Telling people you are recording

Simple habits for letting people know before a recording starts

This page shares everyday habits. It does not tell you what the law allows where you or the other people are, and following it does not make any recording allowed. The rules on recording conversations differ from place to place, and some places require everyone in the conversation to agree. You are responsible for knowing and following the rules that apply to you.

1. Say it before you start

The clearest habit is to say it out loud at the start, before anything important is said. For example:

"I record my meetings so I do not miss anything. Is that all right with everyone?"
"Before we begin, I would like to record this call for my notes. Any objection?"

Wait for an answer. If someone says no, or seems unsure, do not record.

2. Put it in the invitation

For a planned meeting, add one line to the calendar invite or the email that sets it up, such as "I will be recording this meeting for my own notes." People then know before they arrive, and can tell you ahead of time if they would rather you did not.

3. Remind anyone who joins late

Someone who joins after the start did not hear your first question. Tell them when they arrive, and ask again.

4. Stop when someone asks

If anyone asks you to stop, stop the recording straight away. If someone asks you to delete a recording of them, take that request seriously.

5. Keep it to what you need

Record the conversations you actually need to remember. Avoid recording private moments, or people who do not know they are being recorded, such as a phone left running in a room.