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How to record a phone call on iPhone

Since iOS 18.1, the iPhone can record calls on its own. Here is how to use it, where the recording ends up, and what to do when the button isn't there.

Updated October 2026.

Record a call with the built-in recorder

1. Update to iOS 18.1 or later in Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Start or answer a call in the Phone app.
3. Tap the record button on the call screen. On some iOS versions it sits under the More button.
4. Everyone on the call hears that it is being recorded, then recording starts.
5. Tap stop, or hang up, to finish.

The recording is saved in the Notes app, in a Call Recordings folder, with a transcript in supported languages. On iPhones with Apple Intelligence you can also get a summary.

Why the button might be missing

• Your iOS is older than 18.1. Update and check again.
• Your country or region. Apple doesn't offer call recording everywhere.
• The call type. Some carrier features and calls through other apps can't be recorded this way.

Can you record a call on iPhone without the announcement?

Not with the built-in recorder: the announcement is part of the feature, and there's no setting to turn it off. Apps that promise silent recording usually work by merging in a third line or recording through the speaker, and recording someone without telling them is illegal in many places, including a dozen US states and most of the EU and Gulf. For business calls, the announcement protects you.

Other ways to record calls on iPhone

• Speakerphone and a second device. Works anywhere, sounds poor, and you still need to tell the other person.
• Call recording apps with a recording line. The app merges a recording number into a three-way call. They work on older iPhones, but merging can drop calls.
• A business line that records for you. Services like Dimts record on the phone line itself, so it works on any iPhone in any region.

When you need more than a recording

A recording answers "what did they say?" only if you have time to listen back. Dimts plays the recording notice for you, then writes down what was agreed, what you owe and what you're waiting on, linked to the second it was said, and drafts the follow-up. See how it works as an AI note taker for phone calls. On Android? Read how to record calls on Android.

Questions

How do I record a phone call on my iPhone?

On iOS 18.1 or later, tap the record button on the call screen during a call (on some versions it is under More). Everyone hears an announcement, and the recording and transcript are saved in the Notes app.

Where do iPhone call recordings go?

To the Notes app, in a folder called Call Recordings, with a transcript in supported languages.

Does the other person know I am recording on iPhone?

Yes. The built-in recorder plays an announcement to everyone on the call before it starts recording.

Why can't I record calls on my iPhone?

Usually because the iPhone runs a version older than iOS 18.1, or because Apple doesn't offer call recording in your country or region.

Can I record a WhatsApp call on iPhone?

The built-in recorder is for calls in the Phone app. WhatsApp doesn't offer call recording, and recording it another way still requires telling the other person in many places.