How to Record a Phone Call on Android

Try Google Voice or a third-party call recording app

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Updated on July 21, 2021

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This article explains multiple methods and best practices for recording conversations on an Android smartphone. Information in this article applies broadly to all Android smartphones, including Samsung, Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi.

Use Google Voice to Record Audio From Incoming Calls on Android

In addition to a free phone number and voicemail service, Google Voice allows recording incoming phone calls for no extra charge. After you set up your Google Voice account and link it to your Android phone number, you can enable call recording:

Visit the Google Voice home page in any web browser and select the Settings Gear in the upper-right corner.

You can also change your call settings using the Google Voice app for Android.
Select Calls on the left side.
Scroll down and set the Incoming call options toggle to the On position.
When someone calls your Google Voice number, press 4 to send an alert that notifies everyone on the line that the recording has started. To stop recording, press 4 again or hang up.

Recording only works if the other party calls your Google Voice number. If they call your regular phone number, this feature is not available.

Google Voice stores recorded calls online. Go to your incoming calls on the website or app to listen to the audio file.

Setting up Google Voice to record incoming calls.

You can't record outgoing calls with Google Voice. If you want to record a conversation, ask the other person to call you.

Other Ways to Record Audio on Android

TapeACall provides unlimited recording for both incoming and outgoing calls. The app creates a three-way call: It dials a local TapeACall access number when you select record, which acts as the recording line. This app does not disclose that it's recording, so it's a good idea to ask permission.

If you need to transcribe your recorded calls, download the Rev Voice Recorder app. While it doesn't record incoming calls, you can make your call on speakerphone to capture a recording and then submit it to the service for transcription. Rev lets you upload your recordings to Dropbox, Box.net, or Evernote.

If you only want an audio file, you can use a digital voice recorder to do the same thing. There are also specialized voice recorders that plug into your smartphone's headphone jack or connect via Bluetooth so that you don't have to use the speakerphone.

If your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, you need a USB-C adapter to connect a recording device.

Tips for Recording High-Quality Phone Calls

Here are some pointers for getting the best possible recording quality:

Find a quiet place to make your call.
Start with a test recording to make sure the audio is clear.
Disable smartphone notifications and incoming calls to avoid disruptions.
When using the speakerphone, make sure you're not near a fan.
If you need to type notes, make sure the recorder is not near the keyboard.
Repeat answers and rephrase questions if you have trouble understanding the other person.

Legal Issues With Recording Phone Calls

Recording phone calls or conversations may be illegal in some countries, and laws vary by state in the U.S. Some states allow one-party consent, which means you can record conversations at will. However, it's considered a courtesy to disclose that you're doing so. Other states require two-party consent. You could face legal trouble in those states if you publish the recording or its transcript without getting permission to record.