How to record a conversation with your parent on your phone

1. What you need

Have your charged phone, a charger or power bank and a few questions ready. For audio, use the recording app on your phone, such as Voice Memos on an iPhone, or use the camera for video. Check that you know how to start, stop and find the saved file.

2. Choose a comfortable place

Sit beside or opposite each other in a quiet room with curtains, a rug or soft furniture. Turn off the television and radio, and close the window if there is traffic noise. For video, choose a spot with light on the face, without a bright window behind your parent.

3. Position and set up your phone

Place the phone securely on a table or in a holder, about an arm’s length away. Keep the microphone uncovered and avoid touching the phone while talking. Turn on Do Not Disturb and check exceptions for calls and notifications. Check free storage; video uses more space than audio. Charge beforehand and keep a charger nearby. With an external microphone connected, check whether you can charge at the same time.

4. Make a test recording

Record thirty seconds with both of you speaking at your normal volume. Stop and listen back, preferably through earphones. Can you hear both voices clearly, without noise or crackling? Move the phone closer or quieten the room, then test again. If you use a clip microphone, check that the recording app actually uses it. Also test whether recording continues when the screen locks.

5. Start the conversation

Start a new recording and check that the timer is running. Say the date and your names. Try asking: “What was an ordinary day like when you were little?” Allow pauses and follow up with: “What else do you remember about that?” Avoid speaking over each other and take a break whenever you want.

6. Save and upload after the conversation

Stop recording and play back the beginning and end. Give the file a name such as “2026-10-01-mum-childhood”. Keep the original file and an extra copy. If you use Abrevity, open your project and upload the recording to the right conversation. If needed, use Share or Export in your recording app to save the file first. Wait for the upload to finish and check that the recording is available before deleting anything from your phone.

Recommended recording kit

Planning to record more conversations? We recommend a simple tripod with a phone holder and a wireless clip microphone for your phone. Here is what to look for:

• Tripod with phone holder Choose a stable base and a holder that fits your phone with its case. For video, you should be able to position the camera at eye level. Check that the holder supports both landscape and portrait positions and leaves the charging port accessible.
• Wireless clip microphone Choose a kit with a receiver that matches your phone’s connection: USB-C or Lightning. Check explicitly that it works with your phone and recording app; a matching plug alone is not enough.
• Both voices and battery life A kit with two transmitters lets you each wear a microphone. If your parent wears a single clip microphone, test whether your questions are audible too. Do not assume the phone microphone records at the same time. Check the battery life of both transmitters and receiver, and whether the phone can charge during use.
• Placement and testing Attach the microphone near the collar, away from hair, jewellery and rubbing fabric. Always make a test recording with the full kit. Keep its instructions together so you can quickly check the connection next time.