How to Record FaceTime with Audio on iPhone & Mac [2024]

TL;DR
  • There is no way you can record FaceTime with audio on either iPhone or Mac as Apple disallows this due to privacy concerns.
  • The only viable method is to record your call externally with another phone or DSLR/mirrorless camera in order to get both your mic audio and the caller's audio.
  • Make sure to ask for consent when recording the FaceTime call and don't fall for any cheap tricks mentioned online elsewhere; they don't work!

Have you ever thought about recording your FaceTime calls with audio? In this article, we’re here to show you how it’s done. FaceTime has made talking to our friends, family, and colleagues via our mobile phones more personal and direct.

However, there are times when you might need to save these conversations for later. Recording FaceTime calls directly on your iPhone can be complicated due to privacy and security issues. But don’t worry, we have alternative solutions for you.

This guide aims to cover all bases, including answering why you might want to record FaceTime calls, the legality of screen recording a FaceTime call, challenges of recording FaceTime with audio on iOS, and how to do it on macOS, as well as using an external device.

Why record FaceTime calls?

Why record FaceTime calls?

Recording your FaceTime calls can be quite beneficial, as FaceTime usage has expanded beyond just personal conversations. Nowadays, many individuals utilize FaceTime for work-related discussions or to produce content for online sharing.

Take a look at these resourceful ways to utilize recordings of FaceTime calls for more than just personal chats:

  • Save recordings of business meetings to review and analyze the conversations at any time.
  • Use FaceTime to interview guests for YouTube videos, podcasts, or other media outlets.
  • Engage in academic or journalistic research by recording interviews.
  • Record cherished moments with friends and family by saving your calls.

Through these practices, FaceTime proves to be a versatile tool for personal interaction and a broader range of communicative purposes.

Is it legal to screen-record a FaceTime call?

Recording a FaceTime call has its own set of rules, and these can change depending on where you are in the U.S. In many states, recording a call is legal if at least one person in the conversation (which could be the person recording) is aware and has permission to do it.

However, some states have stricter laws requiring everyone involved in the call to agree to the recording before it starts. Even though it might be possible to record a FaceTime call without the other person knowing, it’s generally better to ask for their permission first.

This way, everything is clear, and you avoid any potential legal issues. To ensure you’re safe, you might want to look up the specific recording laws for your state. And remember, it’s essential to avoid recording sensitive or very private conversations as the consequences can be more severe in such cases.

Read More: What is Doxxing & Is Doxxing Illegal?

How to record FaceTime with audio on iOS?

Can you record FaceTime with audio on iOS?

Recording FaceTime calls with audio on iOS devices is not an easy task. Although iPhones have built-in screen recording capabilities, these features fall short when you try to capture audio during FaceTime calls.

We have done a thorough research and tested various options, including the device’s built-in recording functions and third-party applications like Riverside, Movavi, and Record It, hoping to find a way to record FaceTime calls with audio.

Unfortunately, our findings show that none of these methods successfully captured audio from both ends of the conversation. Even using the microphone option integrated into the built-in recorder didn’t solve the problem.

It is important to highlight that much of the information you might find online about this topic is inaccurate and misleading. Recording a FaceTime call with audio on an iOS device is impossible. Users should be aware of these restrictions and consider the legal and privacy implications when recording calls.

Read More: How to Record Phone Calls on iPhone – Detailed Guide

How to record FaceTime with audio on macOS?

How to Record FaceTime with audio on macOS?

Recording FaceTime calls with audio on macOS can be challenging, much like on iOS devices. Despite trying various tools and apps similar to the iOS experience, we have found that these methods do not work as expected.

Built-in macOS features like the Screenshot Toolbar and QuickTime Player primarily focus on capturing video and are not allowed for recording audio from FaceTime calls. Third-party software options, including OBS Studio and Movavi Video Recorder, also face the same limitations.

So, simply put, no app or tool can help you record FaceTime with audio on Apple devices.

Why can’t you record FaceTime with audio?

You can’t record FaceTime calls with audio directly on Apple devices, mainly because Apple’s privacy and security policy updates. Apple wants to keep your audio recording private and safe. They also have to follow laws that say recording other people’s conversations without asking them first is not okay.

Apple is very careful to ensure that no one can secretly record what you’re saying when you’re on a FaceTime call. This is why the usual ways to record audio on your phone don’t work when using FaceTime. Even the extra apps that used to help with this can’t do it anymore.

Recording FaceTime with audio using an external device

Recording FaceTime with audio using an external device

To record FaceTime calls with audio on an Apple device, the one and only option is to use another device like a camera or extra smartphone. First, ensure your recording tool is ready, charged, and can record audio and video well.

Start the FaceTime call and begin recording with the extra device, making sure it’s recording the audio from both ends of the call. Keeping the call on the speaker will greatly help to record the other side’s audio. Keep talking as you normally would while the second device captures everything.

Once the call is finished, stop the recording. Look over the video to make sure everything got captured correctly. Then, you can transfer it to another device or save it somewhere. Don’t forget, it’s important to consider privacy and follow the law, so make sure you have permission from everyone and you’re not breaking any rules.

Final Thoughts

It’s crucial to know that recording FaceTime with audio might not be as easy as it looks. In most of the cases, it is impossible. The only method that actually works is utilizing an external recording device or another smartphone to capture the audio.

Many online resources incorrectly claim that direct recording is feasible, which is misleading. You cannot record FaceTime calls with audio directly on iOS and macOS devices. Moreover, it’s important to emphasize respecting the privacy policies of Apple when recording calls.

Always ensure you have permission from all parties involved and know the legal implications to uphold privacy standards.

FAQs

Can I directly record FaceTime calls with audio on my iPhone or Mac?

No, Apple’s privacy and security policies and legal considerations have made it challenging to record FaceTime direct calls with audio on iOS and macOS using built-in tools or third-party apps.

Are there built-in features or apps that can record FaceTime with audio?

iOS and macOS offer screen recording features, but they primarily capture video, not audio, during FaceTime calls.

Can I use third-party apps to record audio during FaceTime?

All third-party apps are unable to record audio during FaceTime calls. They typically capture video only.

What are the alternative methods to record FaceTime with audio?

The primary alternative is to use an external recording device, such as a recording camera or a second mobile phone, to capture both video and audio during FaceTime calls.

Is it legal to record FaceTime calls without the other party’s permission?

The legality of recording FaceTime calls without permission varies by jurisdiction. In some locations, it can be legal with one-party permission; in others, two-party permission can be required. It’s always advisable to obtain permission to avoid legal issues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Khalid Ali


Khalid is a versatile analyst honing his expertise for the past 5 years. With certifications from Google and IBM to back him up, his knowledge extends far beyond the routine coverage of the latest trends and in the industry.