Guide
Can I record my lectures?
Usually you can, with permission. Three things decide it: your school’s policy, your professor, and the law where you study. Here is what each one means, in plain English.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026.
The three things that decide it
- 1. Your school’s policy. Most colleges have their own rules about recording classes, often in the student handbook, the syllabus or the disability services office. These apply on top of the law, so start here.
- 2. Your professor. Many professors allow recording for personal study if you ask. Some courses, such as clinical or discussion-based classes, may restrict it to protect classmates and patients.
- 3. State and federal law. According to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, federal law requires the consent of at least one party to a conversation. About 11 states mainly require the consent of everyone, including California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Washington. Whether a lecture counts as a private conversation is a legal question we cannot answer for you.
What to ask your professor
- May I record lectures for my own study?
- Is there anything I should not record, such as class discussion or guest speakers?
- May I use an app that writes notes from the recording?
- Can I keep the recording after the course ends?
Recording as a disability accommodation
- Recording can be approved as an accommodation through your school’s disability services office.
- Agreements commonly say the recording is for your own study, may not be shared without the lecturer’s consent, and must be destroyed at the end of the semester. Johns Hopkins’ agreement is one example.
- If you have an accommodation agreement, its terms apply to every app you use, including Tregox Go.
Questions students ask
Is it illegal to record a professor without asking?
It depends on your state, your school’s rules and the setting. Some states require everyone’s consent, and most schools have their own policy. The safe path is to check your school’s policy and ask your professor before you record.
Can I share a recorded lecture with classmates?
Often not without permission. Lectures can be the professor’s work, and classmates may be recorded too. Ask your professor, and follow any accommodation agreement you signed.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is general information to help you ask the right questions. For advice about your situation, talk to your school or a lawyer licensed in your state.
Does Tregox Go record other people’s calls or meetings?
Tregox Go is built for recording your own lectures in the browser on your phone or laptop. Use it only where you are allowed to record.