Sometimes it can be useful to make a recording of a telephone conversation, for example if you are a journalist who wants to record a telephone interview, if you are a businessman/woman who wants to be able to listen to telephone conversations, or if you are someone who wants to learn how you can communicate better. In this article we explain how you can record a conversation per iPhone so that you can always listen to it.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using Google Voice (US only)
Step 1. Create a Google account
If you don't already have an account, go to www.google.com on your computer and create a Google account. Click the 'Sign in' link and then 'Create a new Google account'. Note: To use Google Voice, you need a working phone number in the United States. If you don't have that, you can skip this section and move on to the next methods.
Step 2. Download and install the Google Voice app
Search your phone in the App Store for the Google Voice app. Install the app.
Step #3. Sign up for Google Voice
Go to www.google.com/voice to create an account. Sign in with your Google account information and click on 'Get a Voice Number' in the left column.
- Follow the instructions to determine your phone number from Google. You can request to use an existing phone number, or you can get a new number for Google Voice only. Using an existing mobile number costs a one-time $20, and with this you end the existing contract with your American provider. In doing so, you run the risk of having to pay a penalty for terminating the contract before the contract term has expired, so do your research before you do that.
- A phone number from Google is free. You simply enter a US area code, a city or a zip code, and then you get a list of numbers to choose from. You can also enter a word, phrase or series of numbers, then Google will try to find a suitable number. For example, a florist in Milwaukee could type 'Milwaukee - 4LILIES' and he or she could get that as a phone number.
- Again, you can only use Google Voice if you have a working phone number in the United States.
Step 4. Set up your Google Voice account to record calls
If you've chosen a Google number, or if you've ported your existing number to Google Voice, you can set up your phone to record incoming calls.
- Sign in to Google Voice on your computer. Go to www.google.com/voice. Click the gear icon and select 'Settings'.
- Click the 'Calls' tab and then click the checkbox next to 'Call options' to activate call recording.
- Click on 'Save changes'.
- You can activate call recording at any time by pressing 4. To stop recording, press 4 again.
- Note: You cannot record outgoing calls with Google Voice. It is also useful to know that Google Voice informs all parties that the conversation is being recorded.
Method 2 of 5: Using remote phone apps
Step 1. Download an app that allows you to make phone calls
Google Voice from the above section works well, but you can also use Skype, for example. If you haven't used the app before and you don't have an account (whether that's Skype or Google Voice), it's usually easiest to create an account on a computer first.
You can download Skype at skype.com/nl
Step 2. Create an account
- For Google Voice, follow the steps in the section above.
- For Skype, you first start the program. In the welcome screen, users with an existing account can log in, people who do not yet have an account can click on 'Create an account'. Then choose a username and password for your account.
Step 3. Download an app that allows you to record sounds and conversations
There are many apps available for iPhone to record sound, and many of these apps are free to download. Test a downloaded app after downloading it before actually using it.
Step 4. Launch the recording app
Some apps need to be running in the foreground while recording, but other apps work in the background.
Most recording apps don't work during normal calls hence the need to use an external phone app. Almost all apps can continue to record while a program like Skype is on
Step 5. Record your conversation
Enter the phone number, start calling, and activate recording.
When you're done recording, you can download the recording file to your computer. You can edit or email the file on your computer. You can then erase it on your iPhone to free up space
Method 3 of 5: Using an iPhone app
Step #1. Go to the App Store
Apple shuts down most apps that allow recording conversations the moment a phone call begins, because of the legal complications of recording conversations. But there are apps that redirect the calls through a call center, allowing them to record the call and save it on their server.
Make sure your carrier allows so-called "three calls" (calling with three parties at the same time), because that's how the apps can get around Apple's restrictions
Step 2. Do your research and find the app that best suits your needs
In iTunes you do a search with the terms 'phone call recording'. There are several options available, ranging in price from free to about $10.
- Usually the apps are free to install or at least not expensive, but some apps charge a fee per call or per minute called. With other apps you pay a fixed monthly fee and you can record as many calls as you want.
- Also check how long the recordings are allowed to be. Many apps limit the length of the calls, so the recording (but not the call) will automatically stop if the limit is exceeded.
- Some apps store the conversations on a remote server, other apps use the cloud.
- Some apps automatically notify the person you are calling that the call is being recorded. Some apps regularly beep to let the caller know that the call is still being recorded.
Step 3. Launch your app and start a conversation
The details vary by app, but all apps work roughly the same. You will be connected to the server, and then the call will be merged with the phone line you are calling.
When the call is merged, the recording starts. The recording will stop automatically when the call ends or the time limit is exceeded
Step 4. Play the recording
The conversations are stored in the cloud or on your provider's server, and they are displayed in a list.
- Some services also offer online storage, management and recovery.
- In many cases you can edit the conversations, saving only the bits you want to keep. You can then e-mail or manage the recordings as you are used to with normal computer files.
Method 4 of 5: Using hardware
Step 1. Download recording software on your tablet or computer
If you have other hardware at your disposal, such as an iPad or a computer with a microphone, you can use that to record your phone conversations. There are several programs available for both Windows and OS X computers.
- On a Mac, you can use QuickTime Player to record and play audio.
- On a PC you can use the Sound Recorder program.
- Audacity is a free program available for all operating systems, including Linux.
Step 2. Place your iPhone in front of you
This works best if you are in a room with no ambient noise. You are going to put the conversation on speaker. If there is a lot of noise in the room, you will also absorb that noise.
Step #3. Point your microphone
If you're using a laptop or tablet, make sure the microphone is near your phone. If you're using an external microphone, position it so it faces the bottom edge of your iPhone-that's where the speaker is.
Step 4. Start the recording program
Step 5. Test the connection
Record and play it back to make sure everything works properly.
When you take the shot you should see the meter of the recording program move. If you don't see anything moving, adjust the recording program's input level
Step 6. Start a phone call
Make sure the speaker is on, set the program to recording and start the conversation. Once you're talking, let the other person know that the conversation is being recorded.
Step 7. Finish the recording
When you're done with the call, you can hang up. If necessary, record some things you would like to remember about the conversation, and then stop the recording.
Method 5 of 5: Using your Mac
Step 1. Turn on Mac calling
- Open FaceTime and then go to 'Preferences'.
- Select "Call from iPhone" and enable the feature.
Step 2. Make sure your iPhone and your Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
Step 3. Download a recording program for your Mac
As mentioned before, there are several recording programs available for your Mac.
Step 4. Start your conversation with FaceTime on your Mac
Tell the person you're calling that you're going to record the call and start recording if you have their permission.