In legal disputes, it is very useful to have the ability to prove that someone did or did not say something. Keeping a record of your phone conversations is a reliable way to have evidence available in case you ever need it. Read on to learn how to record a phone conversation.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Avoid Problems with the Law
Step 1. Make sure everything is legal
The United States federal government does not have restrictions on private citizens recording their own telephone conversations, but many states require the consent of both parties before the conversation can be recorded. Without such consent, the call log will be legally useless in those states and you can even get into bigger trouble.
- There are 11 states in the United States that require approval from both parties, these are: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. Additionally, the state of Hawaii requires full consent whenever a telephone conversation is recorded within a private residence.
- If you plan intercept a phone line, there are federal rules that you must follow in addition to state laws. Intercepting a telephone is the act of recording a conversation without the knowledge of either party. It is generally an illegal act except in certain public order situations.
Step 2. Be aware of possible complications
Recording your phone calls can be very helpful, but it can also have unexpected consequences. Arm yourself with knowledge and play it safe.
- You can get into problems of state jurisdiction if you recorded a conversation without the consent of both parties and it turns out that in the state where the other person lives, the consent of the parties involved is mandatory. Even if you are not breaking the law, your phone records will not be used as evidence.
- Your friends and family might be upset with you if you record their phone calls and they find out. It is best to talk to the people closest to you before doing so and respect any limits they impose.
- Depending on the content of your own calls, you could run into trouble if your conversations fall into the wrong hands. Make sure you live a fair and upright life when it comes to your love life, finances, and avoid any illegal activities that you might be tempted to discuss over the phone.
Method 2 of 6: Record from a land phone line using a microphone that is inserted into the speaker
Step 1. Record the flames with a microphone that is inserted into the horn
You can find these types of microphones in phone and appliance stores, they usually come mounted on suction cups for easy attachment.
Step 2. Connect the recording device
Connect the microphone's audio output jack to a computer, recorder, or other similar device. A normal or digital recorder has the advantage of being relatively small and portable, but the computer has the advantage when it comes to cataloging and organizing conversations.
An excellent program for editing audio on your computer is Audacity. Audacity is a free program with a simple interface that is useful for things like cleaning dead space at the end of conversations, etc. You can also export your chat files in a variety of formats for easy storage. You can download Audacity here
Step 3. Attach the microphone
Secure the microphone to the earpiece closest to the receiver (the end that you speak through). Test the microphone by speaking into the receiver and then play the audiotape on the input device.
If you're concerned about the mic's suction cup falling off, secure it with tape to prevent the recording from being interrupted
Step 4. Record the conversation
Turn on the microphone when you pick up the phone. Turn it off and stop recording when you're done.
Method 3 of 6: Record from a landline phone using a device that is inserted into the line
Step 1. Record the conversation with a device that is inserted into the line
These types of devices connect to the telephone cable and record calls without the need to place any device on the telephone device.
Step 2. Connect the device
Plug the phone line into the corresponding jack of the device that is plugged into the line, then plug the audio recording out line into the wall jack as if it were the normal phone line.
Find the audio recording output cable and connect it to the recording device of your choice. Some devices come with a recording device built into the unit. If you prefer to skip this step, buy one of those models. The most basic models allow you to decide which recording device you want to use, which is useful for some people
Step 3. Activate the device
Do this as soon as conservation starts, and don't forget to record if you use a separate recording device.
Some devices come with a "remote input" function. These devices automatically start recording whenever a call comes in
Method 4 of 6: Record from a mobile phone using an in-ear microphone
Step 1. Get a small microphone that you can place in your ear
You can find these types of microphones in phone and appliance stores. Its biggest advantage over other types of devices is its small size and low profile.
Step 2. Use the microphone
Place it on your receiving ear so it picks up any sound from the speaker when you answer your phone.
Step 3. Connect the microphone
Plug the microphone's audio jack into a portable recording device.
On the internet and in electronics stores you can find a large number of portable recording devices and other recording devices
Step 4. Record the call
Turn on the portable recording device as soon as you receive a call. The microphone is always on and sends the sounds it picks up to the recording device.
Method 5 of 6: Record from a mobile phone using a recording program
Step 1. Use a program to record your conversations
If you have a smartphone, there are several programs that allow you to easily record your phone conversations. Although not everyone has a smartphone, if you have one, it is the best option for recording your calls.
- Visit the app store for your phone's operating system. You are looking for call log programs. Many of these programs are free or you can buy them at a very low price.
- Check the program you are going to use. Read the app developer's description to make sure it's what you want. Many recording programs work only with certain phones or brands; others only work if the speaker is on. Find a program that suits your needs.
Step 2. Press the "Install" or "Buy" button to download and install the application
Make sure the app works properly by making a test call with a friend.
Step 3. Follow the application instructions to record your calls
If the app works, but the quality of the recording is poor, do a search on the internet to see if there is a solution. There are usually solutions for these types of problems.
Method 6 of 6: Record your calls without using additional programs or equipment
Step 1. Use web applications based on the cloud model
Several cloud-based portals make it easy to record phone conversations without the hassle of installing software or purchasing additional equipment.
Step 2. Most of these services use 'cloud connection' technology
The service calls the source number and the recipient number, connects them in the cloud, and records the call. The service is tightly integrated into a telephony infrastructure that resides in the cloud. This allows the provider to save the recordings in the cloud and make them available to subscribers through personal portals.
Step 3. There are several providers of this service
Some are www.recordator.com, www.saveyourcall.com, etc. But you can find a more detailed list in this Wikipedia article [1].
Step 4. You can use the service with any type of telephone (landline or mobile)
All the recordings of your calls can be found available in your personal account and you can also download them.
Step 5. Web applications of this type follow a subscription-based model
First, you must create a personal profile on the provider's website and purchase calling minutes according to their payment plans. The price of a normal call plus the recording service varies between 10 to 25 cents per minute depending on the plan you use.
Step 6. They do not inform the caller that the call is being recorded
You have to be careful with the legal provisions. If you are in a place where the law requires the consent of both parties for the recording of the call, the responsibility of informing the interlocutor falls on you.
Warnings
- Follow state laws. If you live in a state that requires the consent of all parties to record the call, make sure you get it before recording. For added protection, once you have the recording, ask the other party to repeat their approval so that you have it recorded.
- As stated above, it is illegal to intercept phone calls (eavesdrop on the conversations of others without their consent). Law enforcement efforts to maintain public order include the use of wiretapping, but even in those cases there are certain rules that must be followed to prove wiretapping is useful and necessary. Record only your own conversations or the conversations that you are allowed to record.
- It is illegal to buy a radio scanning device to intercept cell phone conversations. The federal communications commission does not allow such devices to be manufactured in the United States or imported from anywhere else in the world. Instead, use the methods described above to record your mobile phone calls.