How to record a phone call on iPhone: Know the legal guidelines in your state

Caitlin McLean, USA TODAY
Updated
4

Recording a conversation can be useful in the short term and in the long run. It could be an interview that you want to take notes from later or a call with a loved one you would like to go back and listen to one day.

Before you record any conversation, however, you should remember to ask the person or people you are talking to if they are ok with you doing so. Some people, understandably, may not want to be recorded.

Recording a conversation on your iPhone is not a feature that comes with your Apple products, meaning you cannot record conversations directly from the phone app on your iPhone. However, there is an easy way you can record your calls.

How to record a phone call on an iPhone

An easy way to record a phone call on an iPhone is by using another Apple device with the Voice Memos app, which should come already installed on your Apple device. This app allows you to record audio using the microphone on your iPhone, with no need for a cord or extra devices to help you pick up sound. Voice Memos can be used on iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches.

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To record on phone call on an iPhone use the Voice Memos app on another Apple to device to record your conversation.
To record on phone call on an iPhone use the Voice Memos app on another Apple to device to record your conversation.

Before your phone call, you should make sure that your Voice Memos app will properly record your voice by recording a short voice memo. To do this, open up the app on your Apple device, tap or click the red button on your screen to record and then tap the same button to stop recording.

The red lines at the bottom of your screen, known as an audio waveform display, should tell you how much of the audio the app is picking up. The larger the bars get, the more audio is being picked up.

Before your call, make sure you have the Voice Memos app ready to record. You should also remember to ask permission before you record your conversation because some states have laws against recording a conversation without the consent of all parties involved. Once you have been given permission to record, go ahead and use the Voice Memos app to record.

After your conversation, you can send the voice memo recording to yourself or others by selecting the file in the Voice Memos app and then tapping on the three dots, which will give you options of how to send it.

You can use this method to record a phone call with other recording apps like  Google Voice or Otter. Otter can be especially useful if you would like to have a transcript of your conversation afterward because the software can transcribe voice memos.

How to record a phone call on an iPhone through an app

There are some apps on the Apple app store that market their ability to record conversations while you are on the phone with someone; however, because Apple has a priority of protecting their users' privacy, these third-party apps have found a way to get around Apple’s protections, according to ZDNET.

If you do not have another device to record your conversation you may want or need to use one of these apps. One app that allows you to record conversations is Rev Call Recorder. This free app allows users to record calls for free with the option of having a transcription written up afterward for “an industry low rate by a skilled human transcriptionist.”

RecMyCalls also allows you to record incoming or outgoing calls on your iPhone and is free for download on the App Store.

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Is it illegal to record phone calls?

The legality of recording conversations and phone calls differs between state and federal law, according to Justia. Because of this, it is best to follow the strictest law or make sure you have permission to record someone.

In many states consent requirements only apply in situations where a party may have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” like non-public places. The definition of consent also varies from jurisdiction with either explicit or implied consent.

Most states have laws similar to federal ones which only require the consent of one individual to record a conversation. According to Justia, the following states are one-party consent states: 

  • Alabama

  • Alaska

  • Arizona

  • Arkansas

  • Colorado

  • District of Columbia

  • Georgia

  • Hawaii

  • Idaho

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Minnesota

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Nebraska

  • New Jersey

  • New Mexico

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Rhode Island

  • South Carolina

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

According to Justia, these states have all-party consent laws: 

  • California

  • Connecticut

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Illinois

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Montana

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Vermont

  • Washington

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to record a phone call on an iPhone: Tips and legal info to know