Why Recording Calls Matters in Business
If you're a busy professional who handles clients, vendors, or team members over the phone, you’ve probably had a moment where you ended a call and realized you forgot a key detail. Whether it’s a price quote, an appointment time, or a client request, relying on memory isn’t always the best move. That’s why learning how to record phone calls can be a huge advantage for your workflow.
Recording calls helps you stay focused during the conversation while making sure you can review it later. Whether you’re using a call recorder app, Google Voice, or a more advanced platform like Beside, being able to record conversations makes your day run smoother.
Let’s explore how to record a phone call properly, safely, and in a way that supports your business goals.
Why You Might Need to Record Phone Calls
Keep Details Clear Without Taking Notes
When you’re talking to a client or a partner, it’s easy to miss small but important details. A recording helps you go back and catch things you didn’t write down or forgot to act on. This is especially helpful if you’re juggling several calls a day.
Recording calls can help you avoid misunderstandings and protect your business by keeping a clear record of what was said.
Improve Follow-Up
When you record phone calls, you don’t have to rely on memory or scattered notes. Whether it’s a verbal agreement or a new lead asking for more information, having the audio stored means you can go back, review the conversation, and respond with confidence.
Using tools that transcribe your call also helps you turn audio into a to-do list, making follow-up faster and more reliable.
Key Terms to Understand
Before we dive into how to record a phone call, here are a few terms you’ll want to know:
- record phone calls: capturing the audio of a phone conversation
- call recorder: a tool or app that lets you save phone calls
- incoming calls: calls that you receive
- outgoing calls: calls that you make
- transcription: converting audio from a call into written text
- phone app: a mobile app used for calls or recording
- recording app: a general app used to record audio or conversations
- speaker: using speakerphone during a call, often used with external devices
- google voice: a VoIP phone service that includes limited call recording options
- google voice account: required to use google voice features
- google voice app: the mobile version of google voice
Legal Considerations: Is It Okay to Record Conversations?
Recording phone calls and conversations without permission can lead to legal trouble. In the United States, recording laws vary by state. Some states allow one-party consent, meaning only one person on the call (you) needs to know it’s being recorded. Other states require two-party consent, meaning everyone on the call must agree.
The safest approach is to get verbal consent from all participants before you start recording. A simple, “Do you mind if I record this for my notes?” usually does the trick. If the person recording doesn’t inform the other caller, it could be considered wiretapping or eavesdropping depending on the state.
Consent also applies to voicemails, conference calls, and other forms of electronic communication.
Options to Record a Phone Call
1. Google Voice
If you have a google voice account, you can use it to record incoming calls by pressing “4” during the call. Once you press the number, the google voice app will notify both parties that the call is being recorded.
Limitations include:
- Only incoming calls and conversations can be recorded
- Outgoing calls are not supported
- No built-in transcription
- Recordings are stored in your google voice account
This is a simple method but not ideal if you need to record a lot of calls or need clear organization afterward.
2. Call Recording Apps
There are several call recording apps designed for both iphone and android phone users. Apps like tapeacall, Rev Call Recorder, and others let you record incoming and outgoing calls using a three-way calling system.
Pros:
- Record both directions of the call
- Some offer ai transcription
- Easy to use for most professionals
Cons:
- May require using a second line or connecting through external servers
- Can be clunky or unreliable depending on the device
- Might store your data externally, raising privacy questions
Make sure to review the privacy policy of any call recorder app before using it for sensitive business conversations.
3. External Recording Devices
Another way to record calls is by using an external recording device. You can put the phone on speaker and use a digital voice recorder to capture the conversation. This method works well in controlled environments, like a quiet office, but it’s not very convenient for people on the go.
Limitations:
- Low conversation audio quality
- No conversation transcripts
- Manual file management
A Smarter Alternative: Using Beside to Manage and Record Phone Calls
For professionals who rely heavily on phone calls but don’t want to juggle separate tools, Beside is a powerful solution. Beside is an AI-powered communication platform that works across ios, macos, and android (public beta). It supports users across the U.S. and Canada on mobile, and worldwide on desktop.
While many call recording apps give you raw audio, Beside goes further by giving you a clean summary, a clear call log, and even suggested follow-ups.
It’s not just about the recording. It’s about what you can do with it afterward. Every conversation matters.
Recording Without Disruption
With Beside, you don’t have to remember to hit a record button. The platform handles conversations automatically, capturing what matters and letting you stay focused. For busy service providers, real estate agents, or solo entrepreneurs, this means fewer distractions during client work and better organization after the call.
Useful Call Logs and Summaries
After a call, Beside gives you a clear view of what happened, what needs attention, and what’s already handled. You’re not just recording audio—you’re reducing the mental load of remembering every detail.
For example, if a potential client calls with a question about your services, Beside notes it. If a follow-up is needed, you’ll see it at the end of the day, even if you were in back-to-back sessions all afternoon.
No guessing. No missed opportunities.
Real Example: A Business Owner Who Used to Miss Calls
A solo spa owner in Brooklyn started using Beside after struggling with missed calls and forgotten messages during client sessions. She couldn’t interrupt her work to answer the phone, but not answering meant missed revenue.
With Beside, she no longer worries about what she’s missing. Her calls are handled, conversations are recorded with the right tone, and she receives a summary she can review on break. It changed her day from stressed and reactive to calm and confident.
Whether you’re managing client intake, handling inbound inquiries, or coordinating with team members, Beside helps make sure your phone is a helpful tool, not a source of anxiety.
Try Beside Free
Ready to record phone calls and actually do something with them?
Try Beside free (Starter has a 7-day trial on mobile). After that, it’s just $29.99/month or $199.99/yearly.
Download for ios, macos, or android beta at beside.com/download
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beside record phone calls?
Yes. Beside helps professionals manage and record phone calls by capturing the conversation and offering summaries, follow-up tasks, and organized logs. It’s ideal for small teams or solo operators who need a simple recording app solution.
How do I download Beside?
You can download Beside on ios, macos, or android (public beta) at beside.com/download. It’s available on mobile in the U.S. and Canada, and desktop worldwide.
Is it legal to record conversations on the phone?
In many U.S. states, recording calls is legal with one-party consent. But some states require all parties to agree. Always ask for consent before recording a phone call to stay compliant and respectful.
Can Google Voice record outgoing calls?
No. Google Voice can only record incoming calls and conversations. You need to press “4” during the call, and all participants are notified when the recording starts. Beside is the perfect solution in a single phone app.
What’s the best call recording app for iphone?
There are several options, including tapeacall, Rev, and Beside. Beside is ideal for professionals because it combines call recording with AI-powered summaries and task tracking. You'll never miss a conversation again.
Can I transcribe my recorded calls?
Yes. Many call recording apps offer transcription services. Beside automatically transcribes and summarizes your calls, making it easier to act on the information right away.
What’s the difference between a call recorder app and a voice recorder?
A voice recorder is used for general audio, like memos or interviews. A call recorder app is designed specifically to record phone calls, with features like contact tracking and transcription.
Try Beside free and experience a smarter way to record phone calls. Stay focused, capture what matters, and turn conversations into action. Visit beside.com to get started.