Recording Encounters on iOS
Article Type: User Guide
Target Audience: iOS Users
Last Updated: January 2026
Overview
Learn how to effectively record patient encounters using Ambient Scribe on your iPhone, including tips for optimal audio quality and managing recordings.
Starting a New Recording
Quick Start
Open Ambient Scribe
Tap the large Record button on the home screen
The recording indicator turns red when active
Begin your patient conversation
With Patient Context (EHR Users)
If you launch from your EHR:
Select the patient in your EHR
Launch Ambient Scribe from the EHR
Patient context is automatically loaded
Tap Record to begin
Recording Best Practices
Optimal Setup
Position: Hold phone 12-18 inches from conversation
Environment: Choose a quiet location when possible
Orientation: Keep phone stationary during recording
Battery: Ensure phone has adequate charge (20%+ recommended)
Audio Quality Tips
Do | Don't |
Speak clearly at normal volume | Whisper or speak too loudly |
Position phone between speakers | Cover the microphone |
Use in quiet environments | Record near noisy equipment |
Keep phone stationary | Move phone during recording |
Pause and Resume
When to Pause
Use pause when:
- Taking a phone call
- Patient needs privacy (changing, etc.)
- Stepping out temporarily
- Non-clinical conversation occurs
How to Pause
Tap the Pause button during recording
The timer pauses
Audio capture stops
How to Resume
Tap Resume when ready
Recording continues from where you paused
All content is combined in the final note
Background Recording
Ambient Scribe supports recording while using other apps:
How It Works
Start a recording normally
Press the Home button or switch apps
A red banner shows "Ambient Scribe is recording"
Recording continues in the background
Returning to the App
Tap the red banner to return to Ambient Scribe
Or open the app normally from the home screen
Your recording is still active
Important Notes
Background recording uses more battery
Some iOS features may interrupt recording
Lock Screen Behavior
While Recording
Recording continues when screen locks
Audio indicator appears on lock screen
Unlock to access full controls
Controls on Lock Screen
View elapsed time
No pause/stop available (unlock required)
Notification shows recording status
Ending a Recording
Standard End
Tap the End Encounter button
Confirm you want to end the recording
Wait for processing to begin
What Happens Next
Audio is uploaded for processing
Transcription is generated
Note is created using your template
You're notified when ready
Processing Time
Short encounters (< 10 min): 1-2 minutes
Medium encounters (10-30 min): 2-5 minutes
Long encounters (30+ min): 5-10 minutes
Recording Indicators
Indicator | Meaning |
🔴 Red dot | Actively recording |
⏸️ Pause icon | Recording paused |
✅ Checkmark | Complete |
Managing Recording Quality
Check Audio Levels
Watch the audio level indicator
Peaks should reach middle of range
Consistent levels indicate good positioning
If Quality Seems Poor
Move phone closer to speakers
Reduce background noise
Check microphone isn't blocked
Consider using a lapel microphone
External Microphones
Ambient Scribe supports external microphones:
Compatible Options
Apple EarPods/AirPods
Lightning microphones
Bluetooth headsets
USB-C audio adapters (newer iPhones)
Setup
Connect your external microphone
iOS automatically routes audio
Test with a short recording first
Troubleshooting Recordings
Recording Won't Start
Check microphone permission is enabled
Close and reopen the app
Restart iPhone if issue persists
Recording Stops Unexpectedly
Disable Low Power Mode
Check available storage (need at least 500MB)
Ensure app has background refresh enabled
Poor Audio Quality
Check phone case isn't blocking microphone
Move closer to conversation
Reduce ambient noise
Clean microphone opening with soft brush
Recording Not Uploading
Check internet connection
Switch between WiFi and cellular
Force close and reopen app
Recording will retry automatically
Data Usage
Cellular Usage
Recording Length | Approximate Data |
10 minutes | 5-10 MB |
30 minutes | 15-30 MB |
60 minutes | 30-60 MB |
WiFi Recommended
Use WiFi for longer recordings
Reduces cellular data usage
Often faster upload speeds
Privacy During Recording
Patient Notification
Inform patients that you're using an AI scribe
Recording is for clinical documentation only
Data handling follows HIPAA requirements
What's Recorded
All audio while recording is active
Paused periods are not recorded
No video is captured
Related Articles
Need Help?
Having trouble with recordings? Contact support with details about your device and the issue you're experiencing.