This guide covers every method to record phone calls on iPhone — from Apple’s built-in call recording feature to third-party apps, Google Voice, and dedicated hardware. You will learn what works, what does not, and which option fits your situation.
Method 1: iPhone Built-In Call Recording
Apple introduced native call recording to the iPhone with a recent iOS update. It was the first time iPhone users had an official recording tool built into the operating system.
How to Use It
- Make or receive a phone call (or FaceTime audio call).
- During the call, tap the waveform icon in the top-left corner of the call screen.
- An automated voice announces to both parties that the call is being recorded. This announcement cannot be skipped or disabled.
- Tap the icon again to stop recording.
- The recording is automatically saved to the Notes app, along with a transcription (on supported models — see below).
Supported iPhones and Feature Tiers
The call recording feature works on a wide range of iPhones, but capabilities differ by model:
Recording + Transcription (iPhone 12 and later — A14 chip or newer):
- iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max (and newer)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
These models get both the audio recording and an on-device transcription powered by Apple’s speech recognition engine.
Recording Only — No Transcription (iPhone XR, XS, 11, SE 2nd gen):
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS / XS Max
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
These older models can record calls and save the audio, but they do not generate a transcription. The on-device transcription feature requires an A14 Bionic chip or later, which these models lack.
AI-powered call summaries (part of Apple Intelligence) require an iPhone 15 Pro or later. Older models that support transcription get the transcript but not the AI summary.
Transcription Languages
iPhone call transcriptions currently support: English (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand), Spanish (US, Mexico, Spain), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Portuguese (Brazil), Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese (China mainland, Taiwan), and Cantonese (Hong Kong). Apple has been expanding this list with each update, so additional languages may be available by the time you read this.
Limitations
Mandatory announcement. Every recording starts with an audible notification that tells the other party the call is being recorded. There is no way to turn this off. For journalists, attorneys, private investigators, and many business users, this eliminates the utility of the feature entirely.
Not available in many countries. Apple blocks the recording feature in the European Union and many other countries. If your iPhone’s region setting is set to one of these locations, the record button simply won’t appear. Apple made this decision to comply with GDPR and regional privacy regulations. Check Apple’s support page for the current list of supported regions.
No auto-recording. You must manually tap the record button on every single call. If you forget, you miss the recording. There is no setting to record all calls automatically.
Phone app and FaceTime only. The recording feature does not work with third-party calling apps. Calls made through WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any other app are not supported.
No transcription on older models. As noted above, iPhone XR, XS, 11, and SE (2nd generation) get the audio recording but no transcript. If you need searchable text from your calls on those devices, you will need to transcribe manually or use external software.
When This Method Works
iPhone built-in recording is fine for casual use if you are in a supported country, you are making a standard phone or FaceTime call, and you do not mind the other party hearing a recording announcement. It is a welcome addition, but it is designed for transparency-first personal use, not professional recording needs.
Method 2: Third-Party Recording Apps (3-Way Calling Workaround)
Historically, recording calls on iPhone through a third-party app has been close to impossible. Unlike Android, iOS has never allowed apps to access the call audio stream. No app on the App Store can simply “tap into” a live phone call.
How These Apps Work
Apps like TapeACall use a workaround: three-way (conference) calling. Here is the process:
- You are on a phone call.
- You open the recording app, which dials a recording server.
- You tap Merge Calls on your iPhone to create a three-way call between you, the other party, and the recording service.
- The recording service captures the audio from its end of the conference call.
In theory, this gives you a recording of both sides. In practice, it is cumbersome and unreliable.
Note: Rev Call Recorder, which was once a popular free option in this category, has been discontinued. The app is no longer available for download and the recording service has been shut down. If you previously relied on Rev Call Recorder, you will need to switch to another method.
Limitations
Complicated workflow. Despite marketing claims of a “one-tap” experience, the actual process involves multiple steps across multiple apps. You need to put your call on hold, dial the service, wait for it to answer, then merge. Users report the real process takes seven or more taps across three different screens.
Carrier support required. Three-way calling must be enabled by your mobile carrier. Some carriers and prepaid plans (SimpleTalk, H2O Wireless, and many international carriers) do not support conference calling, which makes these apps completely non-functional.
Your audio goes through third-party servers. The recording happens on the app company’s servers, not on your phone. Your private conversations are transmitted to and stored on servers you do not control. For anyone handling sensitive calls — legal, medical, financial, or journalistic — this is a serious privacy and compliance concern.
Subscription fees. TapeACall requires a paid subscription (check the App Store listing for current pricing). These subscription costs add up over time compared to one-time purchase alternatives.
Conference call notification. When you merge calls, the other party may hear a tone or brief interruption, potentially alerting them to the recording.
