How to Record Phone Calls on Android in 2026

If you need to record phone calls on Android, Google has made it harder than ever — most third-party recording apps no longer work on recent Android versions. This guide covers every method that actually works to record phone calls on Android, from built-in features to hardware solutions, so you can pick the right one for your situation.

Method 1: Built-In Call Recording (Pixel, Samsung, Others)

The easiest option — if your phone and region support it. Several Android manufacturers now ship native call recording in their dialer apps.

Google Pixel

Google rolled out native call recording to Pixel phones (Pixel 6 and newer), making it available in the US, UK, and several other countries through the Google Phone app.

How to use it: 1. Open the Phone app and make or receive a call. 2. Tap the Record button on the call screen. 3. An audible announcement plays: “This call is being recorded.” 4. Tap Stop recording when done. The file saves to your phone.

Limitations: – Both parties are notified — an audible announcement plays that you cannot disable. This is a dealbreaker for many professional use cases (journalism, legal, business calls) where you need discreet recording. – Requires a recent Android version and the Google Phone app on a Pixel 6 or newer. – Not available everywhere — while the US and UK are now supported, many countries in Europe, South America, and Asia are still excluded. If your phone’s region setting doesn’t match a supported country, the record button won’t appear. – No auto-recording — you have to manually tap Record on every call. If you want hands-free recording on every call, see our guide on how to automatically record every phone call. – Recordings save in M4A format, which is a standard audio format that works in most players and editors.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung added native call recording in the US with Samsung’s One UI. Samsung calls the feature “Call Transcript.”

The feature is available on a wide range of Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, A55, A54, and other eligible models. The exact availability varies by carrier and region.

How to use it: 1. During a call in the Samsung Phone app, tap the Record or Transcript button. 2. An audible announcement notifies both parties that the call is being recorded. 3. Samsung saves both the audio recording and an AI-generated transcript.

Limitations: – Both parties are notified — same as Pixel, an audible announcement plays. – Requires a recent One UI version — available on Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold/Flip 5 and 6, and select A-series devices that have received the update. Older models are not supported. – No auto-recording — must be activated manually each call. – Region-dependent — while the US is now supported, many regions where Samsung previously offered recording (parts of Asia) have different availability depending on local laws. – Transcripts available in about 20 languages.

Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Other OEMs

Several Chinese manufacturers include call recording in their phone apps: – Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): Built-in call recording in the Xiaomi Phone app. Often available in more regions than Pixel or Samsung. – OnePlus (OxygenOS): Recording available in the default Phone app on some models. – Realme, Vivo, Oppo: Various levels of support depending on regional firmware.

These tend to be the least restricted, but availability changes between firmware updates and regions. Don’t count on consistency across devices.

When Built-In Recording Works

Built-in recording is fine if: – Your phone supports it in your region – You don’t mind the other party hearing a recording announcement – You only need occasional, manual recording – M4A or standard audio format output is acceptable

It’s not suitable when you need discreet recording, automatic recording, or when your phone/region combination doesn’t support it.

Method 2: Third-Party Call Recording Apps

Despite Google’s crackdown, a handful of third-party apps still attempt to record phone calls on Android. But “attempt” is the key word.

What’s Still Available

Cube ACR is the most well-known surviving call recording app. It uses an “App Connector” plugin to work outside the Play Store restrictions. However: – On current Android versions, many users report it only records their own voice, not the other party’s. This makes it useless for most purposes. – The App Connector plugin may need to be downloaded and configured separately from the main app. – Functionality varies wildly between phone manufacturers. What works on Samsung may not work on Xiaomi, and vice versa.

A few other apps (Call Recorder Automatic, various regional apps) exist on the Play Store, but they face the same fundamental limitation: Android blocks apps from accessing the other party’s audio stream during a call.

The Reality of App-Based Recording Today

Here’s what you should know before investing time in app-based solutions:

• Most apps can only record your voice, not both sides of the conversation. This is an OS-level restriction, not an app bug.
• Apps that claim to record both sides typically require root access (voiding your warranty and potentially bricking your phone).
• Every Android update can break recording apps. If you find something that works today, it may stop working after the next security patch.
• Apps installed from outside the Play Store receive no automatic security vetting. You’re trusting unknown developers with microphone access.

