How to Record a FaceTime Call with Audio (iPhone & Mac)

The easiest way to record a FaceTime call with audio is on iPhone with iOS 18.1 or later — tap the More (…) button, then Call Recording, and it captures both sides of the call automatically. On a Mac running macOS Tahoe (26) or later, FaceTime can record an audio call directly the same way: click the More (…) button → Call Recording. On older macOS versions you need screen recording instead — your microphone plus the screen, or a virtual audio driver to capture system sound. Both sides are notified when you use the built-in recorders, and the file saves to the Notes app, not the Phone app or Voice Memos.

Method 1: iPhone built-in recording (iOS 18.1 or later)

This is the simplest method and needs no extra apps.

1. Start or answer a FaceTime call.
2. Tap the More (…) button in the call controls.
3. Tap Call Recording.
4. A spoken notice plays: “This call is being recorded.” Recording starts immediately.

Both parties hear the announcement. The notice is built into iOS and cannot be turned off — which is exactly what keeps the built-in method on the right side of consent rules.

To stop, open the call controls again and tap Call Recording, or just end the call.

Where the recording saves (and how to find it)

The recording lands in the Notes app → Call Recordings folder. It does not go to the Phone app, and it is not a Voice Memo.

1. Open Notes.
2. Open the Call Recordings folder.
3. Tap the recording to play it. A transcript appears alongside it in supported languages.

To move or share the audio, tap the recording, then tap the Share button and choose Save to Files (or share it straight to another app). The export is an audio file you can play anywhere.

The caveat

Because the spoken notice plays, the other person always knows. If a recording isn’t appropriate for the call, don’t use the button — and tell the person instead of recording secretly.

Method 2: Built-in recording on Mac (macOS Tahoe 26 or later)

On macOS Tahoe (26) or later, FaceTime has the same built-in recorder as the iPhone.

1. Start a FaceTime call.
2. Click the More (…) button in the call window.
3. Click Call Recording.
4. A notice plays for both sides, and the recording is saved for you to open later.

Older macOS: screen recording fallback

If your Mac runs a version older than Tahoe, FaceTime has no built-in recorder. Use screen recording instead:

1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. Go to File → New Screen Recording.
3. Click the arrow next to the record button and choose a microphone.
4. Start recording, then start your FaceTime call.

A standard screen recording captures your microphone but not the other person’s audio by default. To capture both sides you need a virtual audio driver such as BlackHole selected as the input. The full setup is covered in how to record internal audio on Mac.

Method 3: Third-party recorders

Dedicated call-recorder apps can capture FaceTime audio where the built-in tools aren’t available — for example, on iOS before 18.1 or older macOS. Two common approaches:

• QuickTime screen recording (older macOS). Free and built in; needs a virtual audio driver to capture the other side’s audio. See how to screen record with sound.
• A dedicated call recorder app. Convenient and often includes its own transcription, but check what it does with your audio and whether it can actually access FaceTime’s audio before paying.

The legal note

Recording a call may be illegal without consent, depending on where you and the other person live. Some places require all-party consent — everyone on the call must agree. Rules can also depend on where the other person is, not just where you are. When in doubt, tell the person you’re recording. With the built-in iPhone and Mac recorders, the automatic announcement handles that for you.

Getting the audio out and shrinking the file

Once you have a recording, you’ll usually want to share or store it.

1. Export it. On iPhone, open Notes → Call Recordings, tap the recording, then tap Share → Save to Files. On a Mac screen recording, export from QuickTime Player with File → Export As.
2. Convert if needed. Most platforms accept common audio formats; if a destination rejects yours, use the platform’s built-in export or a converter.
3. Compress it. Call recordings can be large, especially video screen recordings. Reducing the file size makes them easier to email and upload — the same techniques as how to compress a video apply to the audio track.

Troubleshooting

FAQ

Why can’t I see the Call Recording option?

It’s only available on iOS 18.1 or later. If you’re already updated and still don’t see it, the feature may not be available in your region — in that case, use screen recording or a third-party recorder instead.

Does the other person know I’m recording?

Yes, with the built-in iPhone and Mac recorders — a spoken notice plays and cannot be disabled. On the older-Mac screen-recording method, no automatic notice plays, so you must tell them yourself.

Where do iPhone FaceTime recordings go?

They save to the Notes app → Call Recordings folder, with an optional transcript in supported languages. They are not stored in the Phone app or Voice Memos.

Can I record FaceTime audio-only calls?

Yes. The built-in recorder works for audio-only FaceTime calls, and the recording still saves to Notes. On older macOS, the screen-recording approach applies to audio calls too — with a mic or virtual audio driver for the sound.

Can I record a FaceTime call on an older iPhone or Mac?

Not with the built-in recorder, which needs iOS 18.1+ or macOS Tahoe (26)+. Older devices can use screen recording, but note that it captures only your microphone unless you add a system-audio driver — see how to screen record with sound for the setup.