How to record a phone call on Android (all devices & versions)

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 call recording option already integrated into the Phone app. This is the simplest option for recording incoming and outgoing calls, so it's worth trying first.

Finding the recording feature

If you're on a call, look for a "Record" button on your screen. Tap it to begin recording, and tap stop to finish recording. If you can’t find it, you may need to enable recording in the Settings menu. 

Tap on the vertical dots (⋮) or the gear icon to select Settings. Then, select “Always record.” Now, you should see the Record button during your calls. You can also tap “Selected numbers” if you want to record calls from specific numbers. 

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 call recording feature is not available to you, you can use third-party apps. They are a bit inconvenient, though. And most of these software solutions do not provide completely accurate transcription.

The two most common third-party phone recording apps for Android are:

Google voice

The Google Voice app is the most popular way to record incoming calls. When you receive a call via the Google Voice application, press "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 the Google Voice app 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 call recording apps struggle with newer versions of Android (Android 10 and later) due to Google's restrictions. On these newer systems, you'll need to manually enable Accessibility permissions for recording apps. Even then, they often fail to work properly. Android's increasingly strict limitations have made app-based recording solutions unreliable for call recording.

That’s why we recommend option 3 for recording phone calls, especially for business purposes.

Use a Hardware Device

Hardware solutions are the most reliable and accurate method for recording calls. They produce accurate results regardless of your Android version or manufacturer's limitations.

These digital voice recorders are standalone devices with built-in microphones that record conversations for you and then transcribe, organize, and even analyze them.

When you’re done, you can automatically upload them to the web via an app. We think the advantage is clear here. Instead of just getting a basic recording, the hardware device instantly formats your recording and provides invaluable insights, like sentiment analysis, action items, and speaker identification. If you're in a business setting, it's a no-brainer.

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 bypass Android's recording restrictions. Plaud Note is an AI voice recorder the size of a credit card with a thin aluminum body. It clips to your phone via MagSafe compatibility and records and transcribes your calls automatically.

Works Offline And Without Software Limitations

Unlike Android permission-based apps, Plaud devices record audio directly using internal microphones. They function completely offline and are not dependent on your phone software to function. Simply press the record button on your Plaud device while on a call, and it will record everything. You’ll never have to deal with settings or permissions to record calls on Android.

Advantages of Hardware Recording

Plaud offers several benefits over software options:

• Clear 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 and call summaries 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 easy 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

1. Start recording: Long-press the Record Button for 1 second until you feel 1 vibration
2. Stop recording: Long-press the Record Button for 1 second until you feel 2 vibrations
3. Access your recording: You access your recordings through the Plaud app on your smartphone

For the best quality, place the Plaud device close to your phone's speaker or use speakerphone mode for important calls. To learn how to use Plaud, check out our guide page.

Accessing and using your recordings

Once you record a call, you can access your recordings on the Plaud app:

1. Open the Plaud App on your phone
2. View your recorded calls in the app library 
3. Click on any recording to play, rename, or organize it 
4. Tap share to send files or transcripts 
5. Tap delete to remove recordings from your device 
6. Back up your recordings to Google Drive  
   

The Plaud app has sophisticated AI features, including GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4, and Gemini 2.5 Pro. 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.

Is it Legal to Record an Android Phone Call Without Consent?

Whether it’s legal to record an Android phone call without consent or not depends on your jurisdiction. Call-recording laws vary by country. In the U.S., they can also differ from one state to another.

Most U.S. states follow one-party consent rules, meaning only one person on the call (you) must consent to the recording. If you’re in one of these states, you may record the call legally because you have consented to it. However, several states require consent from everyone on the call, and recording without permission can be illegal.

Always check local laws in your state or country before recording a call. When in doubt, get consent from everyone on the call before recording anything. 

This is general information, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about your situation, consult a lawyer.

Recording Laws by State Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where to find recorded calls on Android?

The location of your call recordings on Android may vary based on your device and how you made the recordings. If you use the Phone app, select a call from “Recents” or “Call History” to play back the recording. Some Android devices may store call recordings in your File Manager. Open File Manager and search for “Calls” or “Call recordings” to find your recordings. If you've used an app like Google Voice to record your calls, the recordings will be stored directly inside that recorder app.

Is it legal to record calls in my state/country?

Call recording laws vary based 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 consent to 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 call is being recorded. However, you may be legally required 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?" This applies to incoming and outgoing calls. 

Can I record calls without an app?

Yes, there are several ways to record calls without relying on apps. Including hardware solutions like the Plaud Note, using another mobile device (like a tablet or second phone) to record your call on speakerphone, and some voice recorders or dictation devices.

You can also consider using the phone app on your Android device. Just open the phone app, tap record, and you're good to go

Hardware methods typically provide more consistent results and don’t require you to download additional software or modify settings to begin recording.

What about WhatsApp or Zoom calls?

Recording WhatsApp calls on Android is restricted in many cases. Your options include: Using a Plaud device to capture the audio externally, trying a screen recording (though this may not capture audio on all devices), or 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. You can also 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

Recording calls on Android doesn’t have to be complicated. Now, you know how to get started recording high-quality calls on Android with built-in tools, third-party apps, and hardware options like Plaud. 

Remember: built-in tools and other apps are fine if you only need occasional recordings and don’t care too much about quality. These options are easy, but they can create low-quality audio or fail to record.  

If consistency and quality matter to you, you need a hardware option like Plaud. Plaud is a physical recording device, so it bypasses all software limitations. It captures high-quality, accurate call recordings on any Android device. And, it adds AI transcription and summaries so you can quickly review and organize what was said. 

Don’t risk missing details from an important call, and stop wasting time sorting through recordings. Get Plaud Note for reliable, transcription-ready call recording on Android. 

1. About Plaud.ai

   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.