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FaceTime calls have become a popular way for people to connect, especially during social distancing times. However, it can be frustrating when you want to keep a record of these calls for future reference or share them with someone else. While FaceTime does not offer a built-in feature to record calls, there are alternative ways to record them. This article presents a detailed guide on how to record a FaceTime call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It also explains the legalities of recording FaceTime calls.
Recording on a Mac
If you’re more comfortable using Mac, recording a FaceTime call is easier. QuickTime, which comes pre-installed in your Mac, is usually the best option to record your screen. Follow these steps:
- Open QuickTime from Applications or the Dock.
- Select File > New Screen Recording or right-click the QuickTime Player icon on the Dock and select “New Screen Recording”.
- Click the red recording icon, and then click anywhere to start full-screen recording or click and drag across the FaceTime window if you want to choose a specific frame.
- Begin the FaceTime call, and click the recording icon in the high bar or right-click the QuickTime icon in the Dock and choose “Stop Recording” when finished.
- Your recording will appear in a window for you to view. If satisfied, select File > Save to save the recording.
Recording on an iPhone or iPad
Recording a FaceTime call on an iPhone or iPad is challenging because Apple does not offer a default screen recording feature that captures audio from FaceTime. But there are two options available:
iOS screen recording
iOS 11 introduced a screen recording feature to Control Center. This feature captures video but not audio in certain apps for legal reasons. Follow these steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center and check if the screen recording icon (a small white circle with a bigger white circle around it) is visible. If it isn’t, go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and add the screen recording option.
- To begin recording, click on the screen recording icon and start the FaceTime call.
- Once the call is complete, swipe up to bring back the Control Center and tap the record icon again. Your recording will be saved in Photos.
Record through a Mac
If you’re determined to record a FaceTime call on an iPhone or iPad, including audio from both parties, connect your iDevice to a Mac and record with it.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac and open QuickTime.
- Select File > New Movie Recording.
- Select the arrow next to the red record button and choose your iPhone or iPad from the “cameras” list.
- When everything looks fine, click the red button to start recording, and begin the FaceTime call. Stop recording when finished and save the video when you’re satisfied with it.
Is It Legal to Record a FaceTime Call?
Whether it’s legal to record a FaceTime call depends on where you are and the consent of both parties involved. In England and Wales, for example, you can secretly record a conversation with someone for your use only, but sharing the conversation with a third party requires either notifying all parties involved or getting their consent afterward. In the US, 11 states require permission from both parties before recording, while 39 states allow permission from only one party. Our general advice is to inform the other party and seek legal guidance when applicable.
FAQs
1. Can I record a FaceTime call with audio?
Recording a FaceTime call with audio is challenging as Apple does not provide a built-in feature for this purpose. However, you can use third-party apps or external devices to capture both video and audio from a FaceTime call.
2. Can I be prosecuted for recording a FaceTime call?
Recording a FaceTime call without the other party’s consent can lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. Before recording a call, make sure you’re following the legal guidelines in your state or country.