WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows users to make voice and video calls for free over an internet connection. However, WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted, which means only the participants can access the call contents. So can you record a WhatsApp call?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to record WhatsApp calls on both Android and iOS devices. However, WhatsApp does not have a built-in call recording feature. You will need to use third-party apps or workarounds to record the calls.
In this comprehensive guide, we will go over everything you need to know about recording WhatsApp calls, including:
- Is it legal to record WhatsApp calls?
- How to record WhatsApp calls on Android
- How to record WhatsApp calls on iPhone
- Best third-party apps for recording WhatsApp calls
- Things to keep in mind when recording WhatsApp calls
Is it Legal to Record WhatsApp Calls?
The legality of recording WhatsApp calls depends on the laws in your country and region. In many places, it is legal to record a call as long as one of the participants consents to it (i.e. you). However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- In some U.S. states, you must get consent from all parties to record a phone call.
- Some countries require notifying the other person that you are recording the call.
- WhatsApp’s Terms of Service prohibits recording calls without permission.
To be on the safe side, always notify the other person that you are recording the call and get their consent first. This avoids potential issues down the road. You should also check your local laws to determine the legality of call recording in your area.
How to Record WhatsApp Calls on Android
There are a few different methods to record WhatsApp calls on Android devices:
Using Third-party Apps
The easiest way is to use a third-party call recording app from the Google Play store. Here are some good options:
- Cube Call Recorder ACR – Allows recording both incoming and outgoing calls. Easy to use with minimal setup required.
- Automatic Call Recorder – Provides lots of settings and features for recording any call.
- Boldbeast Call Recorder – Includes option to upload recordings to online storage services.
These apps work by tapping into your device’s audio source and recording both sides of the conversation. Most offer in-app purchases or subscriptions to unlock more features.
Enable Call Recording in Your Android Settings
Many Android devices running Android 9.0 Pie and above have built-in call recording functionality you can enable:
- Go to Settings > System > Call recording.
- Turn on “Record calls”.
- Select “Record calls for” and choose “All numbers” or specific numbers to record.
Enabling this will let you record any WhatsApp voice calls. However, it does not work for WhatsApp video calls.
Use WhatsApp Mods like GBWhatsApp
Third-party modded versions of WhatsApp like GBWhatsApp have call recording features built-in. However, these are not official WhatsApp clients and violate their terms. Use these mods at your own risk.
How to Record WhatsApp Calls on iPhone
Recording WhatsApp calls on iPhone is a bit trickier than Android due to iOS restrictions. Here are a couple methods:
Use a Mac as a Third-party Recorder
You can route your iPhone’s WhatsApp call audio to a Mac computer and record it there:
- On your Mac, open QuickTime Player and select File > New Audio Recording.
- On your iPhone, make or receive a WhatsApp call.
- Swipe up from bottom of screen and tap “AirPlay”. Choose your Mac as the audio output.
- The WhatsApp call audio will now route to your Mac, allowing QuickTime to record it.
This method lets you record the calls without any extra apps. But you need a Mac handy to receive the audio.
Use Third-party Apps Like Call Recorder
Apps like Call Recorder claim to be able to record WhatsApp calls by taping into the iPhone’s audio. However, due to iOS restrictions, this does not work consistently. You may be able to record very short calls, but quality will be poor.
Jailbreaking used to allow unrestricted call recording apps. But on latest iOS versions, the functionality is very limited. Check the app’s reviews before downloading.
Record Using External Device
You can use an external audio recording device to manually record the WhatsApp call audio playing from your iPhone’s speakers or headset. However, quality may not be great.
Best Third-party Apps for Recording WhatsApp Calls
Here are some of the best and most popular third-party apps for recording WhatsApp calls:
For Android
App | Key Features |
---|---|
Cube Call Recorder ACR | Simple interface, records all calls, option to save to cloud storage |
Automatic Call Recorder | Lots of customizable settings, auto delete old recordings, works with Skype & Viber |
Boldbeast Call Recorder | Free version available, can edit recordings, auto recording modes |
For iPhone
App | Key Features |
---|---|
Call Recorder | Simple automatic call recording, easy sharing options |
TapeACall Pro | Choose which calls to record, organizes recordings, easy to use |
IntCall | Automatically record all calls, free cloud storage, supports WhatsApp & FaceTime |
Be sure to check reviews before downloading as call recording is not straightforward on iOS. Paid apps generally provide more reliable functionality.
Things to Keep in Mind When Recording WhatsApp Calls
If you plan on recording your WhatsApp calls, here are some important things to be aware of:
- Always get consent from the other person first.
- Understand your local laws – some places prohibit recording calls without consent from both parties.
- Storing sensitive call recordings may create security risks.
- Recordings take up storage space on your device.
- Quality depends on your phone, network connection and app.
- Be cautious of any unofficial WhatsApp mods that enable call recording.
- Recording calls for too long may be unethical or impractical.
In summary, yes you can record WhatsApp audio and video calls on both Android and iPhone devices. However, you need to use third-party apps as WhatsApp itself does not offer recording capabilities. Be sure to follow local laws and get consent from the other person on the call before recording. Carefully research apps to find a reliable call recorder that works well and suits your needs.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption prevents native call recording, third-party apps provide workarounds to record your WhatsApp conversations. On Android devices, call recorder apps that tap into audio sources offer the simplest solution. For iPhones, routing your WhatsApp call audio through QuickTime on a Mac allows recording without extra apps.
Always check if recording WhatsApp calls is legal in your country and notify the other person before recording. Choose a reputable call recording app and be mindful of privacy and ethical concerns when saving sensitive call recordings. With the right tools and precautions, you can successfully record your WhatsApp calls on both Android and iPhone devices.