In this guide
Ask everyone on the call to agree, then use the recording control in a supported phone app. Google Phone and Samsung Phone use different controls and save locations; availability depends on the device, software, carrier and region.
To record a phone call on Android, first make sure everyone agrees, then use the recording control in your phone's supported calling app. In Google's Phone app, a supported Pixel uses Call Assist → Call Recording; on supported non-Pixel devices, tap Record on the call screen. Samsung Phone has its own recording controls. Availability depends on your device, software, carrier and region.
Google and Samsung describe audio notices when their supported recording features start, but a notice is not a substitute for agreement or for following the rules that apply to the people on the call. Do not assume that every Android phone has the same app or features.
Record a call with Google's Phone app
Google says its call-recording feature requires a supported device and carrier, a supported region, and the latest Phone app. Its current Phone app instructions list Android 9 or later for supported non-Pixel devices and Pixel 6 or later with Android 14 or later for Pixel devices. Meeting those minimums alone does not guarantee availability.
- Before the call, tell the other person what you want to record and make sure they agree. Open Google's Phone app and make or answer the call.
- Once the call is answered, start recording. On a supported Pixel, tap Call Assist → Call Recording. On a supported non-Pixel device, tap Record on the ongoing call screen.
- Both participants hear a disclosure that recording has started. To stop on Pixel, tap Call Assist → Stop; on supported non-Pixel devices, tap Stop recording. Google says both parties are notified when recording stops.
- Open Phone and find the caller in Home. Play the latest recorded call there, or open the caller's History and select an earlier recording. Listen to the beginning and end to verify the intended section.
Google says you cannot start recording before the call is answered, while it is on hold, or when creating a conference call. The recording starts when you activate it; it does not recover earlier conversation.
Record a call on a Samsung Galaxy
Samsung's Phone app can look different from Google's. On supported Galaxy devices, start or answer the call, obtain agreement, and tap the Record icon on the call screen; on some devices tap More first. Tap Record again to stop, or end the call. Samsung describes the current flow for supported Galaxy phones and notes that participants hear start and stop notices.
Group calls need particular care: Samsung says people added to an already recorded group call will not receive the automatic notice. Tell new participants and make sure they agree before continuing. Do not assume an announcement covers everyone.
To find a recording in the documented Samsung workflow, open Phone → Recents and find the call marked with a microphone icon. Samsung also documents Phone → More options → Settings → Record calls → Recorded calls on some devices. Menu names and feature availability vary with model, region and One UI version; see Samsung's availability guidance.
Save, share or transcribe the recording
In Google Phone, open the recorded call and tap Share when available. Google says its recordings remain on the device and are not backed up off-device; deleting the call log also deletes its recording. Check your retention settings and save an authorized copy before deleting a call entry or changing phones. Share only with people entitled to receive the conversation.
Some Samsung devices offer Transcript assist, subject to model, region, language, account and other requirements. Recording a call does not guarantee transcription is available. Compare any transcript with the audio, especially names, numbers and overlapping voices; the interview transcription guide gives a review checklist.
Why is the record button missing?
| Possible issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| Different phone app | Identify whether you use Google Phone, Samsung Phone or another calling app; the menus and capabilities differ. |
| Unsupported setup | Check the manufacturer's current device, software, carrier and region requirements. Updating the app does not guarantee the feature is offered. |
| Call is not eligible | In Google Phone, wait until the call is answered and check whether it is on hold or a conference call. |
| Recording missing afterward | Check the correct call history or recorded-calls screen. In Google Phone, deleting a call log also deletes its recording. |
What if your phone cannot record calls?
Check current manufacturer guidance before relying on the feature. A third-party service can have different charges, notifications and storage practices. Review those terms and applicable rules, and get everyone's agreement before use. Do not assume a voice recorder app on the same phone captures both sides of a call.
For an agreed interview or podcast, participants can consider recording their own local audio and sharing it afterward. Test the exact setup before the conversation; a call or recording app may restrict simultaneous microphone access. See how to record an interview.
Common questions
Does Android notify the other caller?
Google says its Phone app notifies both parties when recording starts and stops. Samsung documents notices too, with an exception for participants added to a group call. Ask for agreement and follow applicable rules.
Can I record a call on iPhone?
Supported iPhones use a separate Phone and Notes workflow. See how to record an iPhone call.
Will a transcript be exact?
No automatic transcript is guaranteed to be accurate. Check important words against the saved audio, and keep the recording only as long as appropriate.