FaceTime is one of Apple’s most beloved features, offering smooth, high‑quality video calls across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Many people want to record FaceTime conversations — whether to save special moments, review business meetings, or keep memories with loved ones. But Apple’s privacy‑focused design makes recording FaceTime audio and video more complicated than it seems.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to record FaceTime on iPhone and Mac, what works (and what doesn’t), third‑party options, legal considerations, and practical alternatives. You’ll also find helpful insights for parents who want to monitor their children’s phone activity responsibly.
Part 1. How to Screen Record FaceTime on iPhone
Apple includes a built‑in screen recorder on iPhone, but it does not capture FaceTime audio due to privacy restrictions. Still, here’s how the feature works:
Steps to Screen Record FaceTime Video on iPhone
- Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top‑right corner of your screen.
- Add Screen Recording: Go to Settings → Control Center → tap the green “+” next to Screen Recording.
- Enable Microphone: Long‑press the recording icon → tap the Microphone button.
- Start Recording: Tap “Start Recording” and wait for the 3‑second countdown.
- Begin Your FaceTime Call: Open FaceTime and start your conversation.
- Stop Recording: Tap the red status bar → Stop. Your video saves to Photos.
Why iPhone Doesn’t Record FaceTime Audio
Even with the microphone enabled, iOS blocks internal call audio from being recorded. This is intentional and tied to Apple’s privacy policies. Apple explains its privacy approach in detail on its official page: 👉 https://www.apple.com/privacy/
If you only need the video, this method works perfectly. If you need audio + video, you’ll need another approach (explained later).
Part 2. How to Record FaceTime on Mac
macOS includes a powerful screen‑recording tool, but like iPhone, it does not capture internal call audio by default.
Steps to Record FaceTime Video on Mac
- Open FaceTime and prepare your call.
- Launch Screen Recorder: Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Choose Recording Area: Full screen or selected portion.
- Start Recording: Click “Record.”
- Stop Recording: Click the stop icon in the menu bar.
Why Mac Won’t Record FaceTime Audio
macOS blocks internal audio capture for calls unless you use additional software. Apple documents this behavior in its developer guidelines: 👉 https://support.apple.com/
If you need audio, you’ll need a workaround or a secondary device.
Part 3. Can Third‑Party Apps Record FaceTime? (Tested)
Many apps claim to record calls, but FaceTime’s encryption prevents most from capturing audio or video directly. We tested three popular tools:
1. Notta
Notta is a transcription app that converts speech to text in real time.
What Notta Can Do
- Import audio files
- Record external audio
- Transcribe online meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)
What Notta Cannot Do
- It cannot record FaceTime calls directly.
- It cannot transcribe FaceTime automatically.
Still, it’s useful for transcribing meetings on supported platforms.
2. Tactiq
Tactiq is a Chrome extension that captures meeting transcripts.
What Tactiq Supports
- Zoom
- Google Meet
- Webex
What Tactiq Does Not Support
- FaceTime is not included in its integration list.
3. Krisp
Krisp is an AI‑powered noise‑cancellation and transcription tool.
What Krisp Can Do
- Transcribe audio in real time
- Remove background noise
What Krisp Cannot Do
- It cannot record FaceTime calls.
- It only transcribes audio that your microphone picks up.
Part 4. Recording FaceTime Using Another Device (Most Reliable Method)
If your iPhone or Mac won’t record FaceTime audio — or if your region doesn’t support Apple’s new call‑recording feature in iOS 18 — the simplest solution is using a secondary device.
How to Record FaceTime Using Another Device
- Choose a recording device: Another phone, tablet, or camera.
- Position it properly: Stable angle facing your screen.
- Ensure clear audio: Place the microphone close to your speaker.
- Start recording before or during the call.
- Review the footage afterward.
This method captures both audio and video without violating Apple’s restrictions.
Part 5. Is It Legal to Record a FaceTime Call?
FaceTime uses end‑to‑end encryption, meaning only participants can access the conversation. Because of this, recording calls raises legal concerns.
Consent Laws in the United States
There are two types of consent laws:
One‑Party Consent States
Only one participant must agree to the recording. Examples include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and many others.
All‑Party Consent States
Everyone in the conversation must agree. These include: California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Washington.
For a full legal overview, see the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s guide: 👉 https://www.eff.org/issues/surveillance-self-defense
Always check your local laws before recording.
Bonus: Recording Your Child’s Phone Calls (For Parental Safety)
Some parents want to monitor their children’s calls to protect them from bullying, inappropriate contact, or online predators. Tools like TheTruthSpy offer:
- Call recording
- SMS monitoring
- Blocked call alerts
Use such tools responsibly and legally, ensuring your child’s safety without violating privacy laws.
Conclusion
Recording FaceTime calls isn’t as straightforward as recording other apps due to Apple’s strong privacy protections. While iPhone and Mac can record video, they block internal audio. Third‑party apps also cannot capture FaceTime directly.
Your best options are:
- Recording video only using built‑in tools
- Using a secondary device for full audio + video
- Checking whether iOS 18’s call‑recording feature is available in your region
- Understanding legal requirements before recording
With the right method, you can safely and legally preserve your important FaceTime moments.
Additional FAQs
Can Android users join FaceTime calls?
Yes. While Android cannot run the FaceTime app, users can join a FaceTime call through a browser link shared by an Apple user.
Why can I call someone but not FaceTime them?
FaceTime may be disabled. Go to Settings → FaceTime → toggle it on. Also ensure your Apple ID is signed in.
Does FaceTime notify the other person if I screen record?
No. FaceTime does not send notifications when someone records the screen.
Does screen recording reduce FaceTime video quality?
Slightly, yes. The recording quality depends on your device’s resolution and available storage.
Can I record FaceTime with audio using iOS 18?
In some regions, yes — Apple added native call recording for audio calls. Availability varies by country.
