How to Record Phone Calls on Android (2025 Guide)

Recording phone calls can be useful for a variety of reasons—interviews, customer service conversations, business meetings, or simply keeping a record of important calls. If you’re an Android user, you might be wondering how to record phone calls on Android reliably and legally in 2025.

While some Android devices offer built-in call recording, others may require third-party apps or alternative methods. The ability to record calls also depends on local laws and Android version restrictions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the possible methods to record phone calls on Android, provide step-by-step instructions, and recommend the best apps for the job.

1. Is It Legal to Record Phone Calls?

Before you hit the record button, it’s important to understand the legal implications of recording phone calls.

Call Recording Laws (2025):

One-party consent states: You can record a call if you are part of the conversation.
Two-party (or all-party) consent states: Everyone on the call must consent to recording.

📝 Always notify the other party before recording a call to avoid violating privacy laws.

Check your local or national laws before recording calls.

2. Does Android Have Built-In Call Recording?

Many Android phones do not come with a built-in call recorder due to privacy regulations and Google’s policy restrictions. However, some manufacturers offer it:

Phones that may support built-in recording:

Samsung Galaxy (depending on region)
Xiaomi
Realme
OnePlus
Oppo

How to check:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu or Settings.
Look for an option like “Call Recording”.

📌 In some countries, this feature is disabled by default or hidden.

3. How to Use Google Phone App to Record Calls

In 2025, Google’s default Phone app allows call recording in certain regions.

Requirements:

Google Phone app (installed by default on Pixel and many Android devices)
Compatible Android version
Call recording feature enabled by region and carrier

Steps to Record:

Open the Phone app.
Call a contact or receive a call.
Tap the Record button (if available).
You’ll hear a disclaimer: “This call is now being recorded.”
Tap Stop recording to end.

How to Access Recordings:

Go to the Phone app > Recents.
Tap the call > Play recording.

🔒 The feature may be disabled in two-party consent regions.

4. How to Use Google Voice to Record Calls

Google Voice is a cloud-based calling app that supports call recording for incoming calls only.

How to Set It Up:

Download the Google Voice app from the Play Store.
Sign in with your Google account.
Go to Settings > Calls.
Enable Call Recording by turning on the toggle.

How to Record:

When receiving a call on Google Voice, press “4” on your keypad.
You’ll hear: “This call is now being recorded.”
Press 4 again to stop.

Where to Find Recordings:

Open the Google Voice app > Tap Voicemail or go to voice.google.com.

⚠️ Only works for incoming calls, and both parties are notified.

5. Best Third-Party Call Recording Apps for Android

Due to Android’s background recording restrictions, not all apps work perfectly. However, some apps still function using accessibility services or cloud-based recording.

🔝 1. Cube ACR

Automatic and manual call recording
VoIP support (WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom)
Cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox)
PIN lock protection

Rating: ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free with premium options
📲 Download Cube ACR

🔝 2. ACR Phone by NLL

Clean interface
Supports cloud upload
Caller ID features
Dark mode and themes

Rating: ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free & Pro version available
📲 Download ACR Phone

🔝 3. Call Recorder – CallsBox

Supports auto-call recording
Caller ID and spam detection
Lightweight and user-friendly

Rating: ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free with ads
📲 Get CallsBox

🔝 4. Blackbox Call Recorder

Secure and professional-grade
Scheduler and silent mode
Automatic cleanup

Rating: ★★★★☆
Pricing: Paid
📲 Download Blackbox

⚠️ Some features may require giving accessibility or screen recording permissions.

6. How to Record Calls Using a Voice Recorder App

This method is less effective but can work in certain cases, especially during speakerphone calls.

How to Use:

Put the call on Speaker Mode.
Open a Voice Recorder app (most phones have a built-in one).
Tap Record and let it capture the audio.

🎙️ Works best in quiet environments. Not ideal for private or professional recordings.

7. How to Record Calls via External Devices

You can use external devices to ensure clear and reliable call recordings.

Options:

Portable audio recorder: Plug into 3.5mm jack (if available).
Bluetooth recorder: Devices like RecorderGear PR200.
PC/Mac: Use Android emulator or connect Android to record via software.

🎧 Best suited for professional interviews or high-quality recordings.

8. How to Check and Listen to Your Recordings

Where your recordings are stored depends on the method used:

Google Phone App:

Open Phone > Recents > Call > Recording.

Google Voice:

Go to voice.google.com > Voicemail.

Cube ACR or Third-party Apps:

Open the app > Recordings tab.
Use file manager to find saved audio in folders like /CubeCallRecorder/.

External Recorder:

Check internal memory or SD card of the device used.

9. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

❌ Call recording button missing

Your region may restrict it.
Update the Phone app.
Try third-party alternatives.

🔇 Only one side of the call is recorded

Android 10+ restricts call audio access.
Try using speakerphone or Cube ACR VoIP feature.

⚠️ App keeps crashing

Check for permissions.
Disable battery optimization for the recording app.
Ensure app compatibility with your phone model and Android version.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it legal to record a phone call on Android?

Yes, if you follow your country’s laws. In the US, it depends on whether you’re in a one-party or two-party consent state.

Q: Why can’t I record calls on Android 13 or Android 14?

Due to privacy restrictions, many apps have limited access. Use apps like Cube ACR that use accessibility or VoIP recording.

Q: Can I record WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom calls?

Yes, with apps like Cube ACR that support VoIP recording.

Q: Can I record calls without the other person knowing?

Technically possible in one-party consent regions, but you should always inform the other party

12. Final Thoughts

Recording phone calls on Android is no longer as straightforward as it once was, but it’s still possible with the right tools and precautions. Whether you prefer Google’s built-in options or feature-rich third-party apps like Cube ACR, you have plenty of ways to securely and legally record calls in 2025.

Always remember to check your local laws and use call recording ethically. With the methods outlined above, you can confidently keep a record of important conversations for personal or professional use.

Introduction