Recording calls anonymously can be an important function to have in several situations. For example, if you are a journalist conducting interviews that are too sensitive, a whistleblower who wants to protect identity, or just an individual who wants to secure personal details, anonymously recording calls can be beneficial. There are a lot of ways to do this, obviously with the use of third-party applications. In this article, we are going to discuss the possibilities of anonymous call recording.
This article is for informational purpose only. Make sure to do it within the legal limits. You will be responsible for your actions.
The Legality of Recording Calls
Taping a call is a gray area and is usually not only frowned upon but illegal. For example, in Canada, you can only record calls legally if you are a participant. In the United Kingdom, you are free to record any calls, as long as they’re for your use. For the United States, the law varies from state to state but is usually similar to the Canadian.
Legal limits aside, sneak call recording is vital in some situations, such as if it’s going to stop a crime or get your loved ones out of danger. So, while we don’t condone illegal use, learning how to record calls anonymously has its use. Let’s get into it.
1. Record calls anonymously with a smartphone app
Call recording is easy with Google Voice and the best call recorder apps for Android. However, Google Voice, like some of the apps on the list, broadcast a loud audio prompt to all parties in the call when you begin recording. This is neither anonymous nor secretive. So, let’s look into a few proven apps to make anonymous calls.
1. Android
We recommend Automatic Call Recorder and Cube ACR Call Recorder. Both apps allow you to not only automatically record calls without an audio prompt, but also choose which contacts to save space. Also, the apps can automatically upload audio files to cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox. The latter app also supports a variety of VoIP apps such as Signal, Skype, WhatsApp, Kakao, Line, and Messenger.
2. iOS
For anonymous call recording on iOS, we suggest installing Recording App – Re:Call or Call Recorder Lite for iPhone. Both are lightweight, support domestic and international calls, and offer the service for free with optional premium features. Additionally, the apps can automatically upload audio recordings to Evernote, Google Drive, Facebook, Twitter, or send them as a mail attachment, so your actions remain hidden.
2. Anonymous call recording with another device
When we discussed how to record calls on Android, we mentioned you could use other devices. While effective, the recorder can be quite costly. Also, you typically need long-term physical access to the phone, and will have to set things up every time. Even worse, if you’re a professional recorder, it might get discovered by the victim.
3. Record calls anonymously with a spy software
Spy software or spyware also requires access to the target smartphone or tablet, but only once. When installed, it hides and can be made to reappear with a special passcode. For that reason, the victim will have no idea their activity is being broadcast. This is ideal for parents who need to keep track of their children, or people who need to feed their paranoia or confirm their suspicion.
Advantages of using spyware to record calls anonymously
While it is not recommended to use spyware to record or make anonymous phone calls, in some situations, it is justifiable. Here are some of the benefits of anonymously recording calls with spyware:
1. Real-time broadcast
As long as it’s connected to the Internet, though. So, you can listen in on phone calls and thus start and stop them, as they are being recorded.
2. Easy to use and install
Spyware doesn’t require rooting or jailbreaking and is installed by opening up a .apk, like any other app.
3. Dashboard
The Dashboard that controls the spyware app can be accessed from a browser on a computer or another phone. It also supports spying on not only Android and iOS devices simultaneously, but on multiple devices at once.
4. No installation on iOS
Spyware integrates with the iCloud account on the smartphone.
5. Compatible with a plethora of apps
Spyware can stay incognito while recording calls made via Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, Kakao, Line, Skype, Viber, etc.
6. Ambient Listening
Spyware will secretly call the target phone and record audio in its vicinity. This is handy if your call recording failed, didn’t upload, or you need to record a little more.
2. Downsides of using spyware to record calls anonymously
Here are some of the drawbacks of anonymously recording calls with spyware:
- The activity might be illegal in your state or country.
- You’ll usually have to pay. Most of the time, it’s a monthly subscription.
- In rare cases, a notification might tip off the victim.
- Spyware can shorten the device’s battery life.
- Google Play might scan the .apk file, deem it unsafe and block it. Fix it like this:
- Open Play Store and go to the menu in the top left corner.
- Select Play Protect > Settings > Toggle Scan device for security threats to off.
3. Do you recommend any spy software for anonymous call recording?
None in particular. Most spying software shares a similar Dashboard and features. We’d look at the price, and find the one with additional features you might need at the best price. To start your search, look into Minspy, OneSpy Hidden Call Recorder, or Spyzie.