Updated September 2026: in 2021 I complained that iPhone, unlike many Android phones, had no built-in call recording, and third-party apps were unreliable. Apple has since added it. I have rewritten this into a guide to recording calls on an iPhone, and the legal points to keep in mind. This is general information, not legal advice.
For years, call recording was an Android advantage. On iPhone, users relied on third-party apps that often used conference-call workarounds and were fiddly to use. My 2021 wish for a built-in option has now been answered.
Can iPhones record calls now?
Yes. Starting with iOS 18.1, released in October 2024, the Phone app can record calls on supported iPhones in supported regions. During a call, you tap the record button. Everyone on the call hears an announcement that it is being recorded. Recordings are saved in the Notes app, and on devices with Apple Intelligence, transcripts and summaries can be generated.
How do you record a call?
- Update to a recent version of iOS.
- During a call, tap the record button at the top of the screen.
- Stop recording from the same button, or end the call.
- Find the recording and transcript in the Notes app.
If you do not see the button, check that the feature is available in your country and language.
Is it legal to record calls in India?
The law on recording private phone calls is not a single simple rule, and courts have treated recordings differently depending on context, including privacy and consent. The safest practice is to tell the other person you are recording, which the iPhone's announcement does automatically. For recordings you may use in a dispute, get legal advice.
Are third-party recording apps still needed?
Less often. They may help on older iPhones or in regions without the built-in feature, but check their privacy policies carefully, since your calls pass through their services.
What are good uses for call recording?
Recording customer support calls to keep a record of promises, interviews with consent, and calls where you need accurate notes. Store recordings securely and delete them when no longer needed.