When it comes to recording phone conversations, you may think the worst and associate it with something shady like obsessive exes and stalkers. In reality, there are more mundane reasons to record calls on your iPhone or Android phone.
For example, documenting verbal agreements, saving job interviews to review with coworkers, keeping important meetings where it’s imperative not to forget anything, and even incriminating somebody of wrongdoing.
While there’s a large selection of call recording apps on both the App Store and Google Play, almost all of them require you to open your wallet and pay either monthly or annually to use their service. Fortunately, Google Voice is free of charge, but it is limited to recording incoming calls (not outgoing) and will alert the caller or group when you start recording.
Warning: Check Your State’s Consent Laws First
Federal law says that it’s OK to record someone or a group of people without their knowledge as long as you’re a part of the conversation and have no criminal or tortious intent. If you’re not, you need just one group member to give you permission. Washington, DC and 38 states have similar laws.
However, 12 states require consent from all parties involved. Those states are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Step 1: Install Google Voice (If You Don’t Have It)
If you already have the Google Voice app and a Google Voice phone number, skip to Step 3 to jump right into recording calls. Otherwise, install the app using one of the links below, then head to Step 2 to set up your Google Voice account.
Step 2: Get a Voice Number (If You Don’t Have One)
If you already have the Google Voice app and a Google Voice phone number, skip to Step 3 to jump right into recording calls. Otherwise, open the Google Voice app.
Tap “Sign in” to log in to your Google Account as you would in any Google app. If you’re already logged in to your Google account in a different Google app, it may automatically use that or ask you to pick the account; you can select “Add account” to switch accounts or do that later from your profile icon.
Once logged in, read and accept Google Voice’s terms and conditions if you see it by tapping “Accept.”
Now tap “Search” to select a Google Voice number, search for a specific city in the search field or choose a suggested city, and tap a recommended number from the list. The app will take you to a confirmation page once you select.
Note: Google Voice provides a free number you can use immediately, although you can also transfer your existing number for a one-time fee. However, moving your number will cancel your current plan with your carrier and could cause early termination and other fees. Check out the Port your Google Voice number help page for more info.
Hit “Next” to confirm your number selection, then “Next” again to begin verifying your account with an existing phone number. It could be your smartphone’s current number or another phone number you have access to that can receive texts or calls. Enter the number, then tap “Send code.”
Enter the six-digit verification code Google gives you, hit “Verify,” then tap “Finish” to go to the app’s main interface.
Step 3: Set Up Incoming Call Recordings
Step 4: Record incoming calls
Step 5: Access Your Recordings


Step 6: Save Transcripts of Recorded Calls
Other worthwhile deals to check out: