Ever wanted to save a FaceTime call? Maybe it’s a special moment with family, or a crucial set of instructions you need to keep. Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to know how to record these calls.
While iPhones don’t have a built-in feature to record FaceTime calls with audio directly, there are still a couple of ways to make it happen, especially if you have a Mac handy. Macs make the job easier, but don’t worry, recording from an iPhone is still possible, it just involves an extra step or two using your Mac.
So let’s jump straight into how you can record your FaceTime calls, starting with the easiest method using a Mac, and then how to use your iPhone with a Mac for recording.
Method 1: Using the Screenshot Tool on Mac
The good news is that you don’t need to download any extra software to record a FaceTime call on your Mac. The built-in screenshot tool can handle it all by itself.
To get started, first launch FaceTime from the dock or launchpad.
Next, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will bring up the screenshot toolbar. If you want to record the whole screen, select the ‘Record Entire Screen’ option.
If you just want to record a part of the screen, choose ‘Record Selected Portion’. Then, click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to record.
Now, click ‘Options’ on the screenshot toolbar to open the settings menu. Under the ‘Microphone’ section, choose ‘Built-in Microphone’ so that audio is recorded.
In the ‘Save to’ section, pick where you want to save the recording. You can also use ‘Other Location’ if you need to browse through files.
Once you’re done setting things up, close the screenshot toolbar by pressing Esc or clicking the ‘X’ button. The settings you’ve chosen will be saved for the next time.
Now, find the person you want to call by clicking on their tile or searching for them.
Hit the ‘Record’ button to begin recording your FaceTime call with audio.
When you’re done, click the ‘Stop’ icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. A small thumbnail of your recording will show up in the bottom-right corner.
Method 2: Using QuickTime Player with your iPhone
Since iPhones don’t natively record FaceTime with audio, we can use QuickTime Player on your Mac to record your iPhone screen, capturing the call along with audio.
Important Note: Using the iPhone’s built-in screen recorder with the microphone will not record FaceTime audio.
First, connect your iPhone to your Mac using a lightning cable. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and tap ‘Trust’ when prompted.
Next, open QuickTime Player from the dock or the ‘Other’ folder within Launchpad.
Alternatively, use Command + Space to open Spotlight, type in QuickTime, and press Return.
With QuickTime Player open, click ‘File’ in the menu bar and choose ‘New Movie Recording’. This will open your Mac’s camera in a new window.
In the new window, click the small arrow next to the record button. Then, under the ‘Camera’ section, select your iPhone from the list. You’ll see your iPhone’s screen on your Mac.
If you don’t see your iPhone’s screen, ensure that it’s unlocked and that you have trusted your Mac.
Now, open the FaceTime app on your iPhone.
Place a call to someone, either from your recents or by tapping the ‘+’ and selecting a contact.
On your Mac, in the QuickTime window, click ‘Record’.
Make sure the QuickTime volume is turned up all the way. Otherwise, your recording might be quiet or silent.
Start the FaceTime call on your iPhone.
Once finished, click ‘Stop’ in QuickTime player.
Go to the ‘File’ tab and click ‘Save’ to save the recording.
Give your file a name and select where you want to save it, then click ‘Save’.
And that’s all there is to it. You’ve successfully recorded your FaceTime call with audio from your iPhone!