The ability to record telephone conversations on an Android smartphone is in demand for both personal and professional purposes. Some people want to preserve important details of a business discussion, some want to preserve evidence for legal proceedings, and others simply prefer to listen to conversations later instead of taking notes. However, the implementation of this function faces two key problems: technical limitations manufacturers and legal framework in different countries.

Since 2022, Google has tightened its policy regarding call recording applications c Google Playby blocking access to the calling API for third-party developers. This means that most apps can now only record their side of the conversation (via the microphone), rather than both. However, there are workarounds, from using built-in features on some models to installing specialized software from alternative sources. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, taking into account their pros, cons and legal nuances.

Why does Android limit call recording?

The main reason is privacy protection. Recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws of many countries, including GDPR in the EU and FZ-152 in Russia. Google, following security principles, has closed access to low-level APIs that previously allowed applications to intercept the audio stream directly from the line.

In addition, smartphone manufacturers (especially Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei) often block this function at the firmware level to avoid lawsuits. For example, on devices with Android 10+ even system applications can only record incoming sound through the speaker, and not directly from the line - this leads to deterioration in the recording quality.

  • 🔒 Legal risks: In most countries, recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor is considered a violation of the right to privacy of correspondence (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for Russia).
  • 🛠️ Technical barriers: Starting from Android 9 PieGoogle removed access to the API MediaRecorder.AudioSource.VOICE_CALLwhich made it impossible to record both parties through standard means.
  • 📱 Manufacturer restrictions: Samsung and Google Pixel completely Removed the call recording feature from the standard Phone app with 2021 updates.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use recordings in court or to resolve disputes, check the current evidentiary requirements in your jurisdiction. In some cases, even a legally made recording may be considered unacceptable evidence without the written consent of the interlocutor.
📊 Why do you want to record calls?
For work (interviews, negotiations)
Personal purposes (memo, evidence)
Control children/elderly relatives
Other

Method 1: Built-in recording function (on supported models)

Some manufacturers leave the ability to record calls in the standard Phone application. This function is available on:

  • 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI 12 and older) - recording is activated manually during a call.
  • 📱 Realme i Oppo (ColorOS) - automatic recording for all calls or selectively.
  • 📱 OnePlus (OxygenOS) - recording with notification of the interlocutor (requirement EU legislation).
  • 📱 Samsung (before Android 11) - on older models (for example, Galaxy S9 or Note 10).

How to check the availability of the function:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Dial a number or accept an incoming call.
  3. During a call, look for the "Record" button (usually next to the speakerphone or hold keys).
  4. On Xiaomi path to settings: Settings → Applications → Phone → Call recording.
Manufacturer Supported models Restrictions
Xiaomi Everything on MIUI 12+ (except European firmware) The recording is saved only in the format .amr, there is no cloud backup
Realme/Oppo Series Realme 7/8/9, Oppo Reno5/6/7 Automatic recording only works for contacts from the phone book
Samsung Models before 2020 (Galaxy S10, Note 9) On Android 11+ the function is disabled even on older devices after the update
Google Pixel Not a single model (the function has been removed since 2019) —
⚠️ Attention: On devices with European firmware (labeling EEA in the model number) the call recording function is often disabled due to requirements GDPRCheck the firmware region in Settings → About phone → Build number.

Check the MIUI/ColorOS version (must be 12+)

Update the "Phone" application in Google Play

Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory)

Set up automatic saving of recordings to the cloud (if supported)-->

Method 2: Applications from Google Play (with restrictions)

After Google policy changes in 2022, most applications for recording calls in Google Play can only record your side of the conversation (through a microphone). This results in poor recording quality, especially if the other person speaks quietly or uses speakerphone. However, some apps try to work around the restrictions:

  • 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR —records both sides on some devices via a workaround (requires Android 9 and below).
  • 📞 Call Recorder by Lovekesh —uses call notifications to trigger recording (unstable).
  • 🔊 Automatic Call Recorder — saves recordings to the cloud, but the quality depends on the phone’s microphone.

How to set up Cube Call Recorder ACR (the most functional option):

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Launch and provide access to Microphone, Contacts and Call notifications.
  3. In settings, select Audio source → Voice call (if available) or Microphone.
  4. Activate the option Record automatically for all or selected contacts.

