How to Record Phone Calls on Android (Complete 2025 Guide)

There are many reasons you might want to record a phone call. Perhaps you’re conducting an interview, need to keep a record of a verbal agreement, or simply want to save a conversation with a loved one. Whatever the reason, recording calls on an Android phone can seem complicated. Due to privacy concerns and varying regulations, Google and device manufacturers have made the process less straightforward than it used to be.

This guide will demystify how to record phone calls on Android. We will explore the different methods available, from built-in dialer features to powerful third-party apps. We’ll also cover the essential legal considerations you must be aware of before you hit record. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and be able to choose the best solution for your needs.

First, A Critical Legal Disclaimer

Before you record any conversation, it is crucial to understand the law. Call recording legality varies significantly by country, state, and region. In the United States, laws generally fall into two categories:

• One-Party Consent: Federal law and the laws in most states require that only one person in the conversation needs to consent to the recording. Since you are the one initiating the recording, you fulfill this requirement.
• Two-Party (or All-Party) Consent: A number of states, including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, require that everyone in the conversation must consent to being recorded.

Failing to obtain proper consent can lead to serious legal consequences. To protect yourself, the best practice is always to inform the other party that the call is being recorded and get their verbal permission. Many built-in recording features automatically play an audio notification, such as “This call is now being recorded,” to handle this for you. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check your local laws.

Method 1: Use Your Phone’s Built-in Call Recorder

The easiest way to record a call is by using a feature built directly into your phone’s dialer app. However, this feature is not available on all Android devices. Its availability depends on your phone’s manufacturer, your carrier, and your geographical region.

Phones that use Google’s stock Phone app, such as Google Pixel devices, and many phones from manufacturers like Samsung, often have this capability.

How to Use the Google Phone App’s Recorder

If your device uses the standard Google Phone app, the process is simple. You’ll know this feature is available if you see a “Record” button on your screen during a call.

To record a single call:

1. Make or answer a phone call as you normally would.
2. Once the call is active, look at your in-call screen. Tap the Record button.
3. Both you and the other party will hear a notification stating that the call is being recorded. This is a non-negotiable privacy feature from Google.
4. To stop the recording, tap the Record button again. The recording will also stop automatically when the call ends.

To automatically record certain calls:

The Google Phone app also allows you to set rules for automatic recordings.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Tap on Call recording. If you don’t see this option, your device or region does not support it.
4. Under the “Always record” section, you can choose to record calls from Numbers not in your contacts or from Selected numbers.
5. If you choose Selected numbers, you can add specific contacts from your address book whose calls you always want to record.

Finding Your Recordings:
Recorded calls are saved directly on your device. You can find them in the Recents tab of your Phone app. Tap the name of the caller you recorded, and you’ll see a player for the recording in the call history.

How to Use Samsung’s Native Call Recorder

Samsung Galaxy devices running newer versions of One UI also have an integrated call recording feature within their native Phone app. The steps are very similar to Google’s app.

1. Open the Samsung Phone app and make or receive a call.
2. On the call screen, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Record call.
4. Like the Google app, participants are typically notified that the recording has started.
5. You can stop the recording from the same menu or by ending the call.

Recorded calls on Samsung devices are usually stored in the internal storage in a “Call” or “Recordings” folder and can also be accessed through the Phone app’s settings or the My Files app.

Method 2: Third-Party Call Recording Apps

If your phone doesn’t have a built-in recorder, your next best option is a third-party app from the Google Play Store. However, be aware that Google’s policies have made it increasingly difficult for these apps to function reliably. Many apps that once worked flawlessly on older Android versions now struggle to record the other side of the conversation.

These apps often require you to grant extensive permissions, particularly to Accessibility Services, to work around Android’s restrictions. Always read reviews and check recent compatibility before purchasing a premium version.

Here are a few of the more reputable apps that are known to work on modern Android versions, though your mileage may vary.

