How to Record Phone Calls: Android, iPhone, Landline & Different Apps

Yes, it is legal to record phone calls, but it depends on the region/country you are in. In particular, some regions follow one-party consent laws, where you’re allowed to record a call as long as you are part of the conversation. Others require two-party or all-party consent, meaning everyone on the call must be informed and agree to the recording.

Likewise, for business or professional use, additional call recording compliance and privacy rules may also apply. Depending on how you store or share the recording, more legal guidelines like HIPAA and GDPR need to be considered.

In general, the best practice is to let the other person know before you start recording.

You can record calls on Android devices using built-in call recording features or third-party applications.

For automatic recording, open the Phone app, click on the three-dot menu, open Settings, find Record Calls, and enable Auto Record Calls. You can further choose whether to record all calls from all unsaved numbers or selected contacts only. As a result, the selected type of calls will be automatically recorded.

For manual recording, you can simply dial a number or answer an incoming call, tap the three-dot menu on the call screen, and select Record Call. This method works well when you only need to record specific conversations. However, the built-in feature might not be available in all regions due to local laws and restrictions.

Using third-party call recording apps might be a reliable option if you are in a region where built-in features are not accessible. In particular, apps like Automatic Call Recorder ACR and Call Recorder Cube ACR are the most popular ones. These apps support high-quality call recording and offer features like built-in playback, privacy protection, and cloud backups.

You can record phone calls on an iPhone using Apple’s built-in recording option or a reliable call recording app.

To use the built-in call recording feature in an iPhone, first, tap “More” on screen during an active call, select Call Recording, and continue your conversation as usual. Once the call ends, the recorded audio automatically appears in the Notes app for easy review and storage. However, this feature is limited to newer versions of iOS, so if you are using an iPhone with iOS older than 18, you can not access it.

Using a third-party app like CallRec Lite, Automatic Call Recorder, and TapeACall is a simple and effective solution if you are using an iPhone with an older iOS version. First, install a reliable call recording app, then grant the necessary permissions. During your call, open the app, and merge the app’s recording line with your ongoing call when prompted. This allows the app to record the entire conversation through a three-way conference call setup. After the call ends, you can conveniently manage and access the saved audio directly inside the app.

You can record landline calls using either simple physical tools, like a digital recorder, your own PC or a microphone pickup.

One of the easiest options for recording a landline call is using a digital recorder. Here, you have to connect the digital recorder to your landline phone using a telephone recording adapter. After the connection, you can make or answer the call normally, and the adapter captures both voices clearly. However, it does not inform the other party about the call recording. So, you might have to inform them as per the local law of your region.

If you want a digital method, you can record through a computer or laptop. Just connect a recording adapter from your landline to the computer’s microphone jack and use software like Windows Voice Recorder or Audacity. Then, the software will automatically detect the calls and record them accordingly.

Another option is to use a microphone pickup, which works like an earbud connected to a digital recorder. In fact, you simply place it in your ear, hold the phone to the same ear, and start recording before the call begins. This method is ideal for older landlines or users who prefer a quick, plug-and-record setup.

To record calls on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, you can rely on tools like screen recorders or trusted third-party apps. You have to use these workaround methods because these apps do not offer built-in call recording features.

Most devices allow you to record WhatsApp or Messenger calls by enabling the built-in screen recorder from the Quick Settings or Control Center. So, before placing your call, simply start the screen recorder, and the device will capture both the video and audio. Additionally, in some devices, you might have to use speaker mode for clearer recording. Also, make sure your audio settings are properly set to record internal sound and the microphone for clearer results.

If you prefer a more streamlined method, call recording apps such as Cube ACR and Talker ACR offer added convenience and automation. Here, you just have to grant the required permissions, start your call, and let the app handle the recording process.

In fact, these apps detect voice or video calls from platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber and begin recording on their own. However, as mentioned above, compatibility can vary depending on your device model and region, so performance may differ.

With the right tools, call recording has become easier than ever. Android and iPhone users can rely on built-in features or trusted third-party apps, while landline users can record conversations through digital recorders, adapters, or computer software. For social media platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram, screen recording and specialized apps provide practical workarounds.

While these methods are appropriate for casual and personal calls, they present significant challenges in a business or professional context.

So, for a business environment, cloud-based VoIP providers like Calilio offer a better solution. Calilio goes beyond simple recording by providing automatic, secure cloud storage for all calls. It further offers AI-powered features such as call transcriptions, summaries, and sentiment analysis. As a result, you can get actionable business data from a simple audio file.