How To Capture Phone Calls on iPhone in 2025: 5 Effective Methods

Call recording on iPhone is kind of a tricky subject because Apple doesn’t make it super straightforward—probably to keep things legal and privacy-focused. Still, if you’ve ever needed to save a conversation—whether for work, legal reasons, or just to remember parts of that funny or important talk—you’ll find a few workaround options. Some require third-party apps, some need extra devices, and a couple rely on workarounds that are more “hacky” than official. Getting it to work consistently can be frustrating, and laws around recording vary depending on where you are, so it’s worth double-checking that before going all-in.

How to Record Calls on iPhone

Use Google Voice to Record Calls on iPhone

This is probably one of the more popular free methods. Google Voice offers a free number and some basic call features, including recording incoming calls. Not sure why it’s not enabled by default, but you have to go into your settings first. Once set up, you can activate call recording during an incoming call by pressing a specific number. It’s kinda clunky, but it works on some setups.

• Download the Google Voice app from the App Store.
• Follow the prompts to pick a free Google Voice number and set it up—you’ll associate it with your regular number, but keep in mind you’ll be making or receiving calls through Google Voice.
• Head into Settings within the app—specifically Calls. You’ll want to turn on Incoming call options.
• Now, if an incoming call comes in, answer as usual. To start recording, press the number 4 on the keypad during the call. That should toggle recording on. When finished, press 4 again to stop. The recordings will typically be saved in your Google Voice inbox.

Note: This method only works for incoming calls, and you have to remember to enable recording beforehand. Plus, laws vary, so don’t record anyone without consent. Oh, and sometimes the feature doesn’t work perfectly on all networks. Weird, but that’s life with Google Voice.

Record iPhone Calls using the Rev Call Recorder App

Another freebie is the Rev Call Recorder. It’s popular because it’s straightforward—basically, it creates a three-way call where Rev’s service joins in, enabling recording. Not as elegant as native solutions, but hey, it works.

• Grab the Rev Call Recorder from the App Store.
• Open it, verify your number, and then dial the number you want to call through the app.
• Once the call starts, Rev does its thing in the background, and once it ends, the recording appears in the app. Easy enough?

Heads up: because it’s a third-party service, it creates a three-way call—meaning you’re sharing your call with Rev’s servers. If you’re okay with that, it’s a solid free option, but some folks might prefer a more private setup.

Record Calls with Voice Memos + a Second Device

This one’s kind of the old-school, “hacky” way, but it can work if you don’t mind holding your phone close to another device. You basically use a second iPhone, iPad, or even an Android device as your recorder. Not elegant, but life isn’t always perfect.

• Open Voice Memos on your second device and start a fresh recording—make it ready before you make the call.
• Put your main iPhone on Loudspeaker mode when making or during the call.
• Keep the second device close enough so the microphone picks up the call audio clearly. That’s the tricky part—sound quality can suffer.
• Hit record in Voice Memos, then hang up or end the call when done. Later, you can transfer that recording via AirDrop, email, or upload it to cloud storage.

This method is kinda rough, and audio quality varies, but if you’re desperate and just need a quick fix, it’s worth a shot. Just beware of the privacy and legal considerations.

Record Calls with TrueCaller

TrueCaller has added a call recording feature, but it’s not totally seamless and relies on creating conference calls. It’s more about ease of access than perfect privacy or quality. For folks comfortable with that, here’s how:

• Download TrueCaller.
• Answer your call, then launch the app, find the Record a Call feature.
• Tap to call TrueCaller’s recording line, then merge that call with your active conversation by selecting Merge Calls.
• When done, a notification usually pops up with the saved recording. It’s stored on your device and possibly in your iCloud.

Note: This creates a conference call, so be aware your call gets shared with the recording service. Not super discreet, but it’s a way to record without dedicated apps.

How to Record Calls without Using Apps

Probably the simplest and most reliable method, if you have a second device around, is just recording externally. Set your iPhone on Loudspeaker, and use another device to hit Record. Not exactly sneaky, but it works reliably—just keep the noises close and be aware of your surroundings. No need for app permissions or weird setups, but it’s a bit manual.

Tip: Make sure both devices are close enough for clear sound, and test beforehand. Also, check local laws—recording without consent can get you into trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions