Agree on the purpose and audience
Before pressing record, explain what you hope to preserve, where the file will be stored and whether it may be shared. Ask if any topics are off limits. Consent is a continuing choice: the speaker may pause, skip a question or ask to remove a section later.
Prepare the phone and room
Charge the phone, free enough storage, turn on Do Not Disturb and place it on a stable surface close to the speaker. Soft furnishings reduce echo. Record a one-minute test and listen with headphones; a visible waveform does not guarantee understandable speech.
Begin with identification and an easy prompt
At the start, say the date, place, interviewer and speaker, then confirm permission on the recording. Begin with a photograph, object, home or ordinary routine. Questions with a concrete anchor are easier than “Tell me your whole life story.”
Listen for details worth following
Use short follow-ups: “What happened next?”, “Who was there?” or “What did that place feel like?” Avoid correcting dates during the story. Note possible factual questions for later so the interview remains a conversation rather than a test.
Keep the first session short
Twenty to forty minutes can be enough, especially when the speaker tires easily. Watch for discomfort and stop while the experience still feels good. End by asking what should have been asked and whether another person might add context.
Back up, label and protect the original
Export the original audio without trimming it. Name it with interview ID, date and speaker, then store two copies in different places. Create edited clips only from a duplicate. Record consent and any sharing restrictions beside the file.
Common questions
Clear before you continue.
What app should I use?
The built-in voice recorder is often enough. Reliability, understandable audio and a clear export path matter more than advanced effects.
Should I record video too?
Only if the speaker is comfortable and the added setup will not make the visit harder. Audio alone can preserve voice and story very well.
Can I post the recording online?
Not without specific permission for that audience. Family consent to record does not automatically mean consent to public distribution.
Sources and further reading
Wiserta summarizes these resources for practical family use. Repository rules and record availability can change; verify details with the holding institution.
A useful next step