Does the Desktop App Save an Audio Recording?

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Wondering where your meeting recording went? What Fireflies saves depends on how you captured the meeting.

With Take Notes, Fireflies captures system audio from your device and generates a transcript and summary, but it does not save a separate audio or video file. If you need a saved audio or video recording, use the Fireflies Notetaker instead.

Keep Your Capture Active
When using Take Notes, the Live Assist pane opens during the meeting while capture is active. Keep an eye on it and check the capture pill to make sure your capture is still running. If the capture is interrupted, the no-bot session may not be recoverable.

🎙 What Does Each Capture Method Save?

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Take Notes (No Bot)

Fireflies Notetaker (Bot)

Notes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Transcript

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Audio recording file

❌ No

✅ Yes

Video recording file

❌ No

✅ Yes

Bot joins the meeting

❌ No

✅ Yes

🎙 Take Notes: Notes and Transcript, No Recording File

When you select Take Notes, Fireflies captures system audio directly from your device without adding the Notetaker to the meeting.

After the meeting, Fireflies generates your transcript and summary. It does not save a separate audio or video file that you can replay later.

Take Notes is useful when you want to capture a conversation without adding a visible bot to the meeting. It can also be used for supported calls and apps, including phone calls, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Aircall, and Discord.

🤖 Need a Saved Recording? Use the Notetaker

If you need a replayable audio or video recording, use Fireflies Notetaker.

When the Notetaker joins the meeting, Fireflies saves the meeting's audio and video recordings along with the transcript, notes, and other meeting information.

The Notetaker also supports features that aren't available with system audio capture, including speaker labels and Sales Assist.

🔎 How to Choose

Use Take Notes when:

  • You want notes and a transcript.

  • You don't want a Fireflies bot to join the meeting.

  • You don't need a saved audio or video recording.

  • You're capturing a supported phone call, app, or in-person conversation.

Use Fireflies Notetaker when:

  • You need a saved audio or video recording.

  • You need speaker labels.

  • You need Sales Assist.

  • You want the Notetaker to join the meeting as a participant.

Not sure which capture method is right for you? See Bot vs. No Bot: Which Capture Am I Using? for a detailed comparison and tips on identifying which method is running.

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