Geographic restrictions. TapeACall has broad support but still requires a carrier that supports three-way calling, and coverage varies by region.
Truecaller discontinued iPhone recording. Truecaller shut down its call recording feature on iPhone entirely, citing Apple’s native recording feature.
When This Method Works
Three-way calling apps can work if you have a carrier that supports conference calling and you are willing to pay a subscription. But the workflow is clunky, your audio passes through external servers, and the reliability is inconsistent. For most users, there are better options.
Method 3: Google Voice (Press 4 to Record)
If you use Google Voice as your phone number, it has a simple built-in recording feature:
- In the Google Voice app, go to Settings > Calls and enable Incoming call options.
- When you receive a call to your Google Voice number, press 4 on the dialpad to start recording.
- An automated announcement plays, informing both parties that the call is being recorded.
- Press 4 again to stop recording. The audio saves to your Google Voice voicemail inbox.
Limitations
Incoming calls only. Google Voice recording does not work on outgoing calls — only calls that someone else makes to your Google Voice number. This is a severe limitation for anyone who initiates most of their calls.
Mandatory announcement. Both parties hear a notification when recording starts and stops. There is no way to disable this, even if the call is muted on your end.
Manual activation. You must remember to press 4 during the call. There is no auto-record option on the free plan.
Google Voice number required. You need a Google Voice account and must route calls through it. Not everyone wants to give out a Google Voice number for professional use.
Limited availability. Google Voice is only available in the US (and select other countries). It is not an option for international users.
No VoIP app calls. This only works for phone calls routed through Google Voice — not WhatsApp, Signal, or other apps.
When This Method Works
Google Voice recording is useful if you already use Google Voice as your primary number, you mainly receive calls rather than making them, and you are comfortable with both parties hearing the recording announcement. It is free and simple, but too limited for most professional use cases.
Method 4: Voicemail Forwarding Trick
Some guides online suggest a workaround where you merge your active call with your own voicemail to create a recording:
- During a call, tap Add Call and dial your own number.
- When it goes to voicemail, tap Merge Calls.
- The voicemail system records the merged audio.
Why This Is Unreliable
Carrier-dependent. This trick depends on your carrier allowing you to merge with your own voicemail, and many carriers block or do not support this.
Voicemail time limits. Most voicemail systems cut off after 1-3 minutes, making it useless for anything longer than a brief exchange.
Terrible audio quality. Voicemail systems are compressed for voice messages, not high-quality recording. The result is usually muffled and clipped.
May drop the call. Merging with voicemail can cause the original call to disconnect on some carriers.
No way to organize or export. Recordings are buried in your voicemail inbox with no easy way to file, search, or share them.
This method is a hack at best. We do not recommend relying on it for any purpose.
Method 5: Speakerphone + External Recorder
The lowest-tech option: put the call on speakerphone and record the room audio with another device.
- Make or receive your call and tap Speaker.
- Use a second phone, digital voice recorder, laptop, or tablet to record the audio playing from your iPhone’s speaker.
Limitations
Poor audio quality. You are recording room audio, which means echo, background noise, uneven volume between your voice and the caller’s voice, and distortion from the speaker. Call recordings made this way are often difficult to understand or transcribe.
No privacy. Everyone in the room hears the entire conversation. This is a non-starter for confidential calls — legal consultations, medical discussions, business negotiations, or any sensitive topic.
Unprofessional. If you are on a business call and the other party hears room echo, it is obvious you are on speakerphone. This can undermine trust.
Difficult to transcribe. Automatic transcription services perform poorly on speakerphone recordings because both voices are picked up unevenly by the external microphone, often overlapping with room noise.
When This Method Works
In a pinch, when you have no other option and the call is not confidential. That is about it.
Method 6: Hardware Audio Adapter (RECAP S2)
Every method above has significant trade-offs: mandatory announcements, regional blocks, three-way calling hassles, incoming-only restrictions, or unusable audio quality. A hardware adapter avoids all of these because it captures the audio at the electrical signal level, completely outside the reach of iOS software restrictions.
RECAP S2 is an audio adapter that connects between your iPhone and a wired headset. It taps both sides of the call audio (your voice and the caller’s) and routes a copy to any recording device – a computer, digital voice recorder, tablet, or second phone. No apps, no batteries, no subscriptions.
How It Works — and What You Should Know Up Front
RECAP S2 is a passive analog device, which means it has real strengths and honest trade-offs:
Requirements: – 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. – If your iPhone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack (iPhone 7 and later), you need a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter or USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. See our compatible adapters guide for tested options. – A separate recording device (PC, Mac, digital voice recorder, tablet, or a second phone). RECAP routes audio to this device — it does not record internally.
