Ranking updated
Apps to record phone calls
On most phones you do not need a separate app. iPhone records calls itself from iOS 18.1 and saves them in Notes. On Android, the Phone by Google app records calls on Android 9 and newer, and Samsung’s Phone app has its own recorder with automatic recording. In every case the feature depends on your country, and on iPhone and in Google Phone the other person hears that the call is recorded.
How we picked: we took the call recording each phone maker documents on its own support pages, with the steps and limits they state. Third-party recorders are not listed. Recording rules differ between countries, so tell the other person you are recording.
Recording a call on iPhone
From iOS 18.1, during a call tap More, then Call Recording. Apple says both people hear an audio notice that the call is being recorded, and iPhone saves the recording to the Call Recordings folder in Notes; in some regions and languages a transcript appears there too. Apple lists countries where call recording is not available, among them the European Union and Russia.
Recording on Android with Phone by Google
Google’s Phone by Google app records calls on non-Pixel phones with Android 9 and newer and on Pixel 6 and newer with Android 14. In Settings, Call recording, you can always record numbers that are not in your contacts or chosen contacts, or start a recording during a single call. Google notes that only some devices, carriers and countries support it and that people on the call are told it is being recorded.
Recording on Samsung
Samsung’s own Phone app has a recorder. In Phone, More, Settings, Record calls, turn on Auto record calls and choose all calls, unsaved numbers or specific numbers; during a call you can also tap More and Record call. Recordings are under Record calls, Recorded calls. Samsung notes that the feature may be missing in some countries.
Recording the screen instead
To record what is on the screen, such as a video call or a tutorial, see screen recording apps.
| Where | How to record | Automatic recording | Where it is saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone, iOS 18.1 and newer | More, then Call Recording during the call | no | Notes, Call Recordings folder |
| Phone by GoogleGoogle Play | record button during the call | unknown numbers or chosen contacts | in the Phone app |
| Samsung Phone | More, then Record call | all calls, unsaved numbers or specific numbers | Phone settings, Recorded calls |
Frequently asked questions
Can an iPhone record phone calls?
Yes, from iOS 18.1: tap More, then Call Recording. Both sides hear a notice, and the recording is saved in Notes. Apple lists countries where it is unavailable.
How do I record every call automatically on Android?
In Phone by Google, Settings, Call recording, turn on Always record for unknown numbers or chosen contacts. On Samsung, Phone settings, Record calls, Auto record calls.
Does the other person know the call is recorded?
On iPhone and in Phone by Google, yes: Apple and Google say participants are notified. Recording laws differ by country.
Where are recorded calls saved?
On iPhone in the Call Recordings folder in Notes; on Samsung in Phone settings under Record calls, Recorded calls.