On Android, open the Google Phone app, make or answer the call, then tap Record (on a Pixel, tap Call Assist, then Call Recording). Google says everyone on the call hears a disclosure that it's being recorded. It only works on supported devices, carriers, countries and regions.
Recording a call on Android is built into the Google Phone app now, but it comes with strings attached. Google tells both people when recording starts and stops, it isn't available everywhere, and it only works on certain phones. I'd rather you know all three before you rely on it for a client call.
Can your phone record calls?
Google's Phone app help lists four requirements. If any one of them isn't met, you won't see the Record option at all.
| Requirement | What Google's help says |
|---|---|
| Non-Pixel phones | Must run Android 9 and up |
| Pixel phones | Pixel 6 and up with Android 14 and up |
| Phone app | You must have the latest version of the Phone app |
| Country or region | You must be in a country or region where call recording is supported |
| Your carrier | Only certain devices and carriers support recording calls |
Google also says features vary by country or region, and that automatic call recording and deletion aren't available in all markets. So if a friend can see an option you can't, that's probably why.
Steps to record a single call
This uses the Phone by Google app. If your phone came with a different dialler from the manufacturer, its menus will be different.
- Open the Phone app.
- Make or answer the call. Recording can't start until the call is answered.
- On most phones, tap Record on the call screen. On a Pixel, tap Call Assist, then Call Recording.
- To finish, tap Stop recording, or on a Pixel tap Call Assist, then Stop.
The first time you record, Google says you'll be told you must comply with local laws related to recording calls.
The other person is told, every time
This is the bit that surprises people. Google says that to protect everyone's privacy, both parties hear a disclosure when you start recording, and again when you stop. There's no quiet mode. Its help page also says some laws require everyone on the call to consent to being recorded, and that it's up to you to follow the laws that apply to you. I'm not going to give legal advice here; I'd simply tell the other person at the start that you'd like to record and why. It's polite, and they'll hear the announcement anyway.
When recording won't start
- Before the call is answered.
- While the call is on hold.
- When you create a conference call.
Those three are straight from Google's list. If none apply and you still don't get the button, go back to the requirements above: device, Android version, app version, carrier and region.
Always record certain numbers
Where it's available, you can set the Phone app to record automatically.
- Open the Phone app.
- At the top right, tap More options, then Settings, then Call recording.
- Under Always record, turn on Numbers not in your contacts, or tap Selected numbers and add the contacts you want.
I'd use this sparingly. Google itself suggests you turn recording on only when it's needed.
Finding, sharing and deleting recordings
Google says recordings are stored on your device and aren't saved or backed up off-device. To play one, open the Phone app, tap Home, tap the caller, use History for older calls, then tap Play. You can share a recording to supported apps such as email or messaging.
Two warnings. First, deleting the call log also deletes the recording, so don't tidy your call history without thinking. Second, because nothing is backed up, share anything important to somewhere safe straight after the call. You can also set how long recordings are kept in Settings, Call recording, Delete recordings.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
If you're comparing notes with someone on an iPhone, my guide to recording a phone call on iPhone covers how Apple handles the same job.
A quick checklist before an important call
If a call matters, test the feature with a friend first rather than discovering a missing button with a client on the line. Here's what I'd run through:
- Update the Phone app, because Google says you need the latest version.
- Check you can see Record on a test call that's been answered.
- Tell the other person you'd like to record, so the automatic announcement doesn't catch them off guard.
- Avoid putting the call on hold if you want one continuous recording, since Google says you can't record while a call is on hold.
- After the call, play it back, then share it to email or a messaging app so there's a copy off the phone.
It takes two minutes and it can save a very awkward moment. Nobody enjoys asking a supplier to repeat the whole conversation because the recording never started.
What I'd do
For sales calls and supplier chats I'd use it, but only after a quick heads-up to the other person. It's useful for catching the exact wording of an agreement. Just remember the recording lives only on your phone, so move it somewhere safe. And if the call is really a video meeting on social media, check how Instagram handles video call recording before you assume anything.
Frequently asked questions
Does the other person know when I record a call on Android?
Yes. Google says both parties are notified with a disclosure when recording starts and again when it stops.
Why can't I see the Record button?
Your device, Android version, carrier or region may not support it, or the Phone app may need updating. Non-Pixel phones need Android 9 and up.
Which Pixel phones can record calls?
Google says Pixel 6 and up with Android 14 and up.
Where are recorded calls saved?
On your device only. Google says calls aren't saved or backed up off-device.
Can I record a conference call?
No. Google says you can't record when you create a conference call, before a call is answered, or while it's on hold.
