WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to communicate through text, voice notes, videos, and video calls. While WhatsApp provides an easy way to make video calls, it does not have a built-in option to record these video calls. However, there are some workarounds using third-party apps that can help you record both video and audio from WhatsApp video calls.
Why Would You Want to Record a WhatsApp Video Call?
Here are some common reasons why someone may want to record a WhatsApp video call:
- To save important conversations for future reference
- To have a record of important business calls
- To capture special moments with friends or family
- To keep as memorabilia of an important event or gathering
- To have evidence of a conversation in case of disputes
- To share highlights of a call on social media or with other contacts
While WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption prevents third-parties from intercepting your calls, having your own recording can be useful in many scenarios. However, it is important to let all participants know in advance that you intend to record a WhatsApp video call.
Can You Record WhatsApp Video Calls Directly on an iPhone?
Unfortunately, there is no direct, built-in way to record a WhatsApp video call on an iPhone. WhatsApp calls rely on end-to-end encryption for security and privacy reasons, which restricts third-party access to call data. Here are the limitations:
- You cannot use the iPhone’s native screen recording feature to capture a WhatsApp video call. The screen recorder is blocked from capturing the call.
- You cannot use the Voice Memos app to record just the audio from a WhatsApp call on an iPhone.
- You cannot enable call recording in WhatsApp’s settings or access the call data to record it.
So the only options for recording WhatsApp calls on an iPhone involve using third-party apps designed specifically for the purpose. Let’s look at some of these options next.
Apps to Record WhatsApp Video Calls on iPhone
Here are some popular apps you can use to record the video and audio from WhatsApp calls on your iPhone:
1. Call Recorder for WhatsApp
Call Recorder for WhatsApp is a popular app designed specifically for recording WhatsApp video and voice calls. Here are its key features:
- Records video and audio from WhatsApp calls in high quality
- Works seamlessly in the background once enabled
- Lets you choose whether to record all calls or specific calls
- Stores recordings conveniently within the app
- Offers options to share recordings via email, social media, etc.
- Free trial version available with pro upgrades
2. Auto Call Recorder for WhatsApp
Another good option is Auto Call Recorder for WhatsApp. Its standout features include:
- Automatically records all WhatsApp calls for you
- Lets you sort and search through recordings
- Offers cloud storage upgrades for recordings
- Comes with password protection and encryption
- Gives options to share recordings as audio or video files
- Works discreetly in the background
3. Call Recorder iCall
Call Recorder iCall can also record WhatsApp video calls on iPhones with features like:
- Automated and manual recording options
- Records video and audio in HD quality
- Provides organized storage of recordings within the app
- Lets you export recordings to camera roll or cloud drives
- Gives full control over pausing, resuming, and stopping recordings
- Password protection for recordings
Key Tips for Recording WhatsApp Video Calls on iPhone
Here are some tips to follow when using a third-party app to record WhatsApp video calls on your iPhone:
- Check laws in your state/country to ensure call recording is legal.
- Only record calls when all participants have consented.
- Inform callers they are being recorded before starting the call.
- Try out apps and choose one that best fits your needs.
- Adjust app settings and permissions to enable call recording.
- Make some test recordings to get used to the app.
- Make sure you have enough storage space for recordings.
- Disable recording for any private or sensitive calls.
- Password protect or encrypt recordings if they are confidential.
- Export and backup important recordings to safe storage.
Can You Record WhatsApp Calls on Android Phones?
Compared to iPhones, it is much easier to record WhatsApp calls on Android phones. Here are some quick methods to record WhatsApp video or voice calls on Android:
Using Inbuilt Call Recording Features
Many Android smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, etc. come with built-in call recording features in the Phone app or Settings. You can toggle these on to automatically record all calls, including WhatsApp calls.
Using Third-party Apps
There are also third-party apps like Call Recorder – Cube ACR, Automatic Call Recorder, or Boldbeast Recorder that make it easy to record WhatsApp calls on Android. These run seamlessly in the background once enabled.
Using Google Voice App
You can also use the free Google Voice app to record WhatsApp calls on Android. Just make or receive WhatsApp calls through the Google Voice app and it provides the option to record the conversations.
Best Apps to Record WhatsApp Calls on Android
Here are some of the top-rated Android apps for recording WhatsApp video and voice calls:
1. Cube Call Recorder ACR
Cube Call Recorder ACR is a popular Android app to automatically or manually record WhatsApp calls with features like:
- Records calls in high quality HD audio
- Offers local and cloud storage options
- Lets you organize and search recordings
- Has option to share recordings privately
- Provides secure encryption
- Works discreetly in the background
2. Automatic Call Recorder
As the name suggests, this app can automatically record all your WhatsApp calls in the background with options like:
- One-click setup to record calls
- Smart storage management
- Search and share recordings
- Prevent sensitive recordings
- Recorder widget for quick access
- Free with no ads
3. Boldbeast Recorder
Boldbeast Recorder enables recording WhatsApp audio and video calls with useful features including:
- Crystal clear HD audio recordings
- Easy one-tap setup
- Secure cloud storage integrations
- Auto delete old recordings
- Password protection
- Widget for starting recordings
How to Use Google Voice to Record WhatsApp Calls on Android
Here are the step-by-step instructions to use Google Voice to record your WhatsApp calls on Android phones:
- Download and install the Google Voice app on your Android phone.