Limitations of applications from Google Play:

  • On Android 10+ recording occurs only through the microphone (you can hear echo, noise).
  • On Samsung i Google Pixel most applications do not work due to blocking API.
  • Records take up a lot of space (up to 5 MB/minute in format .mp3).
💡

If the application does not see incoming calls, check the permissions for "Display on top of other windows" and "Access notifications" in Android settings.

Method 3: Installing APK from third-party sources (for advanced)

For users willing to take risks, there are modified versions of applications that bypass Google's restrictions. For example, Boldbeast Call Recorder or RX Call Recorder can record both sides of the call on some devices, but require manual configuration and root access (on Android 9 and below).

How to install Boldbeast Call Recorder:

  1. Download APK from the official website Boldbeast (do not use third-party repositories!).
  2. In the Android settings, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  3. Install the application and select the recording mode Mode 1 (for Android 9) or Mode 8 (for Android 10+).
  4. In manual settings, specify Audio Source = Voice Call (if available).

Warnings:

  • 🚨 Even Boldbeast does not guarantee recording of both sides without Android 11+ even Boldbeast does not guarantee recording of both sides without root.
  • 🛡️ Installing an APK from third-party sources risks infecting your device with malware Software.
  • ⚖️ In some countries, the use of such applications may be considered a violation of the wiretapping law.
⚠️ Attention: If you install the APK manually, first check the file hash (for example, via VirusTotal) and disable automatic application updates in Google Playto avoid conflicts.
What are root access and why you need them?

root access (superuser) give full control over the Android system, including access to protected APIs. To record calls, they allow you to bypass Google's restrictions and record the audio stream directly from the line. However, getting root:

- Cancels the manufacturer's warranty.

- Increases the risk of the device being hacked.

- Can lead to a "brick" (breakage) of the phone if there is an error.

On most modern devices (for example, Samsung Knox or Google Pixel s Titan M) root blocks banking applications and encryption.

Method 4: Using a second device or headset

If software methods do not work, you can record the conversation using external voice recorder or a second phone. This method is legal (if the other party is notified) and does not depend on Android restrictions. Implementation options:

  • 🎧 Headset with recording: Some Bluetooth headsets (for example, Plantronics Voyager or Jabra Elite) have a built-in call recording function.
  • 📱 Second phone: Put the second smartphone nearby and turn on the voice recorder (for example, Voice recorder from Google).
  • 🎤 External voice recorder: Professional devices (for example, Olympus WS-853) record sound with high quality and noise reduction.

How to record a conversation through a second phone:

  1. Place the second smartphone at a distance of 30–50 cm from the main one.
  2. Turn on the voice recorder application (for example, Easy Voice Recorder).
  3. Activate the speakerphone on the main phone.
  4. After the call, trim the recording to remove unnecessary pauses (can be done on Audacity on a PC).

Pros method:

  • ✅ Works on any device, including iPhone or push-button phones.
  • ✅ Does not require installation of additional software on the main phone.
  • ✅ Recording is in high quality (if an external voice recorder is used).
⚠️ Attention: When recording via speakerphone the other person may hear an echo or noise. To reduce this effect, use a directional microphone or lower the speaker volume.
💡

External recording is the only legal way to record conversations on devices without a built-in function (for example, Google Pixel or Samsung with the latest updates).

Method 5: Recording via cloud services (for business)

Suitable for corporate users cloud call recording services integrated with VoIP or virtual numbers. These decisions are legal if the interlocutor is notified of the recording (usually by voice message at the beginning of the conversation). Popular services:

  • 📞 Zadarma —virtual PBX with recording of all incoming/outgoing calls (free for personal numbers).
  • ☁️ Mango Office —cloud telephony with recording storage for up to 6 months.
  • 🔗 Bitrix24 —CRM system with built-in call recording via virtual PBX.

How to set up a recording in Zadarma:

  1. Register on the website Zadarma and get a virtual number.
  2. In your personal account, go to Settings → Recording conversations.
  3. Enable the option Record all calls and specify an email for notifications.
  4. Set up a greeting with a notification about the recording (required to comply with laws).

