A call recorder app saves your phone calls as audio files so you can play them back later, which helps with interviews, customer calls and important details. Some phones can record with their built-in dialer, while separate apps add automatic recording and cloud backup. Before you record anyone, check the consent rules where you are.
Recording a call can save a lot of trouble. You don't have to scribble notes during a client call, and you've got a record if someone remembers the conversation differently.
Here are nine call recorder apps, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Most are for Android, one is an iPhone app, and one works on both.
Each one is a free download on its store listing, though most show ads or offer extra features inside the app. Recording also depends on your phone model and carrier, so it won't work everywhere.
The bigger issue isn't the app, though. It's the law, and the next section explains what Google tells its own users.
Call recorder apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACR Phone | Dialer app | Recording on supported devices | Yes |
| Automatic Call Recorder Pro | Call recorder app | Recording calls automatically | Yes |
| CallApp | Caller ID app | Caller ID with call recording | Yes |
| Cube ACR | Call recorder app | Recording phone and app calls | Yes |
| Phone by Google | Built-in dialer | Built-in recording on supported phones | Yes |
| Revcell | Call recorder for iPhone | Recording calls on iPhone | Yes |
| Talker ACR | Call recorder app | Recording phone and VoIP calls | Yes |
| TapeACall | Call recorder app | Recording on iPhone and Android | Yes |
| Truecaller | Caller ID app | Spam blocking plus recording | Yes |
Nine call recorder apps
ACR Phone
Best for: Android users who want a full dialer with call recording on supported devices.
Automatic Call Recorder Pro
Best for: People who want calls recorded automatically so they never forget to press record.
CallApp
Best for: People who want caller ID, spam blocking and call recording in one app.
Cube ACR
Best for: Android users who want to record regular calls and calls in messaging apps.
Phone by Google
Best for: Owners of supported Android phones who'd rather record with the dialer they already have.
Revcell
Best for: iPhone users who want a dedicated app for recording phone calls.
Talker ACR
Best for: Android users who want to record both phone calls and internet calls.
TapeACall
Best for: People who switch between iPhone and Android and want the same recorder on both.
Truecaller
Best for: People who mainly want spam call blocking, with call recording built in.
What Google says about consent before you record
Google's help page for its own Phone app says that the first time you record a call, you'll be advised that you must comply with local laws related to recording calls, and that many places require consent from everyone on the call. To protect privacy, it says both parties are notified with a disclosure when recording starts and when it stops.
The same page notes that only certain devices and carriers support recording calls. So if recording isn't available on your phone, it may be a device or carrier limit rather than a broken app. And whichever app you use, tell the other person you're recording. It's the polite thing to do, and in many places it's the law.
What to check in a call recorder
- Device support: recording depends on your phone and carrier.
- Automatic or manual: decide whether every call should be saved.
- Storage: look for cloud backup if recordings matter.
- Ads: check the store labels before you install.
- Privacy: read where recordings are stored and who can access them.
Recording a call the right way
- Check the recording laws where you and the other person are.
- Tell the other person you'd like to record and get their agreement.
- Start the recording at the beginning of the call.
- Save the file with the date and the person's name.
- Delete recordings you no longer need.
Turning call recordings into useful notes
A recording is only useful if you can find what was said. Name each file clearly, and for long calls, jot down the time of key moments while you listen back. If you record calls for work, consider a transcription so you can search the text later.
Keep recordings somewhere secure. A call with a client or a doctor can hold personal details, so treat the files with the same care you'd give a signed document.
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Keeping track of your calls
Messaging apps keep things for different lengths of time, too. Here's how long WhatsApp keeps messages on its servers and on your phone.
And if you'd like to turn recorded audio into text for a living, my guide to legal transcription jobs explains what the work involves.
Do you make call recording or phone apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on recording calls
Ask before you record, every time. It keeps you on the right side of the law in places that need everyone's consent, and it keeps the conversation honest.
Then pick the simplest option that works on your phone. If your built-in dialer can record, start there before you install anything else.
Frequently asked questions
Can I record phone calls on my phone?
On many phones, yes, but it depends on the device, the carrier and local laws.
Is it legal to record a phone call?
It depends on where you are. Many places require everyone on the call to agree.
Do call recorder apps tell the other person?
Some phone apps play a disclosure. Either way, tell the person you're recording.
Why can't I record calls on my phone?
Only certain devices and carriers support call recording.
Can I record calls on an iPhone?
Yes, with apps built for iPhone call recording or features your iPhone supports.
Are call recorder apps free?
Every app here is a free download, though most show ads or offer upgrades.
Can I record WhatsApp or internet calls?
Some apps on this list can record internet calls on Android.
Where are call recordings saved?
Usually in the app, with an option to back up to cloud storage.
Can I record calls automatically?
Yes. Some apps record every call or calls from chosen contacts.
How do I get a transcript of a recorded call?
Use a transcription tool or service on the saved audio file.
How long should I keep call recordings?
Only as long as you need them, and store them securely.
Do I need to tell someone I'm recording a call?
In many places yes, and it's good practice everywhere.
