical Tips for Admissible Recordings
If you are recording calls with the intention of using them as evidence, use a reliable, purpose-built recording device like the RECAP S2 that produces clear, uncompressed audio. The RECAP S2 works with any phone via a compatible wired headset and adapter and records to a separate device, giving you a clean original file. Keep the original recording file untouched and make copies for review. Document the date, time, and participants of every recorded call.
Brief Note on International Recording Laws
If you make or receive calls from outside the United States, be aware that other countries have their own recording laws, many of which are stricter than U.S. rules.
European Union (GDPR): Recording calls involving EU residents typically requires explicit consent and a stated purpose for the recording. GDPR imposes significant fines for non-compliance.
Canada: Federal law requires one-party consent, similar to U.S. federal law.
United Kingdom: One-party consent for personal use, but businesses must comply with data protection regulations.
Australia: Laws vary by state/territory, with some requiring all-party consent.
If your calls cross international borders, assume you need all-party consent and consult with a legal professional.
Common Misconceptions About Phone Call Recording
“It’s always illegal to record someone without telling them”
False. In 38 states plus D.C., you can legally record a phone call you are participating in without telling the other person. Only all-party consent states require everyone on the call to be informed.
“If a company tells me the call is being recorded, I can record it too”
It depends. In one-party consent states, yes. You are a participant who consents. In all-party consent states, the company’s disclosure does not automatically grant you permission to make your own recording. However, if they have announced recording and you are in a one-party state, you are covered.
“Recording a call is the same as wiretapping”
Not necessarily. Wiretapping typically refers to a third party intercepting a communication they are not part of. Recording your own call as a participant is legally distinct from wiretapping in most jurisdictions, though the same statutes often govern both activities.
“I can always record calls for my own personal notes”
Not in all-party consent states. The purpose of the recording does not change the consent requirement. Even if you are recording “just for yourself,” you still need all-party consent in states that require it.
“Text messages and voicemails have different rules”
Mostly false. Voicemails are generally considered communications you have received and can retain. Text messages are written communications that do not involve “interception” in the traditional sense. However, some states (like Nevada) have extended their phone recording statutes to cover text messages, so check your local law.
FAQ
Is it legal to record a phone call without the other person knowing?
In one-party consent states (38 states plus D.C.), yes. As long as you are a participant in the call and you consent to recording it, you do not need to inform the other party. In all-party consent states (12 states), no. You must inform all parties and obtain their consent before recording.
What happens if I illegally record a phone call?
Penalties vary by state but can be severe. In many all-party consent states, illegal recording is a felony carrying prison time of 1 to 5 years. You may also face civil lawsuits from the person you recorded, with damages that can include actual damages, statutory damages (often $1,000 to $10,000 per violation), punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. In some states, illegally obtained recordings are also inadmissible as evidence.
Do recording laws apply the same way to apps, built-in features, and hardware recorders?
Yes. The law governs the act of recording, not the tool you use. Whether you use a phone’s built-in call recording, a third-party app, or a dedicated hardware recorder like the RECAP S2, the same state and federal consent laws apply to every method equally.
How do I record phone calls on my iPhone or Android?
Neither iOS nor Android offers a universal built-in call recording feature that works across all carriers and regions. For iPhones, a dedicated external recorder is the most reliable option. Check our guide on how to record phone calls on iPhone. For Android users, options vary by manufacturer and carrier. See our Android call recording guide for current solutions. For the most reliable recording across any phone, the RECAP S2 works with both iPhone and Android using a compatible adapter.
Can my employer record my work phone calls?
In most cases, yes, with some limitations. Federal law and most state laws allow employers to monitor business calls, especially when employees are informed through company policy. Many businesses include recording disclosure in employee handbooks or employment agreements. However, in all-party consent states, employers generally must still notify all parties. Personal calls made on work phones may have additional protections depending on the state.
What is the safest way to record phone calls legally?
The safest approach regardless of your state: announce at the beginning of every call that you are recording. Something as simple as “Just so you know, I’m recording this call” satisfies consent requirements everywhere. If the other person objects, you must stop recording (in all-party states) or respect their wishes. Using a reliable recording device ensures you capture clear audio that can serve as evidence if needed.
Do these laws apply to recording for journalism, legal work, or healthcare?
Yes, the same consent laws apply regardless of your profession. However, each profession has additional considerations. Journalists may have shield-law protections in some states. Lawyers must consider bar ethics rules. Healthcare professionals must comply with HIPAA when recordings contain patient information. If you record calls for journalism, legal work, business, or healthcare, see our dedicated guides for profession-specific compliance details.
Does RECAP work with any phone?
The RECAP S2 works with iPhones, Android phones, and landlines. It requires a wired headset (or earbuds) connected to your phone, a compatible adapter for phones without a headphone jack, and a separate recording device (such as a computer, digital voice recorder, or portable recorder). There are no apps to install, no batteries to charge, and no subscription fees. See the RECAP S2 product page for full specifications.
Record Your Calls With Confidence
Understanding your state’s recording laws is the first step. Having the right equipment is the second.
The RECAP S2 is a dedicated phone call recorder that captures both sides of any conversation in crystal-clear audio. It works with iPhones, Android phones, and landlines using a wired headset and compatible adapter. No apps to manage, no batteries to charge, no subscription fees.
At just $99, the RECAP S2 gives you a dependable way to record every important call.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult an attorney licensed in your state for current guidance.