When Third-Party Apps Work

App-based recording can work if: – You have an older Android version where restrictions are less severe – You only need to record your own side of the conversation – You’re willing to root your phone (advanced users only) – You accept that it may break with any update

For everyone else, app-based recording is unreliable at best.

Method 3: Google Voice and VoIP Workarounds

If you use Google Voice for calls, it has a built-in recording option:

1. Open the Google Voice app and go to Settings > Calls > Incoming call options.
2. During an incoming call, press 4 on the dial pad to start recording.
3. Press 4 again to stop. The recording saves to your Google Voice inbox.

Limitations: – Only works for incoming calls — you cannot record outgoing calls. – Both parties hear an announcement when recording starts and stops. – Requires a Google Voice number and routing calls through Google Voice. – Audio quality depends on your internet connection.

Other VoIP services (Skype, Zoom, Teams) have their own recording features, but these only work for calls made through those apps — not regular phone calls.

Method 4: Speakerphone + External Recorder

A low-tech option: put the call on speaker and record with another device.

1. Make or receive your call and tap Speaker.
2. Use a second phone, digital voice recorder, or computer to record the audio in the room.

Limitations: – Terrible audio quality — room echo, background noise, and uneven volume between your voice and the caller’s. – Not private — everyone nearby hears the conversation. – Unreliable — background noise can make recordings unusable.

This works in a pinch, but anyone who needs reliable, clear recordings for professional use will find it inadequate.

How to Record Phone Calls on Android with a Hardware Adapter

The methods above all have significant trade-offs: notification announcements, one-sided recording, region restrictions, or poor audio quality. A hardware adapter bypasses all of these limitations because it captures audio at the electrical signal level — outside the reach of Android’s software restrictions.

RECAP S2 is an audio adapter that connects between your phone and a headset. It taps the audio signal carrying both sides of the conversation and routes it to any recording device — a computer, digital voice recorder, tablet, or second phone. No apps to install, no batteries to charge, and no subscriptions — just plug in and record.

How RECAP S2 Works

1. Connect RECAP S2 to your phone’s 3.5mm headset jack. If your phone uses USB-C (most modern Android phones), use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC — see the adapter compatibility guide.
2. Plug your headset into the RECAP S2 headset port. You talk and listen through your headset normally.
3. Connect the RECAP S2 output to your recording device’s microphone input using the included cable.
4. Hit record on your recording device. Both sides of the call are captured in clear, full-quality audio.

Because RECAP works at the physical audio level, it doesn’t matter what Android version you’re running, what manufacturer made your phone, or what region you’re in. Google’s software restrictions don’t apply.

What You Should Know About RECAP S2

RECAP S2 is a dedicated hardware solution, and that comes with trade-offs worth understanding:

• Requires a wired headset — you need a headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work). Bluetooth headsets won’t work because the audio signal needs to pass through the physical adapter.
• Needs an adapter for modern phones — since most Android phones manufactured after 2019 lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, you’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC. Not every adapter works — see our compatible adapters guide for tested options.
• Requires a separate recording device — RECAP S2 outputs the audio signal to a recorder. This can be a computer running recording software like Audacity or OBS, a digital voice recorder, a tablet, or even a second phone with a voice memo app. You need to bring your own recorder.

These requirements mean RECAP S2 is best suited for people who record calls regularly and can set up a consistent recording station — a desk with a computer, or a portable kit with a voice recorder. It’s not a casual “tap a button” solution, but it’s the most reliable way to record phone calls on Android when the built-in options don’t meet your needs.

Comparison: All Methods Side by Side

Important: USB-C Adapter Compatibility

Most modern Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, all Pixels, recent OnePlus) don’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter — but not all adapters are the same.

There are two types: – Passive adapters (cheap, no electronics inside) — only work with phones that output analog audio through USB-C. This includes some OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Vivo phones. – Active adapters with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) — required for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and most other major brands that output digital audio through USB-C.

