For years, recording a call on an iPhone meant juggling third-party apps or a second device. That changed with iOS 18.1. Your iPhone 15 can now record calls directly from the Phone app, save them to the Notes app, and even produce a written transcript, with no extra apps or subscriptions.
This guide shows you how to use the built-in recorder, where your recordings go, how to share them, and which alternatives still make sense if the feature isn’t available where you live. Before you start, a quick but important note: the law on recording calls varies by location, so read the consent section first.
Before You Record: Consent and the Law
In the US, federal law and most states allow recording if at least one person on the call (you) consents. About a dozen states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Washington, require everyone on the call to agree. Rules differ in other countries too. When in doubt, tell the other person you’re recording and get their okay. This isn’t legal advice, so check the rules where you and the other caller are located.
The built-in iPhone recorder makes this simpler, because it automatically plays an announcement that both people hear when recording starts.
What You Need
- An iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max (or any iPhone XS or later).
- iOS 18.1 or later. Check in Settings > General > Software Update.
- A supported region. Apple says call recording isn’t currently available in the European Union and several other countries.
- A call with one other person. Conference calls with multiple people can’t be recorded with this feature.
How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone 15
Step 1: Start or answer a call
Open the Phone app and call someone, or answer an incoming call.
Step 2: Tap the recording control
On the call screen, tap the button at the top that opens extra call options, then tap Call Recording. On iOS 18, a record button appears in the top-left corner of the call screen instead.
Step 3: Let the announcement play
Both of you hear a short message saying the call is being recorded. A timer appears on your screen while recording is active.
Step 4: Stop recording
Tap the stop button, or simply hang up. Your iPhone saves the recording automatically.
Step 5: Find the recording in Notes
Tap View Saved Call from the notification, or open the Notes app and go to the Call Recordings folder. Tap the note, then tap the play button to listen. Apple’s guide to recording and transcribing a call on iPhone covers each control.
View the Transcript and Summary
In supported languages and regions, Notes creates a written transcript of the call underneath the recording. It may take a minute to appear. Tap a line in the transcript to jump to that point in the audio, and use the search field to find a specific word.
On the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, Apple Intelligence can also summarize the call, which is handy for long work calls. The standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus get recordings and transcripts but not Apple Intelligence summaries. Always check the transcript against the audio before relying on it.
- Open the call note in the Call Recordings folder.
- Tap the three-dot More button on the recording.
- Choose Save Audio to Files to keep a copy, or use the Share option to send it by Messages, Mail or AirDrop.
You can also copy the transcript text and paste it into an email or document. To free up space later, delete old recordings the same way you delete any note.
How to Turn Off Call Recording
If you don’t want the option to appear during calls, go to Settings > Apps > Phone and turn off Call Recording. On iOS 18, the setting is under Settings > Phone.
Other Ways to Record Calls on iPhone 15
If the built-in recorder isn’t available in your region, or you need features it doesn’t offer, these options still work:
- Google Voice: free in the US. Turn on Incoming call options in the Google Voice settings, then press 4 during an incoming call to start recording. It can’t record outgoing calls, and it announces the recording to the caller.
- Call recording apps: most work by merging your call with a recording line, so you need carrier support for three-way calling. Many charge a subscription. Read the privacy policy, since your calls pass through their servers.
- Speakerphone and a second device: put the call on speaker and record with another phone, a laptop or a dedicated voice recorder. Audio quality depends on the room, so find a quiet spot.
- Voicemail recording services: some carriers offer paid call recording add-ons. Check with yours.
Note that Voice Memos can’t record a call on the same iPhone, because iOS gives the microphone to the call.
Troubleshooting Call Recording
- The Call Recording option is missing. Update to iOS 18.1 or later, make sure the toggle is on in Phone settings, and check that the feature is available in your region. It also won’t appear on a conference call.
- The recording didn’t save. Make sure Notes is set up and you have free storage space. If you use iCloud for Notes, check that you’re signed in.
- No transcript appears. Transcription only works in certain languages and regions. Give it a few minutes, and check that the iPhone language matches the language spoken on the call.
- The recording only captures one side. This happens with speakerphone methods when the volume is low. Turn up the call volume and keep the recorder close to the speaker.
- Google Voice won’t start recording. Incoming call options must be on, and the feature only works on calls received through your Google Voice number.
Tips
- Tell the other person you’re recording at the start, even when the announcement plays. It avoids surprises.
- Rename the recording note with the caller’s name and date so it’s easy to find later.
- Lock sensitive call notes with a passcode or Face ID in Notes.
- If you’re setting up a new iPhone, see how to set up a new iPhone 15 first so iOS is up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 15 record calls without an app?
Yes. With iOS 18.1 or later, the Phone app has built-in call recording in supported regions.
Does the other person know I’m recording?
Yes. Both people hear an automatic announcement when recording starts. There’s no way to turn the announcement off.
Where are recorded calls saved?
In the Notes app, in a folder called Call Recordings.
Can I record FaceTime or WhatsApp calls?
The built-in feature is designed for Phone app calls. For third-party apps like WhatsApp, use a speakerphone and second-device method, and get consent first.
Is it legal to record calls without telling the other person?
It depends on where you and the other person are. Some places only need one person’s consent, others need everyone’s. The safest approach is always to ask.
Why can’t I record calls in the EU?
Apple hasn’t made the feature available in the European Union and some other regions. Use a third-party option that complies with local rules instead.
Wrapping Up
On iOS 18.1 or later, recording a call on iPhone 15 takes one tap during the call, and the audio and transcript land in the Notes app automatically. Get consent first, check that the feature is available in your region, and use Google Voice or a second device if it isn’t. Want to cut out unwanted callers too? See how to block spam calls on iPhone 15.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.