WhatsApp is a widely used instant messaging app that lets users make both audio and video calls. However, one standard limitation is the lack of a built-in feature to record audio calls.
Many users attempt to find ways to record their WhatsApp calls, only to realize that the app doesn’t natively support this function.
Luckily, there’s a workaround that allows you to record WhatsApp voice calls without relying on third-party applications.
Curious about how to do it on both Android and iOS? Let’s explore the steps together.
How to Record Voice Calls on WhatsApp
Although WhatsApp doesn’t officially provide a call recording feature, you can still use your phone’s built-in settings to accomplish this. The process for recording WhatsApp calls varies slightly depending on whether you’re using an Android or iOS device.
Why do you need to record a WhatsApp call?
Recording WhatsApp calls serves various purposes, from preserving meaningful conversations with loved ones to documenting critical interviews for research.
Recording professional calls with customers is becoming increasingly essential for businesses, especially in the financial sector. Regulatory bodies are imposing stricter record-keeping requirements, mandating that companies retain detailed records of all customer interactions, including phone calls.
This is important for several reasons:
Dispute Resolution: Properly recorded communications can be invaluable in resolving disputes, particularly in finance, where issues can be complex and involve significant amounts of money.
Accuracy and Accountability: Recording calls protect both customers and companies by ensuring the accuracy of the information exchanged. In case of discrepancies, the Recording can serve as a reliable reference, minimizing misunderstandings and improving the customer experience.
Performance Improvement: Analyzing recorded calls and customer feedback allows companies to assess their products and services. By identifying areas for improvement, businesses can make positive changes that benefit both the customer and the company.
Recording Voice Calls on Android:
- Go to your phone’s settings and tap on the “Special Function” option.
- From there, select “Social Turbo” under the Special Function settings.
- Next, find the “Voice Recorder” option and tap on it.
- Toggle the “Voice Recorder” switch to enable call recording for WhatsApp.
Once activated, you can effortlessly record your WhatsApp calls. During a call, a recording icon will appear—tap it to begin Recording. Your call recordings will automatically be saved in the designated recording folder, allowing you to access them anytime.
Recording Voice Calls on iOS:
Unfortunately, iOS devices do not offer native support for recording WhatsApp calls. To record WhatsApp calls on an iPhone, you will need to rely on third-party apps available on the App Store. These apps provide workarounds to help you capture audio from your WhatsApp conversations.
WhatsApp Calls Recording on iPhone.
Apple introduced a built-in screen recording feature with iOS 11, which makes recording WhatsApp video calls simple and convenient. With this feature, there’s no need for third-party apps. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Open Settings and access the Control Center. Tap Customize Controls and add Screen Recording to the list of active controls.
Step 2: To start recording, open the Control Center on your iPhone and select the Screen Recording option.
Step 3: Launch WhatsApp and call the person you want to record.
Step 4: Ensure the microphone is turned on, and adjust the call volume so the audio is captured.
Step 5: When the call ends, stop the Recording and save the file to your device.
Recording WhatsApp Voice Calls on Android Without Third-Party Apps
Recording WhatsApp voice calls on Android without relying on third-party apps can be a bit tricky, as WhatsApp doesn’t offer a built-in recording feature. However, there are a few native methods and workarounds you can use:
Use Your Phone’s Native Voice Recorder (For Dual Devices)
One of the easiest methods to record a WhatsApp voice call on Android is by using a second device to record the conversation. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Place the call using your WhatsApp account on your primary device.
Step 2: On the second device, open the default voice recorder app.
Step 3: Switch the WhatsApp call to speaker mode for better clarity.
Step 4: Start recording the conversation using the second device.
Pros:
- No need for any additional apps.
- Simple and effective for personal use.
Cons:
- Requires a second device.
- Sound quality might not be the best, depending on the environment.
Record via Google Voice Recorder App (Pixel Devices)
If you own a Google Pixel phone or a device that has a built-in call recorder, this method can work for you:
Step 1: Open the Google Voice Recorder app (available on Pixel devices by default).
Step 2: Initiate your WhatsApp voice call.
Step 3: Set the call to speaker mode.
Step 4: Start recording using the Google Voice Recorder app.
Pros:
- No need for a third-party app.
- High-quality recordings with transcription.
Cons:
- Limited to Pixel and specific Android devices.
- It may only work for some users due to device restrictions.
Using the Built-in Screen Recorder (Android 11 and Above)
If your Android phone runs on Android 11 or later, you can use the built-in screen recorder to capture WhatsApp voice calls. Here’s how:
Step 1: Swipe down to access the Quick Settings menu and tap on “Screen Recorder.”
Step 2: Enable the option to record audio from the microphone or system sounds (if supported).
Step 3: Initiate your WhatsApp voice call and keep the phone on speaker.
Step 4: Once the call is finished, stop the Recording. You will then have both video and audio saved.
Pros:
- No need for additional apps.
- Record both video and audio of the call.
Cons:
- Audio quality may vary.
- You may need to extract the audio from the video later.
Best Practices for Clear WhatsApp Call Recordings
To ensure that your WhatsApp call recordings are of high quality and straightforward, it’s essential to follow a few best practices. Here are some tips to help you achieve clear and crisp audio recordings during WhatsApp calls:
Ensure Strong Network Connectivity
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for clear WhatsApp calls. Poor connectivity can cause audio glitches, lag, or dropouts in the call, affecting the recording quality.
How to Improve: Use Wi-Fi for stronger connections or make sure you have strong mobile data coverage. You can also check your network speed before the call using an internet speed test app.
Use Speaker Mode for Better Clarity
Placing your phone on speaker mode during the call helps ensure that both sides of the conversation are captured clearly.
How to Use: Switch to speaker mode when the call starts and place your phone in a position where both your voice and the caller’s voice can be easily picked up.
Minimize Background Noise
Background noise can significantly reduce the clarity of your recordings. Choose a quiet location for your call to minimize interference from external sounds.
How to Improve: Close windows and doors and avoid noisy environments. If you’re recording in public, consider using noise-canceling headphones to block out unwanted noise.
Maintain Optimal Call Volume
Setting your phone’s volume to an optimal level is essential. If the volume is too low, the Recording may not pick up the voices clearly; if it’s too high, it might distort the sound.
How to Adjust: Set the volume at a moderate level where both voices can be heard clearly without distortion.
Avoid Interruptions During the Call
Incoming notifications or other apps running in the background can interrupt the WhatsApp call and reduce recording quality.
How to Prevent: Enable “Do Not Disturb” mode during the call to avoid any interruptions from messages, notifications, or alarms.
Use a Quality Microphone
If you’re recording the call using an external device or using your phone’s screen recorder, make sure to use a device with a good microphone for higher quality.
How to Improve: Consider using an external microphone or a high-quality headset for more precise audio capture.
Test the Setup Before Important Calls
If the call you’re about to record is essential, conduct a quick test to ensure that all the recording methods work as expected.
How to Test: Make a short call to a friend or yourself and listen to the Recording to confirm it meets your expectations for clarity and sound quality.
Conclusion
Recording WhatsApp voice calls on Android and iOS without third-party apps presents both challenges and opportunities. While WhatsApp does not offer a built-in recording feature, various methods and workarounds can help you capture essential conversations effectively.
For Android users, utilizing a second device with a voice recorder app or leveraging built-in features like screen recording can be effective strategies. Devices with built-in call recording capabilities, such as Google Pixel phones, also offer a straightforward solution.
