Skip to main content

Here’s how to record phone calls on your Android phone

There might be times you need to record a call, like when you’re on an important work call with someone, and recording it is easier than trying to remember all the details later. Although Android devices don’t have the native ability to do so, you can use Google Voice or even turn to an external recording device to get the job done.

Unfortunately, you can no longer use third-party apps to record calls, as a recent Google Play policy update saw Google ban call recording apps from the Play Store from May 11, 2022.

It’s vital to remember that both the federal and state government have laws in place for recording phone calls, so always ensure you have consent before proceeding. Once you have the other party’s authorization to record your call, our handy guide will show you how to record a phone call in Android. Are you an iPhone user? Check out our guide on how to record phone calls with an iPhone.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Android phone

Editor’s note: There are federal and state laws pertaining to the recording of phone calls. As a general rule of thumb, though, you shouldn’t run into any legal trouble if you capture both parties verbally consenting to the recording. Some states require that only one party consent; however, check your state or local laws if you need further clarification.

How to record calls with Google Voice on the web

Many Android users have the Google Voice app installed on their phone, which makes it easy to record phone calls using a Google Voice account. Not only that, but the app allows you to record your calls for free. Well, at least some of the calls. If you opt for Google Voice, you can only record incoming calls.

First, you need a Google Voice account. If you don’t have one, head to the Google Voice website and follow the on-screen instructions. Then, once your account is set up, you need to enable recording on your account, which is relatively easy to do.

Step 1: Navigate to the Google Voice home page.

Step 2: Click the three vertical dots more menu located on the left and select Settings from the menu.

how to record a phone call in android google voice 1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Scroll to the Calls section and turn on Incoming call options by using the slider on the right.

how to record a phone call in android google voice 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 4: Once done, you will be able to record incoming calls by simply hitting the 4 button on your keypad.

Note: When you press 4, you and the person you’re talking with will hear a message saying that the recording is underway. Press “4 again, and the recording will stop and automatically save to your inbox. To access your recordings in the Voice app, head to the Menu and tap the Voicemail tab.

How to record calls with the Google voice app

You can also record calls using the Google Voice app. The process is similar.

Step 1: Open the Google Voice app and tap the hamburger menu on the upper-left side of the app.

Step 2: Tap Settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to Calls and toggle Incoming call options.

how to record a phone call in android recordergear pr200 thumb
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Recording calls with an external recorder

There's another method you can use to record a phone conversation, but it can be overcomplicated and expensive. Rather than using Google Voice, you can buy a separate phone recorder — some plug it into your phone’s 3.5mm headphone jack, but most use Bluetooth to connect to your phone.

There are also call-recording headsets that connect via Bluetooth, like the Waytronic Mobile Call Recording Headset, which will set you back $49 on Amazon. We’d also recommend the RecorderGear PR200. This recorder is easy to use, connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and has a built-in speaker, so you can listen to recorded calls directly from the device. It’s available for $119 from Amazon.

At the end of the day, whether you use Google Voice or opt for an external recorder will depend on the quality level you’re seeking from your phone recordings and the amount of money you’re OK with spending to acquire those results.

Editors' Recommendations

Paula Beaton
Freelance tech and travel writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.
How to send a text message from a computer
A close up of a person's hands typing on a laptop.

If you’re on a computer and you get a text on your phone, wouldn’t it be great if you could reply without picking it up? Yes, it would, and there are great apps and services that enable just that ability.

Whether you use Apple or Android, you can send and receive text messages on a Mac, Windows PC, or Chromebook. Keep reading to determine which option works best for you.

Read more
How to download YouTube videos on PC, iOS, Android, and Mac
A smartphone displaying YouTube on its screen as it lays on top of a laptop's keyboard.

If you're a YouTube fan like us, you might want to know what the most viewed YouTube videos are, and how to download YouTube videos.

Downloading a video from YouTube doesn’t seem like a big deal at first glance, but it comes with ethical concerns to consider, depending on the original post’s intent. And it's something Google definitely doesn't want you doing — it's a clear violation of YouTube's Terms of Service, but it's even more important to keep the original content creators in mind.

Read more
Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems
the fbi wants you to reboot your router insecure getty

Wi-Fi problems can strike anyone at any time, no matter how much networking experience you may have. But if you've not come across a particular Wi-Fi issue before, there's no need to worry if you don't know how to fix it. All you need are the right tools and a few tips, and you'll be able to solve your Wi-Fi problem in no time.

Whether you're experiencing problems with slow internet, Wi-Fi signal dropping, or you just can't connect to Wi-Fi at all, here are some of the quickest and easiest fixes you can try. We'll also cover some advanced advice on more troubling issues that would definitely result in your Wi-Fi not working at all, or at slower speeds.
Slow or no Wi-Fi or internet access in certain rooms

Read more