Can I Screen Record a FaceTime Call?

It's easy to screen record a FaceTime call, but it's important to know some very specific details about doing so. Is it legal to screen record a FaceTime call in your state? Does a person know when you screen record a FaceTime call? Before you record audio and video on your iPhone it's better to know the answers to these questions first. In this article we'll take a look at these tips, and as a bonus we'll walk you through how to set up and use screen record to record FaceTime calls. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of FaceTime screen recording.

Related: How to Screen Record with Sound on an iPhone

What's in This Article:

• What Happens When You Screen Record a FaceTime Call?
• Is it Legal to Screen Record a FaceTime Call?
• How to Add Screen Record to the Control Center on iPhone
• How To Screen Record a FaceTime Call with Audio
  • Internal & External Sounds 
  • Internal Sounds Only 

What Happens When You Screen Record a FaceTime Call?

Does the other person get notified when you screen record a FaceTime call, or can you screen record without them knowing?

The other person will not be notified if you screen record a FaceTime call; you can screen record a FaceTime call without the other person knowing. However, it's highly recommended that you gain the other person's or people's permission prior to recording, as in some states it's not legal to record without doing so.

Also, keep in mind that this works both ways: if someone else is screen recording you during a FaceTime call, you will not be notified and you won't be able to tell they're recording unless they inform you. 

Is it Legal to Screen Record a FaceTime Call?

The rules surrounding recording of audio and video vary state-to-state. In most US states it's legal to record with only one person's knowledge or consent (usually that'd be the consent of the person doing the recording, so you wouldn't need to ask anyone else). In other states, two-party consent is the law, which actually means that all recorded parties must consent to recording prior to the recording being made. While you can certainly record a FaceTime call without the other person knowing, it's always a better practice to get permission to record first. You can also look up recording laws by state if you need to. Tech Junkie also reminds us that it's crucial to avoid recording anything inappropriate or especially private, as laws apply more severely in those circumstances. 

How to Add Screen Record to the Control Center on the iPhone

Before recording a FaceTime call, you will also need to add the Screen Recording button to your Control Center Menu. For this how-to, will be using iOS 14. For best results, ensure your device is running iOS 14. If it's not, go ahead and update to iOS 14. 

Here's how to add Screen Record to your Control Center:

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap on Control Center.
   
   
    
3. Scroll down until you see Screen Recording.
4. Tap on the green plus sign next to Screen Recording.
5. The Screen Recording icon will now appear in your Control Center.
   
   
   

How To Screen Record a FaceTime Call with Audio

First you have to set your screen record settings to record your preferred sounds, since the default on iPhones is to record in-app sounds only, and only if your iPhone's ringer is on. A change of settings will fix this, but you'll need to decide before your FaceTime call whether you want to record only the sound inside the iPhone, or other sounds as well.

Internal sound recording will record only the audio from both your side of the phone call and the other person’s side of the call. Alternatively, you can record all sounds, including those outside of the phone, which will record the sounds all around you in addition to the audio from both sides of the call. Here's more information about how to record sound on a screen recording, including in FaceTime. 

How to Record FaceTime Call Audio: Internal & External Sounds 

Use this option if you would like to record all of the sounds and voices around you in your FaceTime call. This could impact the audio quality of the recording. 

1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top of your iPhone screen or up from the bottom, depending on which iPhone you have.
2. Press and hold the Screen Recording button. It's okay to release the hold once the menu appears.
   
   
    
3. Press the gray microphone button to turn on the external audio. This may be already selected. If it is, the button will be red and under the microphone icon it will say Microphone On.
4. Tap Start Recording.
   
   
   

How to Record FaceTime Call Audio: Internal Sounds Only

Use this option to record your FaceTime call if you do NOT want to record outside noise in your audio. This will only capture the sound from within your iPhone. 

1. Open the Control Center.
2. Press and hold the Screen Recording button. It's okay to release the hold once the menu appears.
   
   
    
3. Tap the red microphone button to select Microphone Off.
4. Tap Start Recording.
   
   

Now you can successfully record a FaceTime call with internal or external audio. You can save your FaceTime memories and enjoy them later or reference the information at another time, just make sure you do so responsibly! Enjoy!