Recording phone calls on Android is confusing because different phones and Android versions have different rules. Samsung- and Xiaomi-built Android phones both have recording functionalities built-in, but many new devices do not. You can try using applications like Google Voice or Cube ACR, but their effectiveness cannot always be relied on. Hardware solutions like Plaud work on any Android device because they do not use software - they just capture the audio straight away. Just make sure to ensure that it is legal in your location to record calls prior to recording conversations.
Let's explore several recording methods that you can try on your Android device, starting with built-in options and moving toward more reliable alternatives if those don't work for your specific phone.
Try the built-in recording feature (if available)
Most Android phones include a recording feature already integrated into your phone app. This is the simplest option if it works, so it's worth trying first.
Finding the recording feature
If you're on a call, look for a "Record" button on your screen. It will usually be somewhere when you have an active call or hidden in a menu. On certain phones, you will need to tap on the three dots (⋮) or another menu icon to bring out the recording option.
Phones that support built-in recording
Samsung Galaxy phones typically include call recording in their One UI system. Xiaomi devices with MIUI also have strong recording features. Other brands with built-in recording include:
- OnePlus
- Huawei
- Oppo
- Vivo
- Realme
Why it may not work on newer phones
Google has made it harder to record calls on newer versions of Android because of privacy issues. Starting with Android 10, the majority of phones lost their built-in recording feature. Even if your phone company used to support recording, updates might have removed this feature from your phone. This is why most individuals have to look for other ways when the built-in option is not available.
Use a third-party app
If the default recording feature is not present in your phone, third-party apps can replace it, though with varying levels of reliability.
Google voice
Google Voice offers a free way to record incoming calls. When you receive a call via the Google Voice application, press the "4" on your keypad to start recording. The largest drawback is that it will only record incoming calls, not outgoing calls, and you must be using Google Voice as your calling application.
Cube ACR
Cube ACR is one of the best call recorders on the Play Store. It records regular phone calls and most VoIP services like WhatsApp and Skype. The app offers different pricing tiers based on your device and needs:
For Android users:
- Free version: Includes basic call recording, voice recording, and archiving features for a single user
- Premium: $20 per year for a single user, adding cloud backup and the ability to add text notes to your recordings
For iOS users:
- Free version: Limited to voice recording and basic archiving for a single user (no call recording)
- Premium: $50 per year for a single user, adding call recording capability, text notes, and cloud backup
Most third-party recording apps struggle with Android 10 and newer versions due to Google's restrictions. On these newer systems, you'll need to manually enable Accessibility permissions for recording apps, and even then, they often fail to work properly. With Android's increasingly strict limitations, app-based recording solutions have become unreliable for consistent call recording.
The one solution that works on any android device
If software solutions do not work, hardware solutions yield consistent results regardless of your Android version or manufacturer's limitations.
Introducing PLAUD: a device-based Solution
Plaud provides two hardware options that fully circumvent Android's recording restrictions. The Plaud Note is an AI voice recorder the size of a credit card with a thin aluminum body, which clips to your phone via MagSafe compatibility.
Works offline and without software limitations
In contrast to Android permission-based apps, Plaud devices record audio directly from their internal microphones. That is, they function completely offline and are not dependent on your phone software in order to function. Simply press the record button on your Plaud device while on a call, and it will record everything without requesting any special settings or permission.
Advantages of hardware recording
The Plaud solution offers several benefits over software options:
- Clean sound through its dual-pickup engine (Plaud Note)
- No compatibility issues with any Android version
- Long battery life (30 hours of constant recording and 60 days of standby on the Plaud Note)
- 64GB storage capacity on the Plaud Note
- Offers AI transcription & summarization capabilities developed on GPT-4.1, o3-mini, Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Gemini 2.5 Pro
- 112 languages supported for transcription
- Multiple professional templates for different recording scenarios
Hardware-based solutions like Plaud are especially convenient for professionals who need reliable call recordings on a regular basis for meetings, interviews, or important conversations.
How to use PLAUD to record phone calls
It's simple to activate and use a Plaud device for recording calls, even if you are not very tech-savvy. Here is how to get started.
Recording a call with PLAUD
- Start recording: Long-press the Record Button for 1 second until you feel 1 vibration
- Stop recording: Long-press the Record Button for 1 second until you feel 2 vibrations
- Access your recordings through the PLAUD app on your smartphone
For best quality, place the Plaud device close to your phone's speaker or use speakerphone mode for important calls. Learn how to use PLAUD, please visit our guide page.
Accessing and using your recordings
Once they are recorded, you can access your calls through the PLAUD app:
- Open the PLAUD app on your phone
- See your recorded calls in the app library
- Click on any recording to play, rename, or organize it
The PLAUD app has sophisticated AI features, including GPT-4.1, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5 Pro and o3-mini. Transcribe in any of the 112 available languages, summarize long conversations, and also get your recordings organized using pro templates for any occasion.
If you have to share important information, simply export your recordings or transcripts directly from the app. This also makes Plaud especially handy for professionals who need to record calls or extract important information from conversations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it legal to record calls in my state/country?
Call recording laws vary widely depending on where you live. In the United States, some states follow "one-party consent" laws, meaning only one person in the conversation (you) needs to know about the recording. Other states require "all-party consent," where everyone on the call must be informed. Countries outside the US have their own regulations. Always check your local laws before recording any conversation to avoid legal issues.
Can the other person know I'm recording?
Most recording methods don't automatically notify the other person that a recording is happening. However, in many places, it's both legally required and ethically appropriate to inform the other party. Some professional courtesy phrases include: "Just so you know, I'm recording this call for my notes" or "I'd like to record our conversation to make sure I don't miss anything important. Is that okay with you?"
Can I record calls without an app?
Yes, there are several ways to record calls without relying on apps:
- Hardware solutions like the Plaud Note
- Using another device (like a tablet or second phone) to record your call on speakerphone
- Some voice recorders or dictation devices
- Connecting your phone to a computer with recording software
Hardware methods typically provide more consistent results than software solutions, especially on newer Android versions.
What about WhatsApp or Zoom calls?
Recording WhatsApp calls through Android is challenging because the app restricts third-party recording. Your options include:
- Using a Plaud device to capture the audio externally
- Screen recording (though this may not capture audio on all devices)
- Using a second device to record when on speakerphone
For Zoom calls, the platform offers built-in recording features, though some require a paid subscription. Alternatively, you can use screen recording apps (many newer Android phones have this built in) or external recording devices like Plaud for reliable capture of important virtual meetings.
Never miss an important call again
There does not have to be complexity in recording Android calls. The built-in recording will work just fine as long as your phone supports it, but most newer phones no longer have this available. Apps are helpful but largely fail to collaborate with newer Android versions. Equipment-based solutions like Plaud devices do not interfere with any Android phone without considering updates or even telephone types. If you only need to record a call every now and then, the free options might be enough. But if you rely on call recordings as part of your job - if you work in sales, journalism, law, or customer service - a dedicated device like the Plaud Note is worth the investment. These recorders not only capture correctly but also help you make sense of your chats with AI transcription and summaries, so you will always be in possession of the information you desire.
Plaud.ai is a pioneering AI-native hardware and software company that turns conversations into actionable insights with AI devices like Plaud Note and Plaud NotePin. By recording, transcribing, and summarizing real-life conversations, our solutions boost productivity and save time. Designed for precision and flexibility, whether in meetings or on the go, our products empower you to focus on creative, high-value work while AI handles the details.