Cube ACR

Cube ACR is one of the most popular and technically advanced call recorders available. It not only records standard phone calls but also supports recording for VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Signal.

How it works:

1. Download Cube ACR from the Play Store and open it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to grant the necessary permissions, including app connector access through the accessibility menu. This step is critical for the app to function.
3. The app can be set to automatically record all calls or to ask you before recording each one.
4. When you’re in a call, a Cube ACR widget will appear on your screen, indicating that the call is being recorded. You can tap it to manage the recording.

Cube ACR offers a free, ad-supported version and a premium subscription that unlocks features like cloud backup and advanced recording formats.

Automatic Call Recorder Pro

Another long-standing option is Automatic Call Recorder Pro. It has a straightforward interface and focuses on doing one thing well: recording phone calls.

How it works:

1. Install the app and go through the initial permission setup.
2. In the settings, you can choose between automatic and manual recording modes.
3. You can also adjust the audio source and format, which can be helpful for troubleshooting if you find that recordings are silent or only capture your voice.
4. After a call, the recording appears in the app, where you can listen to it, add notes, or share it.

Like Cube ACR, this app may require some tweaking in the settings to find the combination that works for your specific device and Android version.

Method 3: Using Google Voice

If you use Google Voice for your phone number, it has a built-in, reliable method for recording incoming calls. This is a significant limitation—it does not work for outgoing calls. However, it’s free and works perfectly every time.

How to set up call recording in Google Voice:

1. Open the Google Voice app or go to the Google Voice website.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and find the Calls section.
4. Turn on the toggle for Incoming call options.

How to record a call:

1. Answer an incoming call to your Google Voice number on your phone.
2. Once the call connects, press the number 4 on your keypad.
3. An automated voice will announce that the call is being recorded. This ensures all-party consent is handled.
4. To stop the recording, press 4 again or simply hang up.

The recording is automatically saved to your Google Voice account. You can access it from the voicemail and recorded calls section of the app or website.

Method 4: Using an External Recording Device

If software solutions fail or you need the highest possible audio quality, an external hardware solution is a foolproof alternative. This method bypasses all of Android’s software restrictions.

The simplest way is to put your phone on speaker and use a second device—like another phone, a tablet, or a dedicated voice recorder—to capture the audio. While easy, the quality can be poor and will pick up any ambient noise.

For better quality, you can use a dedicated call recording headset or device that plugs into your phone’s USB-C port or 3.5mm headphone jack (if it has one). These devices physically tap into the audio signal, capturing both sides of the conversation cleanly. They often record to their own internal memory, which you can later transfer to a computer. This is the most reliable method, though it requires purchasing additional hardware.

Troubleshooting Call Recording Issues

• Only my voice is recorded: This is the most common issue with third-party apps on modern Android versions. Go into the app’s settings and try changing the “Audio Source.” Options like “Voice Communication,” “Voice Recognition,” or “Mic” might work differently on your device. You may also need to turn on the loudspeaker during the call for the app to capture the other person’s audio through the microphone.
• The “Record” button is missing or grayed out: This means your phone, carrier, or region does not support native call recording. It can also happen if you are in a conference call or using Wi-Fi calling, as some devices disable recording in these scenarios.
• Recordings are silent: Ensure you have granted all necessary permissions to the app, especially microphone access. Also, check that your phone’s battery saver mode is not interfering with the app’s background processes.

Making Your Choice

Choosing the right method to record phone calls on Android depends on your specific needs and device.

• For occasional recording with no fuss, check for a built-in feature first.
• If you only need to record incoming calls, Google Voice is a fantastic and free option.
• For more flexibility, including recording VoIP calls, a reputable third-party app like Cube ACR is a strong contender, but be prepared for some setup and potential troubleshooting.
• For guaranteed reliability and the highest quality, especially for professional use, an external recorder is the best investment.

By understanding these options and the legal landscape, you can confidently and responsibly record the conversations that matter to you.