Can you record an iPhone call without iOS 18.1 or later? Yes. You can still record calls with another device or a third-party service. The most common approach is to use a second device as a recorder: Put your iPhone call on speakerphone and capture the audio with another iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android phone running a recording app (for example, Voice Memos on iPhone/iPad or an Android recorder like this one). Do a quick test, play it back, and adjust volume, distance, and environment until the sound is clear. Also: Why I'm recommending the iPhone 17 over the Pro models this year (and it goes beyond price) If a spare device isn't an option, apps and services can help -- but they usually rely on workarounds that can be clunkier and may come with additional costs. Popular apps include TapeACall for iOS (Apple App Store) and Google Voice (iOS app), the latter of which can record incoming calls made to your Google Voice number. Is it illegal to record phone calls? In the US, it's legal to record a call only with proper consent. Federal law requires consent from at least one party, meaning you can record if you're part of the call. But many states -- including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts -- require all parties to agree. Recording without the needed consent in those states may violate wiretapping laws. Also: The 2 biggest AI features that you should try on your iPhone 17 and AirPods ASAP Laws abroad vary, too. For example, Canada requires one-party consent, while the UK allows personal recordings but restricts sharing without permission. Apple's built-in recorder announces to all parties when a call is being recorded, but that doesn't replace legal obligations. The safest approach is always to tell the other person and get their OK before you start. In short: Check your local laws, and when in doubt, get consent. You can see all 50 states' recording laws here. Is there an app to record calls on an iPhone? Yes. There are several third-party apps that can record calls on an iPhone. Because Apple doesn't allow direct microphone access during calls, these apps usually rely on workarounds like merging in a recording line. Options include TapeACall, Google Voice for incoming calls, and Call Recorder -- IntCall. Most require either a subscription or per-minute fees. Also: I unlocked hidden menus on my iPhone and Android with 14 secret codes Alternatively, you can use a mic-equipped computer or tablet to record a call on speakerphone. iPadOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows devices all support many audio recording apps and even have their own built-in tools. Does Apple have an app to record iPhone calls? Apple doesn't offer a standalone call-recording app. Also: My favorite iOS 26 feature answers unknown calls so I don't have to - here's how Instead, the feature is built directly into iOS. The option appears in the Phone app during calls, with recordings saved automatically to the Notes app. Before iOS 18.1, Apple had no native call-recording option. Voice Memos was available, but it won't capture call audio on the same device -- though it can be used on a second device to record a call on speakerphone. Will screen recording record my iPhone call? No. Screen recording won't capture phone or FaceTime call audio -- only what's on your iPhone screen and system sounds. Apple blocks call audio for privacy and legal reasons. Does iPhone's Voice Memos have a time limit? Apple doesn't impose a specific time limit on recordings in the Voice Memos app. That means the only real limitation is your available storage. As long as you have space and battery, you can record for hours until you stop the recording session. Also: This iOS 26 trick made my old iPhone photos really pop - in 3D If you plan to record something lengthy, check your available storage first under Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Freeing up space -- by offloading photos or apps, for example -- can help prevent your recording from cutting off unexpectedly during a call. Also: How to buy more iPhone storage Keep in mind that very large audio files can be harder to export or share. It's a good idea to back up important recordings to iCloud or another service, and, if possible, break long recording sessions into smaller chunks. Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.