If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone, you need an active DAC adapter. A cheap passive adapter will not work. See our compatible adapters guide for tested options and where to buy.

What You Need

• RECAP S2 audio adapter ($99)
• A recording device: PC, Mac, digital voice recorder, tablet, or a second phone running any voice recording app
• A headset with a 3.5mm TRRS plug (most standard earbuds with a built-in microphone work)
• If your phone lacks a 3.5mm jack: a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with built-in DAC (see compatible adapters)

Compatible Android Phones

RECAP S2 works with every Android phone through the headset jack (or USB-C adapter):

• Samsung Galaxy: S25, S24, S23, S22, S21, S20 series, Z Fold and Z Flip series, A series, and older
• Google Pixel: Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6 series and older
• OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, and all other Android phones

Since RECAP is hardware, it works identically on every Android version — past, present, and future.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Use built-in recording if: You have a supported Pixel or Samsung phone, your region supports it, and you don’t mind the other party being notified. Good for casual use.

Use Google Voice if: You only need to record incoming calls and are already using Google Voice as your phone number.

Use RECAP S2 if: You need reliable, clear recordings of both sides on any Android phone, without notification announcements, regardless of Android version or region. This is the choice for professionals — journalists, researchers, lawyers, business owners — who can’t afford unreliable recordings. Learn more about RECAP S2.

Avoid third-party apps unless you’re on an older Android version or willing to root your phone. The era of reliable app-based call recording on Android is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record phone calls on Android without the other person knowing?

Built-in call recording on Pixel and Samsung phones always notifies the other party with an audible announcement that cannot be disabled. Third-party apps that bypass this are blocked on modern Android versions. RECAP S2 is a hardware solution that does not trigger any software-based notification — the other party is not alerted. Note: recording laws vary by state and country. In the US, federal law requires one-party consent (you can record if you’re a participant), but some states require all-party consent. Always check your local laws.

My phone doesn’t have a headphone jack. Can I use RECAP S2?

Yes. Use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Most modern phones — including all Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 6+, and recent OnePlus models — require an active DAC adapter, not a cheap passive one. Check our compatible adapters guide for tested options.

Does Google’s built-in call recording on Pixel phones work in the US?

Yes. Google rolled out native call recording to Pixel 6 and newer phones in the US, UK, and several other countries. However, it requires a recent Android version, plays a mandatory recording announcement to both parties, and must be activated manually on each call.

What about Samsung’s call recording?

Samsung added call recording in the US with a recent One UI update. The feature is available on Galaxy S25, S24, S23, Z Fold/Flip 5 and 6, and select A-series devices. Like Pixel, it plays a mandatory announcement. Samsung also generates AI-powered transcripts of recorded calls.

Will third-party call recording apps work on modern Android?

In most cases, no. Third-party apps like Cube ACR exist, but on recent Android versions they typically only record your own voice, not the other party’s. This is an OS-level restriction that can’t be fixed by the app developer. Apps that claim full recording usually require root access.

What’s the audio quality like with RECAP S2 compared to built-in recording?

Built-in recording (Pixel and Samsung) saves in M4A format at acceptable quality. RECAP S2 outputs a raw analog signal to your recording device, so quality depends on your recorder settings — but because it captures the audio signal directly rather than through software processing, it typically produces cleaner, more consistent recordings. You have full control over format, bitrate, and quality settings on your recording device.

Can I automatically record all calls with RECAP S2?

RECAP S2 is always passing audio through — it’s a passive hardware device with no on/off switch. Whether recording is automatic depends on your recording device. Many digital voice recorders have a voice-activated recording mode, and PC software like Audacity can be configured to start recording automatically. Built-in Pixel and Samsung recording, by contrast, requires you to manually tap Record on every call.

How is RECAP S2 different from putting the call on speaker and recording?

Speakerphone recording captures room audio — including echo, background noise, and uneven volume between you and the caller. RECAP S2 captures the electrical audio signal directly from the headset connection, producing clear audio of both sides at consistent volume with no room noise. It’s the difference between recording a concert from the audience versus plugging directly into the soundboard.

Need reliable call recording on any Android phone, with no announcements and no software restrictions?

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