07/10/2018
Record phone calls on your iPhone
Unruly customers. Crazy exes. Horrible bosses. When you need proof of insanity or just want it for your records, recording a phone call is a must. Problem is, it's not the easiest thing to do on an iPhone — but it's completely possible.
Even though there are plenty of legit reasons to record calls such as documenting an over-the-phone interview, cherishing a call from a loved one, logging verbal contracts and agreements, and improving your business overall, there still is no way to record phone conversations with one or more people by default on an iPhone.
Don't believe me. Try it. The built-in screen recording utility will stop when you answer or start a call or it won't record audio when activated during a call. As for Voice Memos, it may look like it's recording your call, but it stops as soon as you picked up or dial and will give you a warning if you try to enable during a call.
The Legality of Recording Calls in Your State
Apple tries hard to prevent the recording of calls on your iPhone for the privacy and security of all parties involved. And while federal policy, as well as over half of all US states, implement "one-party consent" laws (of which you can be the "one" party), the other states require all parties to give permission to be recorded. And since Apple can't make sure you abide by state laws, it simply bans it altogether.
Once you know whether or not you need to get verbal consent from the other party or parties based on where you live, you're ready to start exploring the call recording workarounds below. Note that while not all of these methods work with FaceTime, some of them actually do, but only in regards to audio (not video).
Use a Local Access Number Service (Phone Calls Only)
The easiest way to record phone calls on your iPhone is to install an app that's designed specifically for that purpose. TapeACall is one such app, and since its introduction, it's had over two dozen updates to ensure it stays ahead of the competition. And with an average rating of 4.5 stars, you can't go wrong.
TapeACall is a subscription service, so you'll need to sign up for either a pay-each-month or pay-each-year plan. Fortunately, the Lite version of the app offers a seven-day free trial so you can see if you like it before you commit. The service uses a local access number to record calls, so you will always have to merge the call you want to be recorded with the TapeACall local access number. For outgoing calls, you call that number from the app first, then add the person you want to talk to and merge the calls. For incoming calls, you'll have to put the caller on hold while you add and merge the TapeACall local access number.
It's a somewhat convoluted method of recording, but all recorders in the App Store work similarly. Recordings are easy to access within the app, and you can share a recorded call via a public URL or an MP3 file to pretty much any app you choose. There's also a 3D Touch quick action shortcut on the home screen and a widget for even easier access to start and view recordings.
Use the Google Voice App (Phone Calls Only)
Google Voice is another viable option you can use to record conversations, and unlike TapeACall and its brethren, Google Voice is completely free to use. However, you can only record incoming phone calls, not outgoing. Another downside is that when you initiate a recording, the app will verbally notify the caller when recording has been started and stopped, even if you've muted the call.
Despite its shortcomings, however, Google Voice does have its strengths. For one, recording an incoming call is far easier to do on Google Voice than on TapeACall, only requiring you to tap on "4" in your Phone app's keypad to start or stop recording. In addition, listening to recordings is also just as easy and can be accessed in the Google Voice's "Voicemail" page.
Google Voice is a great option if you regularly record business or work-related phone conversations, be it for verbal contracts, interviews, or important meetings. Best of all, the service is free to use, so we highly recommend giving this app a try before purchasing a call recording app.
Use Skype (Skype Audio & Video Calls Only)
Breaking away from the traditional phone calls or even Apple's own FaceTime platform, if you're a Skype user, you'll be glad to know that recording both audio and video calls is simple.
The other user will have a persistent alert that the recording is taking place, and all recordings are stored in the Skype's servers in the cloud for 30 days. During that 30 days, all parties can view, save, and share the recording however they want, but only the person who initiated the recording can remove it off the servers.
Found a better way to record phone calls and FaceTime calls on your iPhone? Hit up the comments below or ping us on our social accounts to share your secrets.
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