Record a WhatsApp Call or Voice Note, Get the Transcript and Notes
WhatsApp does not let another app tap into a call it is running, so ScreenApp does not connect to WhatsApp directly. What works instead: on a desktop, record the WhatsApp Web or desktop app window with system audio, using the screen, window, browser tab, microphone and camera, with system audio, which also captures a video call’s picture along with the audio; on a phone, put the call on speaker and record it with the mobile app’s microphone; for a voice note, save the file from the chat and upload it, WhatsApp exports voice notes as OGG (Opus) and ScreenApp accepts that format directly.
15,404 calls were recorded and summarized on ScreenApp in the last 90 days, across sales, support, and client conversations. Reading the transcript and the notes instead of the recording turns a long WhatsApp call or a string of voice notes into a short read.
What you get with every recording:
- A transcript with speaker identification and timestamps, in 99 languages
- AI notes: a summary plus action items with an owner and deadline, and decisions listed separately
- search across recordings by name or transcript
- AI chat with any recording, so you can ask a follow-up question about what was said
- Export as PDF, DOCX, TXT, SRT and VTT
- Free plan: one recording of up to 45 minutes, with AI chat on it
Recordings are stored in your account and open on any device where you sign in.
How to Record a WhatsApp Call
- Pick your device: on a desktop, open the ScreenApp app or the Chrome extension and choose the WhatsApp Web or desktop app window as the recording source, with system audio on. On a phone, open the ScreenApp mobile app, put the WhatsApp call on speaker, and start recording.
- Record or upload: let a call recording run for its length. For a voice note, save the file from the chat and upload it instead of recording.
- Read the transcript: transcription and AI notes are ready a few minutes after you stop recording or finish uploading. Search the transcript, jump to a timestamp, or ask a question about the call.
Accuracy depends on the audio. A desktop recording with system audio enabled gives a cleaner transcript than a phone on speaker in a noisy room, and an uploaded voice note is only as clear as the original file. See how we measure accuracy.
WhatsApp Call Recorder vs Other Apps
| Feature | ScreenApp | Cube ACR | Rev Voice Recorder | TapeACall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Records WhatsApp directly | No, records the desktop window with system audio, the phone app on speaker, or an uploaded voice note | Yes, per its own site | No | No, merges a phone call into a recorded conference line |
| Free plan | one recording, up to 45 min | Not stated | Recording free, transcription billed per minute | Not stated |
| Screen or window recording | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | No |
| Voice note upload | Yes, OGG (Opus) and MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, OGG and FLAC | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| AI transcription | Included | Not stated | $0.25/min (AI), $1.99/min (human) | Not stated |
| Mobile app | iOS and Android apps | Android app | Not stated | iOS app |
| Paid plan | $19/month annual | Not stated | $25.49/month annual | Not stated |
Sources, checked 2026-09-12: developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/messages/audio-messages, screenapp.io/pricing, screenapp.io/help/how-many-minutes-can-i-record, screenapp.io/help/supported-file-types, rev.com/apps-and-tools/audio-transcription-app, rev.com/pricing, screenapp.io/mobile
- vs Cube ACR: Cube ACR is an Android app built to capture cellular and VoIP calls, including WhatsApp calls, and does not publish AI transcription or its own pricing on its site. ScreenApp does not tap into the WhatsApp call itself; it records the desktop window or a phone on speaker, then transcribes and summarizes the result from the free plan.
- vs Rev Voice Recorder: Rev’s recorder is free but AI transcription is billed per minute at $0.25, so a run of WhatsApp calls adds up. ScreenApp’s plans include transcription and AI notes.
- vs TapeACall: TapeACall records an actual phone call by merging it into a conference line; it does not record WhatsApp or take a voice note upload. TapeACall does not publish pricing or a free tier on its own site. ScreenApp records a desktop’s WhatsApp window with system audio, a call on speaker through the mobile app, or an uploaded voice note, with transcription included from the free plan.
Who Records WhatsApp Calls and Voice Notes
Families and friends abroad record calls with relatives who live overseas, or save a string of voice notes as a transcript they can search later.
Freelancers and consultants record a client call taken on WhatsApp, then read the transcript to check what was agreed instead of relying on memory.
Sales and support teams in markets where WhatsApp is a common business channel record the call the same way they would a Zoom call, or upload a client’s voice note for the notes.
Researchers and journalists record an interview taken on WhatsApp by putting the call on speaker or recording the desktop screen, then work from the transcript instead of relistening for a quote.
Tutors and language teachers record a one-on-one WhatsApp session, or upload a student’s voice note, and share the transcript for review.
FAQ
Can ScreenApp record a WhatsApp call directly?
No. WhatsApp does not let another app tap into the call itself, and ScreenApp does not connect to WhatsApp’s calling infrastructure. On a desktop, you record the WhatsApp Web or desktop app window with system audio using the screen, window, browser tab, microphone and camera, with system audio. On a phone, you put the call on speaker and record it with the mobile app’s microphone.
How do I record a WhatsApp call on a computer?
Open the ScreenApp desktop app or the Chrome extension, choose the WhatsApp Web or desktop app window as the source, and turn on system audio so both sides of the call are captured. Start the WhatsApp call as normal. When you stop recording, the transcript and AI notes are ready a few minutes later.
How do I record a WhatsApp call on a phone?
Put the WhatsApp call on speaker, open the ScreenApp mobile app, and start recording. The app’s microphone picks up both sides of the conversation. This captures audio only; a video call’s picture is only captured when you record the desktop window.
Can I get a transcript of a WhatsApp voice note?
Yes. Save the voice note from the chat and upload the file. WhatsApp exports voice notes as OGG (Opus), and ScreenApp accepts that along with MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, OGG and FLAC, then generates a transcript and AI notes the same way as a recorded call.
Does WhatsApp know if a call is being recorded?
No. Recording a desktop window or a phone on speaker happens outside WhatsApp’s own system, so the app has no way to detect it. Always tell the other person you are recording regardless of whether the app can tell.
Is recording a WhatsApp call legal?
Recording legality varies by region. Many jurisdictions require consent from all participants before recording a call. Always tell the other person you are recording and check the laws where you and they are located before you start.
How accurate is the transcript of a WhatsApp call or voice note?
Accuracy depends on the audio. Desktop recordings that capture system audio directly are cleaner than a phone on speaker in a noisy room, and an uploaded voice note is only as clear as the original file. Transcription supports 99 languages. See how we measure accuracy.
How long can I record a WhatsApp call for free?
The free plan includes one recording of up to 45 minutes, with the transcript, AI notes, and AI chat on that recording. Paid plans start at $19 a month billed annually and raise the limits.
Are my WhatsApp recordings private?
Yes. Recordings are encrypted with AES-256 and are not used to train AI models. A recording is only shared if you create a share link. ScreenApp’s security controls are published on its trust center.