These requirements mean RECAP is not a pocket-and-go solution like pressing a button in Apple’s built-in recorder. It is a desk setup or a prepared-in-advance kit. For professionals who need reliable, private, high-quality recordings, that trade-off is well worth it.
How to Record Phone Calls on iPhone with RECAP S2
- Connect RECAP S2 to your iPhone’s headset jack (or to an Apple adapter — see below).
- Plug your headset into the RECAP S2 headset port. You talk and listen through your headset as normal.
- Connect the RECAP S2 output to your recording device’s microphone input using the included cable.
- Start your call and hit record on your recording device. Both sides of the conversation are captured in clear, full-quality audio.
Because RECAP is a hardware device operating at the analog audio level, iOS restrictions do not apply. There is no recording announcement, no region block, and no dependency on any specific software version or app.
iPhone Adapter Guide
iPhones have used three different audio connector types over the years. Here is what you need for each:
iPhone 6s and older / iPhone SE (1st gen): No adapter needed These models have a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack. Plug RECAP S2 directly into the phone.
iPhone 7 through iPhone 14 / iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen): Lightning to 3.5mm adapter These models use Lightning and have no headphone jack. You need Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. Important: use the genuine Apple adapter. Third-party Lightning to 3.5mm adapters frequently do not pass microphone audio correctly, which means your voice will not be captured. The Apple adapter is specifically designed to carry both headphone and microphone signals through Lightning. This is the number-one compatibility issue we see with iPhone setups. See our compatible adapters guide for tested adapters, pricing, and where to buy.
iPhone 15, iPhone 16 (and future models): USB-C to 3.5mm adapter These models use USB-C. You need a USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. The Apple USB-C adapter works reliably for both headphone audio and microphone input. Third-party USB-C adapters with a built-in DAC also work well with these models — the compatibility issues that plague Lightning adapters are less common with USB-C. See our compatible adapters guide for tested options, pricing, and where to buy.
What RECAP S2 Works With (Beyond Phone Calls)
Because RECAP captures audio from the headset jack, it works with any app that routes audio through headphones:
- Standard phone calls (carrier calls)
- FaceTime (audio and video)
- WhatsApp calls
- Signal calls
- Zoom meetings
- Microsoft Teams calls
- Skype calls
- Any other VoIP or calling app
This is a major advantage over Apple’s built-in recording, which only works with the Phone app and FaceTime.
What You Need
- RECAP S2 audio adapter ($99 — one-time purchase, no subscriptions)
- A recording device: PC, Mac, digital voice recorder, tablet, or a second phone running any voice recording app
- A wired headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work)
- If your iPhone lacks a 3.5mm jack: a compatible adapter (Lightning to 3.5mm or USB-C to 3.5mm — see our adapter guide)
Compatible iPhones
RECAP S2 works with every iPhone that supports a wired headset:
- 3.5mm jack (no adapter needed): iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st gen)
- Lightning (Apple Lightning adapter required): iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, SE (2nd gen), SE (3rd gen)
- USB-C (Apple USB-C adapter required): iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max (and future USB-C models)
Since RECAP is hardware, it works on every iOS version — past, present, and future. No software updates can break it.
Comparison: All Methods to Record Phone Calls on iPhone
| Feature | iPhone Built-In | 3-Way Calling Apps | Google Voice | Speakerphone | RECAP S2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Records both sides clearly | Yes | Yes (when it works) | Yes (incoming only) | Poor quality | Yes |
| Works on any iPhone | Supported models only | Carrier-dependent | Google Voice only | Yes | Yes |
| Notifies the other party | Yes (mandatory) | Conference tone may be heard | Yes (mandatory) | No | No |
| Available in all countries | No (blocked in EU + 20 countries) | Carrier-dependent | US mainly | Yes | Yes |
| Works with WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom | No | No | No | Yes (poor quality) | Yes |
| Auto-recording possible | No | No | No | No | Yes (on recording device) |
| Audio quality | Good | Varies (server-dependent) | Depends on connection | Poor | Excellent |
| Privacy (no cloud/servers) | On-device | Audio goes through their servers | Stored in Google | N/A | 100% local |
| Monthly cost | Free | Subscription | Free | Free | $0 (one-time $99) |
| Requires extra hardware | No | No | No | Second device | Yes (wired headset + adapter) |
| Survives iOS updates | Yes | Dependent on app updates | Yes | N/A | Yes |
Which Method Should You Choose?
Use iPhone built-in recording if: You are in a supported country, you are making standard phone or FaceTime calls, and you are fine with the other party hearing a recording announcement. Good for casual, transparent recording.
Use Google Voice if: You already use Google Voice, you mainly receive calls, and you only need occasional recordings. Free but severely limited.
