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Recording Phone Calls with Wave

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Wave lets you record, transcribe, and summarize your phone calls automatically. Whether you're making a new call or need to record one that's already in progress, Wave captures every word and turns it into searchable notes.

What You'll Need

  • Wave Premium subscription – Phone recording is a premium feature

  • Verified phone number – Your number becomes your caller ID

Setting Up: Verify Your Phone Number

Before you can record calls, you need to verify your phone number. This links your number to Wave so recipients see your real caller ID.

How to Verify:

  1. Open Wave and tap the Phone tab at the bottom

  2. Tap Verify Your Number

  3. Enter your phone number and tap Call Me to Verify

  4. You'll see a 6-digit code displayed on screen – keep this screen open

  5. Answer the incoming call from Wave

  6. When prompted, enter the code using your phone's keypad

  7. The screen will automatically update once verified

Tip: The verification call typically arrives within 30 seconds. Make sure you can receive calls before starting.

Making a New Recorded Call

Use this when you want to place a call directly through Wave.

Steps:

  1. Go to the Phone tab and make sure you're on Keypad

  2. Enter a phone number using the keypad, or tap the contact icon to select from your contacts

  3. Tap the green call button

  4. A confirmation will appear reminding you the call will be recorded – tap OK

  5. Wave connects the call. Wait for the green "Call Connected" banner before speaking

  6. When finished, tap End Call

During the Call:

  • Speaker toggle – Switch between earpiece and speaker

  • Recording indicator – Shows recording duration in real-time

  • Call timer – Displays total call length

Your transcript and summary will be ready moments after you hang up.

Recording a Call Already in Progress

Already on a call and want to start recording? Wave can join and record using a bridge call.

How It Works:

  1. While on your existing call, open Wave

  2. Go to the Phone tab

  3. Tap Record Ongoing Call

  4. Tap Continue on the confirmation dialog

  5. You'll receive an incoming call from Wave – answer it

  6. Put your original call on hold (use your phone's hold button)

  7. Merge the calls when prompted (tap "Merge" on your phone's call screen)

Once merged, Wave records the conversation. When you end the call, your transcript and summary will process automatically.

Important: The merge feature uses your phone's native call controls. On iPhone, you'll see a "Merge Calls" option after answering the Wave call.

Finding Your Recordings

After a call ends:

  1. Your recording appears in the Waves list on the home screen

  2. Tap it to view the full transcript and AI-generated summary

  3. Play back the audio, share via link, or export as PDF

You can also access recent calls from the Recents tab in the Phone section – tap any call to view its transcript or redial the number.

Troubleshooting

Verification call not arriving?

  • Check that your phone can receive calls (not on Do Not Disturb)

  • Ensure you entered the correct country code

  • Try again after a minute

Call not connecting?

  • Verify you have a stable internet connection

  • Make sure you've verified your phone number

  • Check that you have an active Wave Premium subscription

Bridge call merge not working?

  • Ensure your carrier supports 3-way calling

  • Try putting the first call on hold before answering Wave's call

  • The merge option appears in your phone's native call screen, not in Wave

Recording Consent

Always inform the other party that you are recording. Recording laws vary by location – some require all parties to consent. It's your responsibility to comply with local regulations. When in doubt, ask for permission at the start of the call.

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