Updated 19 October 2026.
First decide what you need to record: a FaceTime audio conversation, your own high-quality audio and video, or the complete video meeting. Apple‘s built-in audio-call recording and Local Capture serve different purposes, and a screen recording should not be assumed to capture both participants’ audio.
Choose the right recording method
| Goal | What to check |
|---|---|
| Record a one-to-one FaceTime audio conversation | Built-in call recording, where supported for the device, software and region. |
| Record your own side of a videoconference | Local Capture and enough free device storage. |
| Save a complete video meeting with all participants | A conferencing workflow explicitly designed to record the whole meeting. |
Before recording, explain what will be saved, obtain the participants’ agreement and follow applicable recording and privacy rules. These vary by location and use. An on-screen indicator or automatic announcement is not a substitute for checking the requirements that apply to the conversation.
Use supported FaceTime audio-call recording
Apple’s call-recording overview includes FaceTime audio calls. Availability varies, so check your installed software and the current feature-availability information before a call that matters.
- Start the one-to-one FaceTime audio call and get the other person’s agreement.
- Open the call controls and look for Call Recording, including under More if that is where your version places it.
- Start recording and allow the participants to hear the announcement.
- Stop the recording or end the call, then open and play the saved recording in Notes.
Apple’s FaceTime audio-call controls explain the supported workflow. Transcription and summaries have their own language, region and device requirements. Always check the recording itself; a transcript can be incomplete or inaccurate.
Use Local Capture for your own audio and video
Local Capture records your side of a videoconference to the device. It does not promise a finished recording containing everyone else’s camera and microphone. Apple’s iPhone recording guide and iPad recording guide describe this distinction.
- Open the supported videoconferencing app and Control Center.
- Locate Local Capture; add its control if necessary.
- Review the audio/video options, then start and stop capture using the displayed controls.
- Find and play the saved file. Check the default Downloads location in Files or the save location configured on your device.
Test with another participant before relying on it. If producing a multi-person recording, each participant may need to capture and share their own file for editing. Allow sufficient free space: the size of a video recording depends on its format and duration.
When the controls are missing or the result is silent
Confirm that you are using the intended call type, supported software and an eligible region. A video call is not the same as a FaceTime audio call. Test audio playback with headphones and verify microphone and capture settings before repeating a long session.
Connecting an iPhone to QuickTime does not by itself establish that both sides of a FaceTime conversation will be recorded. For a workshop that needs a complete meeting recording, choose a platform with documented meeting-recording support. Also plan the activities and participant expectations; our interactive training guide offers a practical structure.
Original illustrations and interface screenshots
These images come from the original 2020 guide. Interface labels, products and settings shown may differ from the current guidance above; historical diagrams are not current compatibility or performance tables.
Frequently asked questions
Can I secretly record FaceTime with a built-in feature?
Built-in audio-call recording announces recording to participants. Arrange agreement and follow applicable rules rather than trying to avoid notifications.
Does Local Capture save the other person’s video?
It is designed to record your own side locally. Do not treat it as a complete multi-participant meeting recording.
Why does screen recording have no FaceTime audio?
Capturing the screen does not establish permission or support for recording call audio. Use the documented recording workflow for the call type and test it first.
Where should I look for the recording?
Supported audio-call recordings are saved through Notes. Local Capture uses Files, normally Downloads unless the save location was changed.