- Open the Google Voice app and set up your account.
- In the app’s settings, enable the option to record calls.
- Open your WhatsApp app and make a video or voice call to a contact.
- Tap on the “Add call” option and select Google Voice to merge it.
- Google Voice will now start recording your WhatsApp call automatically.
- To end the recording, hang up the Google Voice call after your WhatsApp call ends.
- Open the Google Voice app to access and share your call recording.
The recordings are saved within the Google Voice app itself, providing an easy way to record WhatsApp calls on Android phones for free.
Important Legalities of Recording WhatsApp Calls
While it is possible to record WhatsApp calls on both Android and iPhone devices, there are some important legal issues to consider:
- In some countries like the USA, you must get consent from both parties before recording WhatsApp or other calls.
- In other places like the UK, it is only legal to record calls you are a part of.
- Recording calls without consent is illegal and can attract lawsuits or penalties.
- Consent can be given verbally at the start of the call or in writing prior.
- Clearly notify all participants if you intend to record a WhatsApp call.
- Keep in mind that call recording laws vary across different states and countries.
To stay on the right side of the law, always follow appropriate call recording regulations applicable in your region.
Can Someone Know if You Record a WhatsApp Call?
Since WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, the app itself cannot detect if a call is being recorded by a third-party app on your device. However, here are some signs that can reveal call recording to participants:
- The recording app may play a warning sound or voice alert when activated.
- You may mention that the call is being recorded at the start.
- Some recording apps display an on-screen indicator during recordings.
- Your microphone may pick up ambient noises from the recording app.
- Sudden pauses, clicks or echoes during the call may indicate recording.
- Changes in background noise levels can be a sign of recording.
To be transparent, it is best to notify all participants on the call if you intend to record your WhatsApp video or voice conversations.
Can WhatsApp Detect if You Are Recording a Call?
No, WhatsApp cannot directly detect if you are recording a call due to its end-to-end encryption. Here are some more details:
- WhatsApp’s encryption means it cannot access call data or microphone input.
- Recording apps only access your microphone and screen, not WhatsApp itself.
- WhatsApp does not have any camera or microphone access alerts.
- There are no indicators within WhatsApp to show a call is being recorded.
- Even if illegal, WhatsApp has no technical means to know if you record a call.
However, while WhatsApp itself cannot detect call recordings, your actions during the call may alert other participants that a recording is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it completely safe to record WhatsApp calls?
No, there are some risks if you do not take proper precautions:
- Recording without consent is illegal in many countries.
- Recordings may contain private/sensitive information if leaked.
- Unencrypted recordings can be accessed by hackers.
- You can accidentally send recordings to wrong contacts.
- Stored recordings can be previewed if your phone is stolen.
To record WhatsApp calls safely:
- Inform all parties on the call beforehand.
- Use apps that offer encryption and password protection.
- Turn off auto cloud backups for your recordings.
- Delete recordings once you no longer need them.
Can WhatsApp ban your account for call recording?
No, WhatsApp cannot directly detect or ban accounts for recording calls due to end-to-end encryption. However, WhatsApp can ban accounts for:
- Abusing the platform or illegal data sharing.
- Violating others’ privacy and consent.
- Spreading inappropriate or copyrighted content.
- Impersonating others or spreading misinformation.
So while call recording itself cannot get you banned, any inappropriate use of those recordings could be grounds for WhatsApp to disable your account.
Is call recording feature coming soon to WhatsApp?
No, WhatsApp has not announced any plans to integrate native call recording features yet. Reasons for this include:
- Privacy concerns due to end-to-end encryption model.
- Legal restrictions around unauthorized call recording.
- Potential misuse of recordings on WhatsApp’s platform.
- Technical challenges with enabling call recording remotely.
- User demand focused on other pending features for now.
Unless laws and policies around call recording evolve significantly, don’t expect WhatsApp itself to offer call recording abilities anytime soon.
Can you record WhatsApp calls on iPhone without apps?
Unfortunately, no, there is no way to record WhatsApp calls on iPhone without a third-party app. This is because:
- iOS restricts access to WhatsApp call data due to encryption.
- The iPhone’s native screen recorder doesn’t work with WhatsApp calls.
- You cannot use Voice Memos to record just WhatsApp audio.
- WhatsApp does not have any call recording capabilities built-in.
- Apple’s privacy rules prevent unauthorized recording of calls.
So a specialized call recording app with the required permissions remains the only workaround for recording WhatsApp calls on the iPhone.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not have built-in support for call recording, there are various third-party apps you can use to record WhatsApp video or voice calls on both iPhones and Android devices. However, make sure to get proper consent from all parties on the call before recording. Also, enable security features like encryption offered by apps to keep your recordings safe and prevent misuse. When used ethically and legally, call recording can be a useful tool for memory keeping, evidence storage or even training purposes. Just be transparent about your intentions before recording any WhatsApp conversations.