The iPhone does not have a call-recording feature. It does not allow direct access to the microphone and other in-built applications from third-party apps due to its strict privacy policy and to protect its users. So, how can you record an iPhone call without an app?

You can record an iPhone call using:

  • A separate device with a microphone
  • Google Voice
  • A web-based service
  • Voicemail (if your cell phone service provider allows users to download voicemails)

If you do not want the hassle of installing third-party call recorder apps that require monthly subscriptions, read on to find out how to record your conversations for free.  

Record With Another Device

Using another device to record your call is one of the most convenient and direct ways to have copies of your conversations. You only need another:

  • Phone
  • Laptop
  • Recorder

Here’s how to do it:

  • Ensure that you notify and get consent from the person before recording.
  • Put your phone on speaker for the duration of the call.
  • Place your recording device close to your phone’s microphone to get a clear recording. Ensure the room is quiet to prevent too much background noise.

You can use another device to record both outgoing and incoming calls.

Use Google Voice

You can download the Google Voice app, a free VoIP service for US and Canadian residents. The app gives you a free phone number and voicemail inbox.

While most people primarily use it to make domestic and international calls, you can record iPhone calls. The app stores all your recordings in the Google Voice inbox.

Ensure you download the app and set up your Google Voice account on your iPhone. Sign in with your Google account and choose a new phone number.

To record a call, follow these steps:

  • Use your Google account to log into the Google Voice website homepage.
  • Open the settings menu by clicking on the menu icon in the upper left corner of the screen
  • Click on the calls tab
  • Scroll down and enable incoming calls
  • To start recording a conversation, press ‘4’ on your iPhone when you receive a call through your Google Voice account.

Remember that the caller gets an automatic notification that you are recording the conversation. However, you can only record incoming calls.

Use Your Voicemail

Another great way to record calls is using your voicemail. However, the voicemail function is dependent on your cell phone service carrier.

To check whether your service provider allows you to download voicemails, click on the voicemail tab on your phone. If your inbox has messages, you can download and store them for future use.

However, ensure the following:

  • Your device has an operating system iOS 9.0 or higher
  • Your voicemail inbox is not full
  • Your cell phone carrier allows recording calls
  • You have turned off and disabled call waiting on your phone

On the other hand, if you find a call voicemail option, you can’t download messages.

How to Record a Conversation Using Your Voicemail

Now that you know you can do this, this seems like an easy option.

Here’s how:

  • Dial the recipient from your phone
  • When the recipient receives the call, select add call from your phone screen
  • Once the contact list opens, select and dial your contact
  • Click on the green button to add your voice box to the call
  • When you hear the beeping sound indicating that the voicemail is recording, click on merge calls

To access the recorded conversation, open the voicemail feature on your phone. You can share the voicemail and send it to your email or computer for future use.

Use a Free Web-Based Service

You can use a free web-based service without downloading any third-party apps. However, you need a good internet connection.

You can use an external website such as Recordator to record a call and download the mp3 file:

  • Visit the Recordator website and sign up for a free account
  • Call the toll-free number for your country as listed on their website
  • Once the call connects, use adds the call to place a call to your recipient. The recipient will receive a regular phone call from your number
  • Click the merge calls button after the recipient picks the call to create a three-way conference call.
  • The toll-free number records the call and saves the audio file in your account.

To access your recording, sign into your account, and go to my recordings. You can share or download and save the mp3 files.

Remember that while you do not incur a prescription fee, you pay for the minutes used.

In Conclusion

If you are wondering if you can record and download conversations on your iPhone, the above free options are a great start. However, note that it might be illegal to record phone calls without consent from the other participant.

Always inform and obtain consent from the recipient before recording or sharing these recordings.