Advantages of cloud services:

  • 🔒 Compliance with the law (there is confirmation of the interlocutor’s consent).
  • 📊 Automatic transcription of conversations into text (in Mango Office).
  • 🌐 Access to recordings from any device via the web interface.
💡

If you are using a virtual number for business, check the rates for storing recordings - some services charge for archives older than 30 days.

The legality of recording telephone conversations varies by country. In most jurisdictions, the rule is "unilateral consent" (your consent is sufficient) or "bilateral consent" (the consent of both interlocutors is required). Let's look at the key nuances:

Country Consent requirement Use of a recording in court
Russia Unilateral (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation) Admitted as evidence if it does not violate the secrecy of correspondence
European Union (GDPR) Bilateral (required notice) Recording without consent is a violation, fine up to 4% of the company's global revenue
USA Varies by state (12 states require two-party consent) In most states, recordings are admissible as evidence
Ukraine One-sided (Article 31 of the Constitution) Allowed if the recording is not distributed publicly

What to do to make the recording legal:

  • 📢 Notify the interlocutor at the beginning of the conversation (for example: "The conversation is being recorded for recording agreements").
  • 📝 Get written consent (relevant for business negotiations).
  • 🔒 Store records safely —leak can lead to fines GDPR (up to €20 million).

In Russia, recordings of telephone conversations can be used in court as evidence in civil and criminal cases (Resolution of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation No. 1 of 2017), but only if they were obtained legally and do not violate the secrecy of correspondence (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you have configured recording, failures may occur. Let's look at typical errors and ways to eliminate them:

  • 🔇 The voice of the interlocutor is not recorded:
    • On Android 10+ this is the norm - applications can only record your voice through a microphone.
    • Solution: Use an external voice recorder or a cloud service with a virtual number.
  • 📱 The application does not see incoming calls:
    • Check permissions for Call notifications and Display on top of other windows.
    • Disable battery optimization for the voice recorder application.
  • 🔊 Poor recording quality (noise, echo):
    • Use a wired headset instead of a speaker.
    • In the application settings, select the format .wav instead .mp3 for better quality.
  • ⚠️ Recordings are not saved:
    • Check the free space on your device (recordings take ~1–5 MB/minute).
    • Update the application or reinstall it.
⚠️ Attention: If after updating Android the built-in call recording stops working (for example, on Xiaomi or Realme), try rolling back the version of the "Phone" application via ADB: 
adb shell pm install -r -d /path/to/old_version.apk

But keep in mind that this may disrupt stability systems.

Is it possible to record calls on the Samsung Galaxy S22?

On Samsung Galaxy S22 (and other models with Android 12+) the built-in recording function has been removed. Alternatives:

  • Use external voice recorder (for example, a second phone).
  • Install Boldbeast Call Recorder (works partially, only your voice).
  • Connect cloud PBX (for example, Zadarma) with a virtual number.
How to record a call on Android without installing applications?

Methods without a third party Software:

  1. Use built-in function (if available on your model).
  2. Enable speakerphone and record the conversation on the voice recorder of another device.
  3. Connect Bluetooth headset with recording (for example, Plantronics Voyager Focus).

On Google Pixel or Samsung With the latest updates, these methods are the only working options.

Is it legal to record calls for court?

In Russia, recordings can be used in court if:

  • They were made one of the parties to the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution RF).
  • Do not violate secrecy of correspondence (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
  • Interlocutor was not misled (for example, if you introduced yourself as a different person).

To be safe, notify your interlocutor about the recording at the beginning of the conversation.

Why did call recording applications stop working after updating Android?

C Android 10 Google has blocked access to the calling API for third-party applications. Reasons:

  • Privacy Policy: Recording conversations without the knowledge of the interlocutor is considered a violation.
  • Technical restrictions: Applications can now only record through a microphone, not from the line.
  • Regional laws: In the EU (GDPR) recording without consent is prohibited, so Google has tightened rules.

Workarounds: using rootexternal voice recorders or cloud services.

How to save call recordings to the cloud automatically?

Setting up automatic backup:

  1. In the voice recorder application (for example, Cube Call Recorder) go to Settings → Cloud storage.
  2. Select a service: Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive.
  3. Specify the folder to save and synchronization frequency (for example, once a day).
  4. Enable the option Delete local copies after downloadingto save space.

For Xiaomi with built-in recording: recordings are automatically saved in MI Cloudif synchronization is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud.