There are many possible reasons why you may need to record a call on a smartphone. Maybe it is a job interview, a message with your better half or some information that you must remember. Regardless of the reason, recording calls on Android and iPhones is a task that can be done with relative ease.
In our article we explain how to record a call on Android or iPhone, highlighting that on Android there are fewer limitations since Apple does not allow third-party applications to access the microphone or the phone app directly. However, a few tricks and settings can always be applied to fix this.
Record calls on Android
Recording calls on Android has been something that has been done for years, although not directly or with native tools. However, this system has multiple options and apps for this purpose, so unlike the iPhone, there are few limitations that apply.
It is worth noting, before starting to download apps to record calls on Android, that Google blocked this type of tool for mobiles with Android 9 and higher. So if you have any of these more current versions, you will not be able to use the apps that we mention here.
You can always use a trick to install the app unofficially, or you can use the native functions of your mobile. Some manufacturers include a tool to record calls on Android in their customization layer.
Record calls on Android with Xiaomi
Keep in mind that this option is found in MIUI, Xiaomi’s customization layer, but it is in version 11 that it has remained more valid. However, remember that in some countries it is not legal and this function may not be implemented at the factory.
- Anyway, you can search for it, and activate it at once if you want, following a few simple steps:
- Open the call app, found under the name Phone
- In the lower-left you will see 3 horizontal stripes, select them.
- In the menu of the new window, you just have to activate Call Recording and that’s it.
- You can also modify if you want it to start recording a call automatically and if you want to receive a notification every time a call is recorded.
- At this point, we already know how to record a call on Android with Xiaomi (That has MIUI 11 or higher) but you don’t know where to find those recordings? It’s very easy, just look in the file manager for a subfolder called Sound_Recorder. Inside you will see the recordings with the name of Call_rec in MP3 format. You can listen, share and move them to other directories.
Use Google Voice to record calls on Android
You must first create an account on the platform, which can be done on the web or in the app to record calls. Once you access your account, in the menu on the left you go to Settings and then to the Calls section. In the last part are the Incoming Call Options. Enter this section and then Advanced call settings.
Once in this section of the application, you have to activate the options incoming calls or incoming call options if your smartphone has the English language. In a future call, you just have to press 4 to record a call on Android and the same key works to stop the recording. The audio file will be available in the Google Voice account.
Record calls on iPhone
About recording calls on iPhone, you should know that Apple does not allow third-party apps to access the microphone to record calls; but they do allow adding a third party to record the call on iPhone. Therefore, the solutions to achieve this process will seem strange to many.
Google Voice
It is one of the many developments of Google, which through a free account offers us a voicemail, a phone number and a function to record calls on iPhone. Now, in order for it to work, it is necessary to activate the option from the incoming call settings, which can be accessed from the menu on the left side of the application.
The moment calls are received on the Google Voice number, you must press 4. Those who participate in the call will hear the voice of a robot who will indicate that the call is being recorded. To hang up you have to press 4 again. You can also use the 4 buttons as many times as you want to record all the necessary calls.
Because what Google Voice does is forward calls to your mobile number, technically the tool is not being used to record the call. That is to say, Google’s servers are actually used, which work through a VoIP connection. However, it is noted that the recording is limited to incoming calls only.
Record calls with other devices
It is a much more cumbersome option because you need an extra device to record the call; But due to the limitations that exist, particularly when we try to record calls on iPhone, we should not rule out these alternatives a little more ” Universal is”.
The possibilities that we propose in this case are:
- Make the call with the loudspeaker activated and use a recorder (or another mobile also works) to record all the sounds that are presented. The main disadvantage of this method is that the ambient sound will intermingle with the call and lose quality.
- Buy an audio capture cable, which allows you to record from the iPhone. Now, it is not that the audio is recorded directly and digitally, but it does work very well when connected to the device.
- A digital recorder to connect directly with the smartphone. In most cases, it comes with a USB cable to facilitate the transfer of audio files to other devices.
- The recorders or audio recorders calls via Bluetooth are the alternative that best works in this field of possibilities. Only the price is higher and it is not an accessible alternative worldwide.
Is it legal to record calls on the smartphone?
Although it may be the least relevant for most people interested in an app to record calls, the truth is that this aspect should be considered because in certain cases the laws can mean quite serious penalties or simply abuse the privacy of another person.
In some countries, it is NOT LEGAL to record phone calls, so it is suggested to check beforehand if these regulations apply in your area. An example of the above is the United States, where even each state has specific regulations, which must be followed to avoid any type of legal mess.
Finally, it is most likely that it is safe to record calls from your mobile phone for you, but it will always be more appropriate to review the laws that apply in each country and have the consent of all the parties involved to avoid inconveniences in the future.