Use RECAP S2 if: You need reliable, high-quality recording of both sides on any iPhone, with any calling app, in any country, without announcing the recording to the other party. RECAP is the choice for professionals — journalists, lawyers, researchers, compliance officers, business owners — who need recordings they can count on. It is a one-time purchase that does not depend on iOS versions, carrier support, or regional availability.
Avoid three-way calling apps unless you have exhausted other options. The workflow is frustrating, your audio passes through external servers, and carrier compatibility is a gamble. Note that Rev Call Recorder has been discontinued entirely, further shrinking this category.
Avoid the speakerphone/voicemail methods entirely for anything you need to actually use afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record phone calls on iPhone without the other person knowing?
With Apple’s built-in recording, no. Apple’s feature plays a mandatory announcement that cannot be disabled. Third-party apps like TapeACall also produce audible artifacts (conference call merge tones). RECAP S2 is a hardware device that operates silently at the audio signal level — no announcements, no tones, no notifications are sent to the other party.
Important legal note: Recording laws vary by jurisdiction. In the US, federal law allows one-party consent (you can record if you are a participant), but 12 states require all-party consent: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Washington. Pennsylvania’s wiretapping statute is also frequently interpreted as requiring all-party consent. Always verify your local regulations before recording any call.
Does iPhone call recording work in the EU?
No. As of this writing, Apple has blocked the call recording feature in all European Union countries, citing GDPR compliance. The feature remains unavailable in the EU. Users in the EU who need to record phone calls on iPhone must use alternative methods like RECAP S2.
Why do I need to use an Apple-brand Lightning adapter with RECAP?
Apple’s Lightning connector is a proprietary standard. Third-party Lightning to 3.5mm adapters often cut corners on microphone passthrough — they will play audio to your headphones, but they will not carry your microphone signal back to the phone correctly. This means RECAP would capture the other party’s voice but not yours. The genuine Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is specifically engineered to support full bidirectional audio (headphone + microphone), and it resolves this issue completely. USB-C adapters do not have this problem as frequently, but we still recommend Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for guaranteed compatibility. See our compatible adapters guide for the full tested list.
Can RECAP S2 record WhatsApp, Signal, and Zoom calls on iPhone?
Yes. Because RECAP captures audio from the headset connection, it works with any app that routes sound through wired headphones. This includes WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, FaceTime, Google Meet, and standard carrier phone calls. Apple’s built-in recording, by contrast, only works with the Phone app and FaceTime — no third-party apps.
Can I automatically record every phone call on iPhone?
Not with any software-based method. Apple’s built-in recording requires a manual tap on every call. Third-party apps require a multi-step merge process each time. Google Voice requires pressing 4 during each call.
With RECAP S2, automatic recording is possible on the recording device side. RECAP continuously passes audio through whenever your headset is connected. If your recording device (a digital voice recorder, PC, or tablet) is set to record continuously or activated by voice detection, every call is captured without any manual action on your iPhone. See our full guide on how to automatically record every phone call for detailed setup instructions.
What recording software should I use with RECAP S2?
RECAP routes audio to any device with a microphone input. Popular options include:
- On a PC or Mac: Audacity (free), OBS Studio (free), or QuickTime (Mac, free). See our best software for recording phone calls on PC guide.
- On a second phone or tablet: Any voice recorder app — Voice Memos (iPhone), Easy Voice Recorder (Android), or similar.
- Dedicated voice recorder: Sony, Olympus, and Zoom digital recorders all work. Many support voice-activated recording for hands-free operation.
Is it legal to record phone calls on iPhone?
Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. In the United States, federal law permits one-party consent (you can record a call you are participating in without telling the other party). However, 12 states require all-party consent, meaning everyone on the call must know about and agree to the recording. These states are: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Washington. Pennsylvania is also frequently classified as an all-party consent state. Outside the US, laws vary widely by country.
This is true regardless of which recording method you use. The recording tool does not change the law — your legal obligation is the same whether you use Apple’s built-in feature, an app, or RECAP.
How does RECAP S2 audio quality compare to iPhone built-in recording?
iPhone built-in recording produces good-quality audio saved in the Notes app. RECAP S2 captures a raw analog audio signal directly from the headset connection and sends it to your recording device. Because it captures the electrical signal rather than processing it through software layers, the output is typically cleaner and more consistent — especially for the caller’s voice. The final quality depends on your recording device and settings (sample rate, bit depth, format), giving you full control. For professional transcription, archiving, or evidence purposes, RECAP recordings tend to be superior.
Need reliable call recording on any iPhone, with any calling app, in any country?
Get RECAP S2 – $99, one-time purchase | No apps. No announcements. No subscriptions.
Works with every iPhone. Ships worldwide. No batteries, no monthly fees — just plug in and record.
Recording on Android instead? See our complete Android call recording guide.