The 5 Easiest Ways to Record Calls on Your iPhone: A Senior’s Guide to Capturing Conversations

Have you ever had one of those moments where you’re talking to someone on the phone and suddenly think, “I wish I could record this!“

Maybe it’s a conversation with your grandchild giving you the play-by-play of their latest soccer game, or a chat with a doctor about some important health information.

Recording calls can be incredibly useful, especially for seniors who want help keeping track of details or reliving precious conversations. The good news? Apple finally made it easier. With iOS 18.1 (released late 2024), iPhones now have built-in call recording — no complicated tricks or third-party apps needed.

Even if you’re not running iOS 18.1 yet, fear not! We’ve got you covered with the easiest ways to record calls on your iPhone without feeling like you need a tech degree from MIT.

Why Would You Want to Record Calls?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” There are plenty of reasons we might want to record a call:

1. Memory aids: Let’s face it, sometimes our memory isn’t what it used to be. Recording important conversations can help us recall details later.
2. Medical information: Doctors often give complex instructions or test results over the phone. Having a recording can help you review the information at your own pace.
3. Family history: Capturing stories from relatives can be a wonderful way to preserve family history for future generations.
4. Customer service: When dealing with complicated issues or making big purchases, having a record of what was promised can be invaluable.
5. Interviews or research: For the active seniors among us who are still working or volunteering, recording interviews can be a useful tool.

The Legal Lowdown (Or: How Not to Accidentally Become a Spy)

Now, before you get too excited about your new career as an amateur detective, let’s talk legalities. We’re not lawyers (and if we were, we’d probably be too busy golfing to write this article), but here’s the gist:

• Always check your state laws before recording. Some states require only one person’s consent (yours), while others require all parties to agree to be recorded.
• When in doubt, just ask! A simple “Do you mind if I record this call?” can save you a lot of headaches later.

Now, onto the main event: How to actually record those calls!

5 Ways to Record Your Calls on an iPhone

1. The Easy Way: Built-In Call Recording (iOS 18.1 and Later)

If your iPhone is running iOS 18.1 or newer, here’s how to record a call directly:

1. Start your call.
2. Tap the little recording icon (a small waveform) in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Both you and the other caller will hear a quick message letting you know the call is being recorded.
4. Tap stop or hang up when you’re done.

Your recording will be saved in the Notes app under “Call Recordings.” In supported languages, you’ll also see a transcript — and if you have Apple Intelligence enabled, you’ll even get a summary of the conversation.

2. Using Another Device (No Apps Needed)

This is a low-tech but effective method. Here’s how to do this:

What you need:

• Your iPhone (to make the call)
• Another device with a microphone (another iPhone, iPad, or even that old Android tablet)

How to do it:

1. Open the Voice Memos app (see video below) on your second device.
2. Make your call on the iPhone, using speakerphone.
3. Press record on the Voice Memos app.
4. Chat away!
5. When you’re done, stop the recording and save.

Pro tip: For better sound quality, try the “Voice Isolation” mode. Just swipe down from the top-right of your screen during the call to access the Control Center, then tap “Mic Mode” and select “Voice Isolation.”

3. Google Voice: Your New Best Friend

Google Voice is a free service that provides you with a phone number and voicemail, and yes, it can record calls!

What You Need: The Google Voice app.

How to do it:

1. Download and set up Google Voice.
2. Go to Settings > Calls > Incoming call options and enable call recording.
3. When you receive a call, press 4 on your keypad to start recording. (Google will inform the other party that they are being recorded.)
4. The recording will be saved in your Google Voice inbox.

The downside? It only works for incoming calls. But hey, that’s a small price to pay for free and easy recording!

4. Third-Party Apps: For the App-titude Inclined

If you’re comfortable downloading apps (or have a grandkid who can help), there are several options available:

• Rev Call Recorder: Free and easy to use, with no limit on recording length.
• TapeACall: Offers a free trial, then a subscription for unlimited recording.
• Call Recorder Lite: Another free option with a simple interface.

These apps usually work by creating a three-way call between you, your contact, and the app’s recording line. It might sound complicated, but they make it pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

5. Using Voicemail

If your supports it, you can use your voicemail to record calls. This method can be a bit tricky but it’s worth a try.

What You Need: An iPhone with voicemail that can be downloaded.

How to do it:

1. Start a call and get the other party’s consent.
2. Tap “Add Call” and dial your own phone number.
3. When you reach your voicemail, tap “Merge Calls” to start recording.
4. The conversation will be saved in your voicemail.

It’s not the most elegant solution, but it gets the job done!

The Future Is Calling

Apple promised easier call recording, and they delivered. If you’re running iOS 18.1 or newer in a supported region, the native recording feature is the fastest, simplest option.

Remember, the key to successful call recording is practice. Don’t wait until that important call to try these methods for the first time.

Test them out on a patient friend or family member first. And who knows? You might discover you have a talent for podcasting along the way!

Now go forth and record responsibly!