Because Android and iOS prevent apps from recording audio during an active phone call, the way to capture a call with Vinyl is to use two separate devices:
Device 1 — the device you make or receive the call on, with the call on speaker.
Device 2 — a second device running Vinyl, which captures the audio playing through Device 1's speaker.
There are two ways to set this up depending on what devices you have available.
Option A: Phone call on your phone, Vinyl on your computer (recommended)
This is the easiest setup for most people, especially when you're at a desk.
On your computer, go to app.usevinyl.com and log in.
Create a new meeting, give it a title (e.g. "Call with [Client Name]") and click Start Capturing. You don't need a meeting link for this.
On your phone, place or answer the call as normal.
Put the call on speaker and keep your phone close to your computer's microphone.
Vinyl will record the conversation through your computer's microphone as it plays through your phone's speaker.
When the call ends, stop the recording in Vinyl on your computer.
Tips for best audio quality:
Place your phone as close to your computer's built-in microphone as possible, typically near the bottom edge of a laptop.
Keep background noise to a minimum.
Set your phone speaker volume high enough to be clearly audible.
Option B: Phone call on one phone, Vinyl on a second phone
If you're not near a computer, you can use a second mobile device instead.
On your second device (another phone or tablet), open the Vinyl app and log in.
Tap the Record button, add a meeting title, and start recording.
On your primary phone, make or receive the call and put it on speaker.
Hold or place your primary phone near the second device's microphone.
When the call ends, stop the recording in Vinyl on the second device.
Once you stop the recording, Vinyl will process the audio and generate a transcript and summary as it would for any in-person or online meeting. You'll find it in your Recordings list.
If the recording doesn't appear immediately, check the Recovery screen in the mobile app, tap your initials in the top right corner to find it.
Alternative: Upload a natively recorded call (Samsung only)
Some Samsung devices support built-in call recording, depending on your region. If your device has this feature enabled:
Record the call using your phone's native call recorder (Phone app → three-dot menu → Settings → Record calls).
Once the call is saved to your device, go to app.usevinyl.com/in-person-recording on your computer.
Upload the audio file — Vinyl will process it and generate a transcript and summary.
Note: Samsung's native call recording is not available in all regions due to local laws. If you don't see the option in your Phone settings, it's not available on your device in your location.
FAQ
Can I use earphones or a headset instead of speaker?
No, if the call audio is going into your ear through headphones, it won't be audible to Vinyl's microphone. The call needs to play out loud through the speaker for the second device to capture it.
Will Vinyl capture both sides of the conversation?
Yes, as long as your phone's speaker is loud enough and positioned close to the recording device. Both your voice and the other person's voice will be captured through the microphone.
What if I'm on the road and don't have a second device?
The two-device method does require a second device. If you regularly take calls on the road, consider keeping a tablet or spare phone for this purpose, or use a VoIP or softphone system (such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom phone) so your calls go through your computer where Vinyl can capture them directly.
What about VoIP or internet-based calls?
If you make calls through an internet-based phone system (Teams, Zoom Phone, Google Meet, etc.), you can join on your computer and Vinyl will capture the call directly, no second device needed. This is the most seamless option if your phone system supports it.