How to transcribe a phone call
Short answer
To transcribe a phone call, first tell the other person and get their consent, then record it with your phone's built-in call recording, a second device on speakerphone, or your computer. Upload the audio to a transcription tool like Dolcenota for a transcript, summary and Word export.
Getting a transcript of a phone call takes two things: a recording of the call, and something to turn that recording into text. The second part is easy. The first depends on your phone, where you live and, above all, whether the other person agrees.
This guide covers consent first, then the ways people actually record calls today, and how to get a transcript, a summary and answers from the audio. Dolcenota doesn't record calls or join them; you record the call with one of the methods below and upload the file.
Transcribe a phone call in 3 steps
- 1
Tell the other person and get their OK
Before recording, say so: "Do you mind if I record this so I don't miss anything?" Start recording, then confirm it again so their yes is on the recording.
- 2
Record the call
Use your phone's built-in call recording if it has it, record on speakerphone with a second device, or record the call on your computer. See the options below.
- 3
Upload the audio
Save the recording as a file and upload it to Dolcenota in your browser. A few minutes later you get the transcript with "Speaker 1" and "Speaker 2" separated, a summary and the option to ask questions or export to Word.
Consent comes first
In the US, federal law and most states allow recording a call you're part of with your own consent. But a number of states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Washington, generally require the consent of everyone on the call, and when callers are in different states the stricter rule may apply. Other countries have their own rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
The simple habit that works everywhere: tell the other person before you record, and keep the recording only for the purpose you explained.
Ways to record a call
| Method | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| iPhone call recording | iOS 18.1 or later, in select regions and languages. During a call, tap the record button; both people hear an announcement that the call is being recorded. The recording and, in supported languages, a transcript are saved in a Call Recordings folder in Notes. |
| Google Pixel | The Phone app on Pixel 6 and later can record calls in supported countries. It's turned on in the Phone app's settings and plays a notice to the other person. |
| Samsung Galaxy | The Phone app has Record calls in its settings; with One UI 7 or later, Transcript assist can transcribe recorded calls on supported models. Options vary by model and region. |
| Speakerphone + second device | Put the call on speaker and record with another phone, a tablet or a computer in a quiet room. Works with any phone. |
| Calls on a computer | For Zoom, Meet or Teams, use the platform's own recording. For WhatsApp or other calls on a computer, a screen or audio recorder that captures system sound can work. |
Getting the audio out
On iPhone, open the call recording in Notes and share or save the audio to Files. On Android, recordings are usually in the Phone app's recordings list or the Recordings folder in your files. Then open dolcenota.com in your browser and upload. Most formats work: m4a, mp3, wav, aac and others, up to 4 hours and 2 GB per file.
When the built-in transcript is enough
If your iPhone or Galaxy already gives you a transcript, read it there first. Dolcenota helps when the built-in option isn't available in your language or region, when you want speakers you can name, a summary of what was agreed, answers to questions like "What date did they give for the repair?", or a PDF or Word document to keep.
Frequently asked questions
Can Dolcenota record my phone calls?
No. Dolcenota doesn't record or join calls. You record the call with your phone or another device, then upload the file.
Will the other person know I'm recording?
iPhone and Pixel call recording play an announcement, and so does Galaxy call recording in the US; elsewhere it depends on the model and region. Either way, tell them yourself first.
Can I transcribe a WhatsApp call?
The simplest way is the speakerphone method with a second device, or a recorder on your computer if you take the call there. Then upload the audio.
Does it separate the two people on the call?
Yes. Speakers are separated automatically and you can rename "Speaker 1" and "Speaker 2". Speakerphone recordings separate less cleanly than built-in recordings.
Is it free?
You can start free with 60 minutes a month, no card needed. Plus is $7.99 a month for 400 minutes.
Turn a recorded call into notes
Upload the audio and get the transcript, a summary of what was agreed and answers to your questions in minutes. Free to start.
Start free