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.
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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.
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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.
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