Short answer: You can record a meeting using the platform's built-in recording (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet all have one, often admin-gated), or an AI note taker that captures the call — either bot-free from your device or with a bot that joins the call. Always confirm recording is allowed and tell participants first. An AI note taker adds a transcript and summary automatically.
The ways to record a meeting
- Built-in recording: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet each have native recording, but it's often limited to paid plans or locked by an admin, and it gives you a video file, not notes
- Bot-free AI capture: a note taker records the call's audio directly from your device (on Mac and Chromium browsers), so nothing joins the meeting
- Bot-based AI capture: a note taker sends a bot into the call to record it — works on any device and even when you're not there
- In person: record through your device's microphone
The consent step you shouldn't skip
Before recording, confirm it's allowed under your jurisdiction's rules and your organization's policies, and tell participants the meeting is being recorded. Bot-free recording is discreet — no bot appears in the call — which makes getting consent your responsibility, not the tool's.
Getting notes, not just a recording
A raw recording still leaves you to watch it back. An AI note taker records and then transcribes and summarizes automatically, so you get a searchable transcript and a structured summary with action items. CraftNote records bot-free on Mac and Chromium browsers or with an optional bot on any device, in 80+ languages, and runs its own transcription — so it doesn't need the platform's recording or admin settings turned on. See CraftNote for Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
Common Questions
Do I need a paid plan to record a Zoom or Teams meeting?
The platforms' built-in recording is often limited to paid plans or gated by an admin. An AI note taker like CraftNote runs its own recording and transcription, so it works regardless of the platform's plan.
Can I record a meeting without a bot joining?
Yes, on Mac and Chromium browsers CraftNote records the call's audio directly, so nothing joins the meeting. On mobile or other browsers you can send an optional bot.
Do I need consent to record a meeting?
Confirm recording is allowed under your jurisdiction and policies, and tell participants first. This is especially important with bot-free recording, since no bot visibly signals that recording is happening.
Turn this into action with CraftNote
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