Advertisement

How To

How to record your calls: Skype, Hangouts and WhatsApp

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

  • Updated:

Recording conversations that take place over voice or video calls is no longer the reserve of spy movies and dodgy cops. Now, anybody can do it and it is easier than ever. Think about it, pretty much all types of long-distance conversation are easier than ever so it makes sense that recording them would be too. Just think, thanks to Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and other programs too, you can now video call friends, family, and colleagues all over the world for free.

How to record video calls skype whatsapp hangouts

How to record your calls: Skype, Hangouts and WhatsApp

Now there could be many reasons why you want to record your calls. You could be interviewing somebody for a podcast or need a record of certain important information. As we always say here at Softonic, we’re not concerned about the why. We’re here to help you with the how. Without further ado then, let’s get started on how to record video calls on WhatsApp on Apple and Android devices, and Hangouts and Skype on a Windows PC or Mac.

How to record video calls on Skype

Skype has a call recording function built into the app as standard. This means that recording your Skype calls is as simple as pressing a couple of buttons. There is no need to install any third-party apps.

The Skype video call function only works for Skype-to-Skype calls. The other thing you need to consider is that, in the interests of privacy, all participants in a call will be notified that somebody is recording the call, as soon as they hit record. The recording will then be posted in the call chat box once the call ends or the recording function is switched off. You can record Skype calls for up to 24 hours, with longer calls being broken up into multiple files, and all recordings will be saved to the cloud meaning you don’t need to worry about local storage space on your device. Once the call has been posted to the calls chat box, you’ll have 30 days to download the recording.

This is how to record audio and video calls on Skype

1 – During your Skype call hit the ellipsis (three vertical dots) menu icon to open the Options menu.

2 – On Skype for desktop you’ll see a button labelled Start recording. Hit this to begin recording your call. If you’re using Skype on a mobile device, look for the button with a circular record icon next to the words Start recording. Pressing this will begin the recording.

How to record video calls on Google Hangouts

google hangouts calling

Google Hangouts also has a built-in call recording function, which means you won’t need to install any third-party apps or programs to record calls. The problem, however, is that the function is only available for certain types of G Suite subscriptions. This means it is only available for G Suite Enterprise and G Suite Education users. If this applies to you, follow our instructions below. If it doesn’t, scroll down to the instructions we’ll give on recording WhatsApp calls and calls from other video call apps where we’ll tell you how to record calls using a third-party screen recording app.

Hangouts Download now
6

This is how to record calls on Google Hangouts

1 – Start or join a video call either by clicking the meeting link or going to Hangouts and hitting the VIDEO CALL option.

2 – Once all members of the meeting have joined the call, click the ellipsis menu icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the options menu.

3 – Hit the Record meeting option at the top of the menu and wait for your recording to start. To finish the recording hit the ellipsis menu icon again and then press Stop recording.

NB – Like with Skype, all members of the call will receive a notification telling them the call is being recorded. The call will then be saved on the Google Drive of the meeting admin in a folder called Meet Recordings. The admin will also receive an email containing a download link.

How to record WhatsApp video calls

Whatsapp group video calls 4 people

To record a video call on WhatsApp you’re going to need to download a third-party video call recorder app that will record everything happening on your device’s screen. If you have an iPhone running iOS 11 then your phone already has a screen recording feature. If not, then you need to download a screen recording app and we recommend Go Record: Screen Recorder as an excellent option. If you are using WhatsApp on an Android phone, we recommend you download and install ADV Screen Recorder.

It is worth noting that once you have either of the apps we’ve listed or are using an iPhone running iOS 11 or above, you can follow the instructions below to record calls on any video call apps you have on your mobile device.

WhatsApp Messenger Download Now ►
8
Go Record: Screen Recorder for iPhone Download now
7
ADV Screen Recorder for Android Download now
8

This is how to record calls on WhatsApp

1 – Open your screen recorder app or feature.

2 – Minimize the app and then open WhatsApp too.

3 – Start your video call with your selected contact/contacts.

4 – Open up your screen recording app and hit the record button.

5 – Go back to your call and have your conversation as you normally would. You can end the recording any time by going back to your app and terminating the record function.

NB – This method for recording calls is a little more discreet than the two official methods outlined above for Skype and Hangouts. There are no automatic notifications sent here so it could be a good idea to let everybody who is involved in the call know that you’re recording the conversation. The other thing to consider with this method is that your recording will be saved in among all the other recordings you make with your screen recording app. This means it would be a good idea to immediately rename your call recording so that it doesn’t get lost in all the other video files.

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney is a news reporter for Softonic, keeping readers up to date on everything affecting their favorite apps and programs. His beat includes social media apps and sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat. Patrick also covers antivirus and security issues, web browsers, the full Google suite of apps and programs, and operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android.

Latest from Patrick Devaney

Editorial Guidelines