To record a conversation on iPhone 13, use the built-in Call Recording control in the Phone app during an active call, which saves the audio directly to the Notes app. This works on iPhone 13 if the device is updated to iOS 18 or later and the feature is available in your language and region, making it the most direct way to capture a phone call without extra software.
How to record a conversation on iPhone 13 with the Phone app
Apple’s built-in call recording feature is started from the Phone app during an active call. You do not need to enable anything before making the call, but you should confirm the feature is available in your region before relying on it.
- Open the Phone app and make a call as you normally would.
- Once the call is connected, tap the control labeled “Call Recording” on the call screen.
- When the conversation is finished, tap the stop control or simply hang up to end the recording.
- Tap “View Saved Call” to open the recording in the Notes app.
There is no separate app to download for this feature. The recording is captured by the Phone app itself, and the entire process happens during the live call so you can start or stop it as needed.
Where iPhone saves your recorded calls
Apple automatically saves every recorded call to the Call Recordings folder in the Notes app. When you tap “View Saved Call,” the recording opens in Notes, where you can play it back and, if supported, review a transcript of the conversation. The transcript is generated automatically when the feature is available, so you can read through the call later instead of listening to the entire audio file. All saved calls remain in this folder until you delete or move them, keeping your phone conversations in one predictable location.
Requirements for call recording on iPhone 13
Call recording on iPhone 13 requires iOS 18 or later, so you must update your device before the feature appears in the Phone app. Apple also states that availability depends on language and region, meaning the control may not show up for every user even with the correct iOS version. Before you need to record an important call, check the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website to confirm that call recording is supported for your language and location. If it is not available, the Call Recording control will not appear during calls, and no built-in alternative exists on the device. Apple documents a Settings app > Apps > Phone path for related call-recording settings.
Recording in-person audio with Voice Memos
Voice Memos is a separate Apple app for recording audio that is not a phone call, such as meetings, interviews, or personal notes. It requires iPhone with iOS 10.0 or later, so it works on iPhone 13 without any additional setup. To use it, open the Voice Memos app, tap the record button, and stop the recording when you are done. Voice Memos can sync recordings through iCloud across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Vision Pro, so a recording made on your iPhone 13 is available on your other Apple devices automatically. This app is not used for call recordings, which are saved to Notes instead, but it is the right tool for capturing in-person conversations or any audio that does not involve the Phone app.
Managing and sharing your recordings
Call recordings are stored in the Call Recordings folder in Notes, where you can play them back, view transcripts, and keep them organized alongside your other notes. Voice Memos recordings can be organized, edited, and shared from the Voice Memos app, and they sync through iCloud to your other Apple devices. For sharing, use the standard share options in Notes or Voice Memos to send a recording through messaging apps, email, or other services. Backing up your recordings is handled through iCloud, so keeping iCloud enabled ensures your saved calls and Voice Memos are preserved across devices. When recording any conversation, remember that laws vary by jurisdiction, and you should get consent from all parties before starting a recording to stay within legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can iPhone 13 record a phone conversation?
The Call Recording control appears in the Phone app during an active call under those conditions.
Does Apple save call recordings in Voice Memos?
No, Apple saves call recordings in the Call Recordings folder in the Notes app, not in Voice Memos. Voice Memos is for recording audio that is not a phone call, like in-person conversations or lectures.
What is the difference between Voice Memos and call recording?
Call recording captures audio from an active phone call through the Phone app and saves it to Notes, while Voice Memos records audio from the iPhone’s microphone for non-call purposes. Voice Memos also syncs through iCloud across Apple devices, whereas call recordings stay in the Notes app.
Is it legal to record a conversation on iPhone 13?
Apple’s built-in feature does not override local laws, so check the rules in your area before recording any call or in-person conversation. Google’s Phone app supports call recording on some Android devices, with non-Pixel devices requiring Android 9 and up.
For the wider topic, see record a conversation on Android phone.
