How to record a phone call on iPhone — every method that works in 2026
iPhones running iOS 18.1 or later can record calls natively — tap the record button on the call screen, and audio plus a transcript save to Notes. It's manual, per call, and plays an announcement to both sides. If you want every call recorded automatically, with summaries and a searchable timeline, use a dedicated recording line like Callmark. Either way, follow the consent laws that apply to your calls.
The iPhone's built-in call recording
Since iOS 18.1, the Phone app can record calls on its own — no extra app required. During a call, tap the record button in the top-left of the call screen. Both participants hear an announcement that the call is being recorded, and when you stop, the audio and a transcript are saved to the Notes app under a "Call Recordings" folder.
Good for: occasional recordings at zero cost. Limits: you must remember to tap it on every call, the announcement can't be turned off, availability varies by region and language, and recordings pile up as individual notes rather than an organized call history.
Which iPhones support built-in call recording?
Every iPhone that can run iOS 18.1 or later has it — that covers the iPhone XS and everything after: iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 (standard and Pro), the 16e, iPhone Air, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation onward). If your model is on that list, the steps above work the same way; the only difference between models is that live transcripts of recordings require Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or newer). Callmark works on any iPhone, regardless of iOS version.
A dedicated recording line (Callmark)
Instead of bolting recording onto a normal call, Callmark gives you a calling experience where recording is the default. Calls ring in the app, outbound calls are dialed from it, and every call is captured automatically — then transcribed and summarized before you've put the phone down.
Good for: anyone whose work happens on the phone — every call captured, searchable, and summarized, with an optional "this call may be recorded" disclosure. Limits: it's a paid product ($20/month with 200 minutes included), and your recorded calls happen on your Callmark line.
The workarounds: merge apps and speakerphone
Three-way merge apps (TapeACall and similar) conference a recording line into your call. They work, but require your carrier to support 3-way calling, take a merge step at the start of every recording, and miss anything said before the merge. Rev's popular free merge recorder was discontinued in 2025 as these apps became harder to maintain. See how Callmark compares to TapeACall.
Speakerphone + Voice Memos — the duct-tape option: put the call on speaker and record with another device or the Voice Memos app on a second phone. Audio quality is poor (especially the far side), there's no transcript, and it's awkward anywhere public. Fine in a pinch; not a system.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Automatic | Transcript | Summary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone built-in | No | Yes, in Notes | Basic | Free |
| Callmark | Yes | Yes, searchable | Yes, with action items | $20/mo · 200 min |
| Merge apps | No | Varies | Rarely | ~$109/yr |
| Speakerphone | No | No | No | Free |
Before you record: consent
US federal law and most states allow recording calls you're part of ("one-party consent"), but around a dozen states require everyone's consent. When you might be calling into one of them, disclose the recording — or use a tool that announces it for you. Full details in our state-by-state consent guide. This is general information, not legal advice.
Stop remembering to record.
Callmark captures every call automatically — transcript and summary included.
Get Callmark