Turn your call recording into text Upload an English call recording and get a free transcript in your browser. Recording a phone call used to need a special app or a second device. Now both iPhone and many Android phones can do it with the phone app that is already installed. This guide shows you how to record a phone call on iPhone, on Android phones that use the Phone by Google app, and on Samsung Galaxy phones. It also covers what to do if the option is missing and how to turn a recording into text.
Check the law before you record a call
Call recording rules are different from country to country, and sometimes from state to state. In some places you only need your own consent. In others, everyone on the call must agree. The simplest and safest habit is to tell the other person at the start, for example: "Is it OK if I record this call so I can take notes later?" This is general information, not legal advice, so check the rules where you and the other person live.
The built in recorders on iPhone and Android play a message so both people know the call is being recorded.
How to record a phone call on iPhone
Apple added call recording to the Phone app in iOS 18.1. It is not available in every country or language, so if you do not see it, skip to the section on other ways to record.
- Update your iPhone in Settings, then General, then Software Update.
- Open the Phone app and make or answer a call.
- On the call screen, tap the More button, then tap Call Recording. On some iOS 18 versions there is a record button at the top left of the call screen instead.
- Both people hear a short message saying the call is being recorded.
- Tap Stop to end the recording, or simply hang up.
Call recording is switched on by default where it is supported. You can turn it off or back on in Settings, then Apps, then Phone, then Call Recording.
Where iPhone call recordings are saved
iPhone saves call recordings in the Notes app, in a folder called Call Recordings. Each note holds the audio, and in supported languages it also holds a transcript.
- Open the note and tap the recording to play it.
- Tap Show Transcript and Summary where available to read what was said. A summary needs Apple Intelligence to be turned on.
- Tap the More button on the recording to copy the transcript, save the audio file or share it.
Deleting the recording also deletes its transcript, so save the audio first if you want to keep it.
How to record a phone call on Android with Phone by Google
Many Android phones, including Google Pixel phones, use the Phone by Google app. Google explains the details in its help page on recording calls with the Phone app. Call recording works on Pixel 6 and later with Android 14 or newer, and on other phones with Android 9 or newer, as long as your country supports it and the app is up to date.
- Make or answer a call in the Phone app.
- On a Pixel, tap Call Assist, then Call recording. On other phones, tap Record on the call screen.
- Both people hear a notice that the call is being recorded.
- To stop, tap Call Assist and then Stop on a Pixel, or tap Stop recording on other phones.
To record calls automatically, open the Phone app, tap More options (three dots), then Settings, then Call recording. Under Always record you can turn on recording for Numbers not in your contacts or for Selected numbers.
Recordings stay on your phone and are not backed up by Google. To play one, tap the caller in your recent calls, tap History, and choose the recording. You can tap Share to send the file to yourself.
How to record calls on a Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung phones use their own Phone app, and the steps are a little different. Samsung has a guide to recording and sharing calls and voice recordings. Menus can vary by region and One UI version.
- During a call, tap the More menu (three dots).
- Tap Record call. Accept the terms the first time you use it.
- To record automatically, open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings, then Record calls.
- Turn on Auto record calls and choose all calls, unsaved numbers or specific numbers.
- To listen later, go to Settings, then Record calls, then Recorded calls.
Other ways to record a phone call
If your phone does not offer built in recording, you still have options.
- Google Voice: in countries where Google Voice is available, you can turn on incoming call options in its settings and press 4 during an incoming call to start recording. It does not work for calls you make.
- Speakerphone and a second device: put the call on speaker and record it with another phone, a tablet or a laptop. On a computer you can use our free Online Voice Recorder, which records whatever its microphone hears. Quality depends on how quiet the room is.
- Call recording apps: there are third party apps and services for this. Read the reviews and pricing carefully, as many charge a subscription and some only work in certain countries. For app calls, see how to record a WhatsApp call.
Note that a browser recorder cannot tap into the call itself. It only records sound through the microphone, which is why the speakerphone method is needed.
Phone call recording methods compared
| Method | Works on | Other person notified | Where the file goes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Phone app | iPhone with iOS 18.1 or later, supported regions | Yes, automatic message | Notes app, Call Recordings folder |
| Phone by Google | Pixel and many Android phones, supported regions | Yes, automatic notice | On the phone, in call history |
| Samsung Phone app | Samsung Galaxy phones | Depends on region | Recorded calls in Phone settings |
| Google Voice | Incoming calls only, supported countries | Yes, voice message | Your Google Voice account |
| Speakerphone and second device | Any phone | Only if you tell them | The second device |
How to turn a call recording into text
A transcript makes it much easier to find a name, an address or a promise made on the call. iPhone and some Android phones can create transcripts on their own in supported languages. If yours does not, save the audio file, then upload it to our free Audio to Text Converter. It runs in your browser, works with English audio, and lets you export TXT or SRT. For more ways to do this, see our guide on how to transcribe audio to text for free.
Phone audio is lower quality than a microphone recording, so check any important details against the audio.
Why you cannot see the record button
- Your software is out of date. Update iOS, Android and the Phone app first.
- Your country does not allow it. Apple and Google hide the feature in some regions.
- The setting is off. On iPhone, check Settings, then Apps, then Phone, then Call Recording.
- The call is not connected yet. On Phone by Google you cannot record before the call is answered, while it is on hold, or in a conference call.
- Your carrier or work profile blocks it. Some business phones have recording turned off by the company.
If you record a lot of meetings rather than phone calls, our guide to recording audio on iPhone may also help.
Frequently asked questions
How to record a phone call on iPhone?
Open the Phone app, make or answer a call, tap the More button, then tap Call Recording. This needs iOS 18.1 or later in a supported country and language, and everyone on the call hears a message that it is being recorded. Tap Stop or hang up to finish.
Can you record a phone call on iPhone?
Yes, iPhones on iOS 18.1 or later can record calls in the built in Phone app where the feature is available in your country and language. If you do not see the option, update your iPhone, or put the call on speaker and record it with a second device.
How to record a phone call on Android?
On phones with the Phone by Google app, tap Call Assist and then Call recording on a Pixel, or tap Record on other phones during the call. On Samsung Galaxy phones, tap the three dots menu and choose Record call. Both depend on your region and software version.
Is it illegal to record a conversation?
It depends on where you live. Some places allow recording when one person in the conversation agrees, while others require everyone's consent. Check the law where you and the other person are, and always tell people before you record. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does the other person know when I record a call on iPhone?
Yes. When you start recording, iPhone plays an audio message so everyone on the call knows it is being recorded.
Where do recorded calls go on iPhone?
They are saved in the Notes app in a folder called Call Recordings. You can play the audio, read a transcript in supported languages, and save or share the file.
Why is there no call recording option on my Android phone?
Your phone or Phone app may be out of date, or call recording may not be allowed in your country. Some carriers and work phones also turn it off.
How can I get a transcript of a recorded call?
iPhone can show a transcript in Notes in supported languages. You can also upload the audio file to a free audio to text tool that works with English recordings.
Ready to try it?
Got your recording? Upload it to the free Audio to Text Converter and keep a searchable copy of the call.
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