iPhone call recording · How-to guide

How to record a phone call on iPhone with transcript

iOS 18.1 added native call recording with an automatic transcript through the Notes app, but only on devices with Apple Intelligence in supported regions. For users on older iOS versions, a different device on the other end, or outside supported areas, a physical recorder that captures both sides of the call directly is the most reliable option on any iPhone.

Plaud Note attached to an iPhone recording a phone call with a transcript on screenWorks on any iPhone

Quick answer

4 steps to record an iPhone call and get a transcript

The method depends on your iOS version. iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence handles everything natively. For all other devices, a physical recorder attached to the phone works on any iOS version.

1. Check your iOS version and Apple Intelligence availability

Go to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS 18.1 or later with Apple Intelligence enabled in a supported region unlocks native call recording in the Phone app with automatic transcript in Notes.

2. If iOS 18.1 is available: start a call and tap the record button

Once recording begins, iOS sends an automatic notification to all parties that the call is being recorded. The recording is saved to the Call Recordings folder in Notes and a transcript is generated automatically after the call ends.

3. If iOS 18.1 is not available: attach a physical recorder to the iPhone

A recorder designed to attach to the back of an iPhone captures audio from both the speaker and microphone sides of the call directly, on any iOS version, without requiring the other party to have a specific device or app.

4. After the call: access the transcript in Notes or sync the recording

iOS 18.1 users find the transcript in Notes automatically. For physical recorder users, syncing the device to the app generates an AI transcript without a separate upload step.

See full method comparison ↓

Methods

Which setup records an iPhone call and produces a transcript

Compared on iOS version required, whether all parties are notified automatically, whether the method works without internet, and whether a text transcript is produced after the call.

iOS 18.1 native call recording

Built into the Phone app on supported devices. Recording starts with one tap. An automatic notification is sent to all parties at the start of the recording. Transcript appears in the Notes app automatically.

iOS required
iOS 18.1+ with Apple Intelligence
Notifies other party
Yes (automatic)
Works offline
No
Transcript produced
Yes (Notes)

Third-party app (Google Voice, Fireflies)

Works on any iOS but requires an internet connection. Consent handling varies by app. Transcript quality depends on the service.

iOS required
Any iOS
Notifies other party
Varies
Works offline
No
Transcript produced
Partial

Second device recording ambient audio

A second phone or laptop placed near the speaker captures the caller's voice. Only one side of the call is captured cleanly.

iOS required
Any
Notifies other party
No
Works offline
Yes
Transcript produced
Poor quality only

Plaud Note (magnetic attachment)

Attaches to the back of the iPhone with a magnetic case and records audio from both the speaker and the microphone directly. Works on any iOS version.

iOS required
Any iOS
Notifies other party
Manual consent required
Works offline
Yes
Transcript produced
Yes (Plaud Intelligence)

Recording laws vary by jurisdiction. Many require the consent of all parties before a call is recorded. Always inform the other party and confirm local requirements before recording.

Tips

What determines the quality of an iPhone call transcript

Transcript quality follows audio quality. A recording that captures both sides of a call clearly produces a transcript with fewer errors than ambient capture from a second device.

Direct capture from the phone speaker produces a cleaner signal than ambient recordingA recorder attached to the iPhone captures the speaker output directly, which gives the transcription model a stronger signal and fewer errors to resolve.
Consent notification built into the recording method removes a compliance stepiOS 18.1 sends an automatic notification to all parties at the start of recording. A physical recorder does not notify automatically.
A method that works on any iOS version removes the device dependencyA physical recorder works on any iPhone model running any iOS version, with no regional restrictions.
Transcript sync after the call avoids the manual upload stepPlaud Note syncs to the app and generates a transcript and summary without a separate upload to a third-party service.

The easier way

Plaud Note. Record any iPhone call with transcript, on any iOS version.

Plaud Note is an AI voice recorder that attaches to the back of an iPhone with a magnetic case and records both sides of the call directly, regardless of iOS version or region.

  • Works on any iOS versionNo Apple Intelligence or iOS 18.1 requirement.
  • Direct capture for cleaner audioRecords both sides of the call directly.
  • AI transcription after the callGenerates searchable transcript and summary without manual upload.
Plaud Note

Plaud Note

Attach to any iPhone, record both sides of any call, get a transcript and summary after. Works on any iOS version.

Phone call + in-person recording · Compact card design · Up to 20 hours recording · AI transcription
AttachmentMagnetic case for iPhone
Recording timeUp to 20 hours
ModesDual-mode (call + in-person)
TranscriptionAI transcription
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Pick the Plaud for your recording scenario

Plaud Note for recording phone calls directly from your iPhone, on any iOS version. Plaud Note Pro for in-person meetings and conference rooms where a table-top recorder with a wide pickup range covers multiple speakers.

Plaud Note

Plaud Note

Phone call recording · Magnetic iPhone attachment · Up to 20 hours recording · AI transcription

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Plaud Note Pro

Plaud Note Pro

Best for in-person meetings and conference rooms — 4 MEMS mics with AI beamforming cover a table of multiple speakers at distance.

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  • 5 m pickup range
  • AI beamforming
  • Up to 30 hours recording
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Frequently asked questions

How do I record a phone call without the other person knowing?

Recording without the other party's knowledge is illegal in most jurisdictions. Always inform the other party before recording begins and confirm that local laws permit the recording.

Can you record a live phone call?

Yes. iOS 18.1 or later with Apple Intelligence supports native call recording from within the Phone app, with an automatic notification to all parties and a transcript in Notes.

Can someone record your phone call without you knowing?

In most jurisdictions, recording without all-party consent is illegal. iOS 18.1 native recording notifies all parties automatically at the start of the recording.

Is it legal to record phone calls on an iPhone?

Laws vary by jurisdiction. Many U.S. states and countries require the consent of all parties before a call is recorded.

What is the best way to transcribe a recorded phone call?

AI transcription tools accept uploaded audio and return a searchable text transcript. iOS 18.1 native recording generates the transcript automatically in Notes after the call ends.