Recording a telephone conversation is something we rarely do because it is often not necessary. But sometimes we need to prove whether or not something was said in a telephone conversation, and recording it is a powerful way to do that. Read the steps below to find out how to record your phone conversation with someone.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Avoiding Legal Problems
Step 1. Make sure you are not breaking the law
In Indonesia, there is no firm regulation on this yet. That means you may record with the consent of one party only. But for ethical reasons, it's a good idea to get approval from both parties, namely you and the other person before recording the conversation, unless you really want to record it to prove the crime of the other person you are talking to or something like that.
- For information, in the US, there are 11 states that require the consent of all parties, namely, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Additionally, in the state of Hawaii, you must obtain full consent to record conversations that take place in private homes.
- Meanwhile, in order to wiretap conversations on the phone, there may be some rules that you must obey. Telephone tapping is the act of recording a conversation without the knowledge of all parties involved. Unless you are in authority, this is usually illegal to do.
Step 2. Know the possible consequences
Recording a phone call can be very useful, but it may also have results that you don't expect. So, know the following to be safe.
- You can get in trouble if this action is done without the knowledge of both parties. While you may not be breaking the law in this regard, your footage may not be used as evidence in court.
- Your family and friends may be upset if you record all their conversations. Instead, talk to the closest people first, and respect their decisions.
- Depending on the content of the conversation, you may also be in trouble if the recording falls into someone else's hands. So be sure to avoid having deviant conversations, whether it's about your love life, financial situation, or any illegal actions you might take, over the phone.
Method 2 of 6: Recording Phone Conversations Using Coiled Microphones
Step 1. Recording with coil microphone
These microphones are available in electronics and telephone stores, and are now available in various models according to the purpose for which they are installed (wired phone or handphone).
Step 2. Attach the microphone
Plug the microphone into a computer, cellphone, or any other device according to the instructions for use.
To edit recorded conversations on your computer, try using the Audacity application, which you can download for free. This app can help you cut or clean recordings as well as change the file format of your recordings
Step 3. Place the microphone in the appropriate position
Install the microphone near the microphone hole of your phone or cellphone. Use tape or rubber if you're afraid the microphone will fall out of position. Or alternatively, hold the microphone in your hand. Make sure that the microphone is working properly.
Step 4. Record your speech
Turn on the microphone when you're about to chat, then turn it off when you're done.
Method 3 of 6: Recording Wired Telephone Conversations With a Recording Machine
Step 1. Record the conversation with the recording machine
This device is installed in your landline and can record conversations without having to install anything else on your phone.
Step 2. Install the tool
Connect the cable of your recording machine to the phone. Don't forget to connect your phone to the telephone as usual.
Some models of recording equipment are usually able to save your recordings temporarily. But if not, you have to find a tool to store it (eg walkman)
Step 3. Activate the tool
When you start a chat, activate the tool so you can record your conversation.
Some models of this tool can have them automatically every time you receive a call
Method 4 of 6: Recording Mobile Conversations Using Ear Microphone
Step 1. Use the ear microphone
These microphones are available at electronics and telephone stores. The advantages of this tool compared to others are its small size so it can be carried anywhere, and its use is quite practical.
Step 2. Put the microphone to your ear
Put this microphone on the ear that you will use to listen to conversations.
Step 3. Plug the microphone into a recording device
Plug your microphone's audio cable into the device you're using to store your recordings.
Small record storage devices are now widely available in electronics stores and online
Step 4. Record your conversation
Turn on your microphone once you start a conversation. The microphone will record your conversation and the recording will be saved in your storage device.
Method 5 of 6: Recording Mobile Conversations Using Apps
Step 1. Use the mobile app to record the conversation
If you use a smartphone, there are many apps that let you easily record your phone conversations. Just open the app store on your smartphone and search for the app by keyword (eg “call recorder”). Some of the available applications you can download for free.
Make sure you read the reviews and descriptions of the application before downloading and using the application. Many recording applications have certain limits or limitations. Read carefully and find the most suitable for your cellphone
Step 2. Install the apps you want
Make sure the app is working properly. It's a good idea to try it first by calling someone.
Step 3. Learn how to use it to start recording
If the app works fine but the recorded sound isn't that great, try looking for a solution to fix it on the internet.
Method 6 of 6: Recording Without Tools Or Software
Step 1. Use a cloud-based web application
Some cloud-based web portals can help you have phone conversations without having to install any software on your computer.
Step 2. Most of these services use 'Cloud-Bridge' technology
The way this service usually works is to call both numbers, connect them, and then record the conversation between the two. This service is highly integrated with the telephony infrastructure on the cloud, allowing them to store your recordings in the cloud and allow you as a user to access them through the private portal they provide.
Step 3. Choose the service provider you like
There are many parties that provide this service, including www.recordator.com, www.saveyourcall.com, and others. You can find it easily on the internet.
Step 4. Can be used on any phone (cable or cellphone)
All your recordings will be available in your account and can be downloaded.
Step 5. All these web apps use a subscription model
To be able to use this, you must create your account on the website and purchase the service package they provide. The average price ranges from USD 10 to 25 cents per minute or IDR 1,200 to IDR 4,000 depending on the package you buy.
Step 6. This service does not notify the person you are talking to that the conversation is recorded
So, make sure you tell it yourself to the person you are talking to and get permission.
Warning
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations. Do not let you violate applicable laws and the rights of others. Make sure you get permission from the other person before recording.
- Do not record other people's conversations or in other words eavesdrop because it is against the law. Even law enforcers must complete the applicable procedures and conditions in order to be able to record other people's conversations because it is an act that robs everyone of their rights. Record your own conversations.
