Android phones can record calls using built-in features or third-party apps, depending on your phone model and state laws

Most Android phones include a call recording feature in the Phone app, though the location and name vary by manufacturer. Samsung phones typically have a "Record" button that appears during a call. Google Pixel phones added native recording in Android 12 and later. Other brands like OnePlus, Motorola, and Nokia may have recording built in, or you may need to download an app from the Google Play Store.

Before recording, check your state's laws. Some states require both parties to consent to recording; others require only the person doing the recording to know about it. Recording without proper consent can result in criminal charges. If you are unsure about your state's rules, search "[your state] two-party consent recording" or contact your state's attorney general's office.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung, Google Pixel, and some other Android phones have built-in call recording; look for a "Record" button during an active call.
  • If your phone does not have native recording, apps like Cube Call Recorder, Automatic Call Recorder, and TapeACall are available on Google Play Store.
  • Two-party consent states require both people on the call to know they are being recorded; one-party consent states require only you to know.
  • Recorded calls are usually saved as audio files in your phone's storage or in the app itself, and you can share them via email or messaging apps.

Check if your phone has built-in call recording

Open the Phone app and make a test call to a friend or voicemail. During the call, look at the on-screen buttons. If you see a "Record" button, your phone has native recording. On Samsung phones, the button usually appears in the bottom row of call controls. On Google Pixel phones running Android 12 or later, it appears in the same location.

If no record button appears, your phone does not have built-in recording. In that case, you will need to download a third-party app. Close the Phone app and move to the next section.

How to record a call on Samsung phones

Start a call through the Phone app. Once the call is connected and the person answers, look at the bottom of the screen. Tap the three-dot menu icon, then tap "Record." The app will show a red recording indicator and a timer. The other person will not hear a notification that recording has started, though some carriers play a periodic beep to remind both parties.

When the call ends, the recording is saved automatically. Open the Phone app, go to the "Recents" tab, find the call you recorded, and tap and hold it. Select "View details" or "Call details" to see options for playing or sharing the recording. The file is stored in your phone's internal storage, usually in a folder called "Recordings" or within the Phone app itself.

How to record a call on Google Pixel phones

Google Pixel phones running Android 12 or later record calls automatically without you pressing a button. When you receive a call, the Phone app displays a message saying "This call is being recorded" at the top of the screen. The recording starts when you answer and stops when the call ends.

After the call, open the Phone app and go to "Recents." Tap the call you want to find, then tap "Call details." You should see a "Recordings" section with a link to play or download the audio file. Recordings are stored in Google Drive by default on newer Pixel models, though you can change this in the Phone app settings.

Using a third-party call recording app

If your phone does not have built-in recording, open Google Play Store and search for "call recorder." Popular options include Cube Call Recorder, Automatic Call Recorder, and TapeACall. Read the reviews and check the permissions each app requests before downloading. Most free versions record calls but may add watermarks or limit storage.

After installing, open the app and grant it permission to access your phone, microphone, and call logs. The app will usually ask you to set it as the default call handler or to enable it in your phone's accessibility settings. Make a test call to confirm recording works. During a call, the app will show a floating button or notification that you tap to start recording. When the call ends, the app saves the file to its internal storage or to your phone's file system.

Some apps like TapeACall require a paid subscription to record calls longer than a few minutes. Others like Cube Call Recorder offer unlimited recording in the free version but may show ads. Compare features and costs before committing to one app.

Where recorded calls are stored and how to share them

Built-in recordings on Samsung phones are usually stored in a "Recordings" folder accessible through the Files app or the Phone app itself. On Google Pixel phones, recordings go to Google Drive unless you change the setting in the Phone app. Third-party apps store recordings in their own folders, which you can access through the Files app or the app's own interface.

To share a recording, open the Files app or the app where it is stored, find the audio file, and tap "Share." You can send it via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage. Some apps have a built-in share button that makes this faster. Be aware that sharing a recording of someone without their knowledge may violate your state's consent laws, even if recording it was legal.

Understanding consent laws before you record

The United States has two types of recording consent laws. In one-party consent states, you can record a call as long as you know about it — the other person does not have to know. In two-party consent states, both people on the call must know and agree to the recording.

Two-party consent states include California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. If you live in one of these states and record a call without the other person's knowledge, you can face criminal charges and civil lawsuits. If you live in a one-party consent state, you can record without telling the other person, but it is still a good idea to inform them for legal clarity.

If you are calling someone in a different state, the laws of both states may apply. For example, if you live in a one-party consent state but call someone in California, California's two-party consent law may control. When in doubt, ask the other person for permission before recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the other person hear a beep when I start recording?

It depends on your phone and carrier. Some carriers play a periodic beep to remind both parties that recording is happening. Others do not. Built-in recording on Samsung and Pixel phones does not automatically announce recording to the other person, though your carrier may still play a reminder beep. Third-party apps typically do not trigger a beep unless your carrier requires it.

Can I record a call with someone in another country?

Technically yes, but the laws of both countries may apply. Many countries outside the United States have strict recording laws that require consent from all parties. Recording an international call without the other person's knowledge could violate their country's laws, even if it is legal in yours. Always ask permission before recording international calls.

What happens if I run out of storage while recording?

Most phones will stop recording if storage is full and show an error message. To prevent this, delete old recordings and clear cache files regularly. Check your phone's storage in Settings under "Storage" or "Device Care." If you use cloud storage like Google Drive, recordings may not count against your phone's local storage limit.

Can I edit a recorded call after saving it?

Yes, you can use audio editing apps like Audacity or Adobe Audition to trim, cut, or adjust a recording. However, editing a recording and sharing it as evidence in court or in a legal dispute can be illegal if the edits misrepresent what was said. If you need a recording for legal purposes, keep the original unedited file.

Why does my phone not have a record button even though it is an Android?

Not all Android manufacturers include call recording in their Phone app. Older Android versions and some budget phones do not have the feature. If your phone does not have built-in recording, a third-party app is your best option. Check Google Play Store for call recorder apps compatible with your phone model.