Why Truecaller Is Ending Call Recording on iPhones
Truecaller call recording on iPhones will officially stop working after September 30, 2025. The announcement has left many iOS users wondering why the feature is being removed and what they should do to save existing recordings. This change comes just two years after the company introduced the functionality for paying users. According to Truecaller, the decision centers around focusing on what it does best: spam call protection and Live Caller ID. Apple’s ecosystem has always posed limitations for third-party apps attempting to record calls, and with new native features introduced in iOS 18.1, Truecaller is stepping back from its own recording solution.
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Apple’s iOS is well known for its security and privacy standards, making third-party call recording difficult without workarounds. Truecaller previously relied on a merged call technique using a dedicated recording line, which increased operational costs and created friction for users. By eliminating this feature, Truecaller can concentrate resources on improving its core tools, including automatic spam detection and real-time caller identification. If you're an iPhone user relying on Truecaller for recordings, now is the time to export or transfer your saved files before access is lost.
How iOS Limitations and Apple Features Led to This Decision
Apple has long prevented third-party apps from directly recording calls on iPhones. Unlike Android, which offers greater flexibility to developers, iOS enforces strict privacy controls that make native call recording impossible without using extra steps. To overcome this, Truecaller introduced a workaround via a recording line, where your call would be merged with another number that recorded the conversation. While functional, this system required additional taps, permissions, and higher backend costs for Truecaller — creating a less-than-ideal experience for both users and the company itself.
The landscape changed again when Apple rolled out iOS 18.1 in 2024, adding native call recording and AI-powered transcription for iPhone users. Apple’s system integrates smoothly with the device and requires no external lines, offering an easier and more secure way to record calls. With Apple offering an official solution, Truecaller’s workaround became increasingly redundant. Rather than compete, Truecaller is stepping away and doubling down on services that Apple doesn’t natively offer — like advanced spam blocking and community-powered caller ID tools.
What Truecaller Users Should Do Before September 30
If you’re using Truecaller call recording on iPhone, there are a few key steps to take before the September 30 cutoff. First, download any saved recordings to your device for safekeeping. You can do this by opening each recording and using the share option to send it to your email, WhatsApp, or other storage service. Alternatively, switch your settings to store recordings in iCloud to keep them accessible after the feature goes offline. Truecaller has also created a dedicated help page with detailed steps and support for users who need assistance during the transition.
It’s important to act soon, especially if you rely on call recordings for work, legal, or personal reasons. While the feature will stop recording new calls, existing files won’t be deleted — but access could become limited if not stored properly. Android users remain unaffected for now, as the call recording feature continues to function normally on that platform. However, even Android users may want to back up their recordings regularly, given that app-based features can change with future OS updates or policy shifts.
What the Future Holds for Truecaller on iOS
Moving forward, Truecaller is refocusing on its flagship features: real-time spam protection, Live Caller ID, and automatic call blocking. These tools are increasingly vital, especially with robocalls, telemarketing, and scam calls on the rise globally. Nakul Kabra, head of iOS at Truecaller, emphasized that the company’s mission remains rooted in giving users a safer, more transparent communication experience. By letting go of the recording feature, Truecaller is freeing up development resources to improve the accuracy, speed, and usability of its core services on iPhones.
This shift aligns with broader industry trends. As native OS features become more advanced, third-party developers are increasingly tasked with finding new ways to provide value. For iOS users who need call recording, Apple’s new built-in option fills the gap Truecaller leaves behind. Meanwhile, those who rely on robust spam protection and caller identity tools can expect even better performance from Truecaller in the coming months. Whether or not call recording returns in another form, it’s clear that Truecaller is evolving with the iOS ecosystem — and putting its core mission front and center.
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