Is it legal to record a call in California?
In California, recording phone calls generally follows All-party consent. Here's what that means in plain language — with the source and what you can and can't do.
Consent required from everyone All-party
Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call. Confidential and cellular or cordless calls generally require all-party consent.
- Ask and get everyone's agreement before recording.
- State clearly that the call is being recorded.
- Don't record secretly — even calls you take part in.
- Don't keep or share a recording made without consent.
⚖ Informational only — not legal advice. This data may be out of date and laws change often — always verify your country's current legislation (tap the source link above) before recording, and consult a qualified lawyer for your specific case.
Backed by a real court ruling
Case law
Kearney v. Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. — California Supreme Court, 2006
California's all-party-consent recording law reaches calls made into California even by an out-of-state caller.
Read the ruling →More places with All-party rules
Frequently asked
Is it legal to record phone calls in California?
Consent required from everyone. Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call. Confidential and cellular or cordless calls generally require all-party consent.
Do I need the other person's consent to record a call in California?
Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call.
Keep a record of your calls.
Klear can record calls on supported Android devices. Before recording, check the rules that apply to your call and get consent when required.