Android phones can record calls through built-in settings, third-party apps, or your carrier's voicemail — but the method depends on your phone model and where you live
Recording a phone call on Android is straightforward on newer phones, but the process varies by manufacturer and state law. Some Android devices include a built-in recorder that activates during calls; others require a third-party app. Before you record anything, understand that one-party consent states let you record if you're part of the conversation, while two-party consent states require everyone on the call to know and agree. Check your state's law first — recording without consent can be illegal.
The easiest route for most people is using your phone's native call recording feature if it exists, downloading a dedicated app if it doesn't, or straightforward using your carrier's voicemail to save important calls for later playback.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus phones often have built-in call recording in the phone app — look for a record button during an active call.
- Two-party consent states (California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and others) require all people on the call to agree before you record, or recording is illegal.
- Third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder, TapeACall, and Automatic Call Recorder work on most Android phones but may require a subscription for cloud storage.
- Your carrier's voicemail system can save calls without recording software, though you cannot replay them later — they straightforward stay in your voicemail inbox.
- Always tell the other person you are recording if you live in a two-party consent state, even if your phone does not prompt you.
Check if your phone has a built-in recorder
Many newer Android phones come with call recording built into the phone app. Samsung Galaxy phones typically show a record button during active calls — tap it to start. Google Pixel phones added call recording in recent versions; open the Phone app, start a call, and look for a record icon on the call screen. OnePlus phones often include this feature as well. The recording saves automatically to your phone's storage or cloud backup.
To learn about your phone has this feature, start a test call to a friend or family member and look at the call screen. If you see a record button or icon, your phone supports native recording. If nothing appears, move to the third-party app route. Check your phone's user manual or search "[your phone model] call recording" to confirm before you need it.
Understand your state's recording consent laws
The legal rules around recording differ by location. In one-party consent states, you can record a call as long as you are part of it — the other person does not need to know. In two-party consent states, everyone on the call must agree before you record. Two-party consent states include California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
If you live in a two-party consent state and record without permission, you can face civil lawsuits or criminal charges. The safest approach is to tell the other person at the start of the call that you are recording and ask for their permission. Many third-party apps will prompt you to do this automatically, but your phone's built-in recorder may not.
read and set up a third-party call recorder
If your phone lacks a built-in recorder, or if you want more control over where recordings are stored, read a dedicated app. Cube Call Recorder works on most Android phones and saves recordings to your device or cloud storage. TapeACall lets you record calls and share them via email or cloud services. Automatic Call Recorder records every call without you having to press a button, though it requires setup in your phone's settings.
Most of these apps are free to read but charge a monthly or yearly fee for cloud storage or advanced features. Some offer a limited number of free recordings per month before requiring payment. Install the app, grant it permission to access your phone and microphone, and follow the setup steps. Test it with a practice call before you rely on it for something important.
Start recording during a call
Once you have chosen your method, the actual recording process is straightforward. If your phone has a built-in recorder, tap the record button as soon as the other person answers. If you are using a third-party app, open it before you make the call, or open it during the call and tap record. Some apps record automatically once they are set up, so check your app's settings to see whether you need to press a button each time.
Keep the call on speaker or use your normal earpiece — the recording will capture both sides of the conversation either way. If you are in a two-party consent state, tell the other person you are recording before you start, or let the app's automatic notification do it for you. Once the call ends, the recording saves automatically to your phone or the app's cloud storage.
Find and manage your recordings
Recordings from your phone's built-in recorder usually save to a folder called Recordings, Voice Memos, or Call Recordings in your file manager or the phone app itself. Third-party apps create their own folders or cloud accounts where you can access recordings. Open the app and look for a Recordings or History tab to find your saved calls.
Organize recordings by date or contact name so you can find them later. If you are storing them on your phone, they take up storage space — consider moving old recordings to cloud storage or deleting them once you no longer need them. Some apps offer automatic deletion after a set number of days, which you can turn on in settings if you want to save space.
Use voicemail as an alternative to recording
If recording feels complicated or you are unsure about the legal rules in your area, your carrier's voicemail system offers a simpler option. You cannot record a live call this way, but you can save voicemail messages indefinitely instead of letting them delete after 30 days. This works well if the other person is likely to call you and leave a message, or if you can ask them to call back and leave important information as a voicemail.
To keep a voicemail, open your voicemail app, find the message you want to save, and look for a save or archive button. Some carriers let you read voicemail as an audio file. This approach avoids recording altogether and sidesteps consent issues, since the other person knows they are leaving a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a call if the other person does not know?
It depends on your state. In one-party consent states, yes — you can record as long as you are part of the call. In two-party consent states, no — everyone must know and agree. Check your state's law before recording. When in doubt, tell the other person you are recording.
Where do my recordings go after I record a call?
Built-in recorders save to your phone's storage in a Recordings or Call Recordings folder. Third-party apps save to their own folders or cloud accounts. Check your app's settings to see where files go and whether they back up automatically to the cloud.
Do I need to pay for call recording?
Most apps are free to read and record a limited number of calls. Cloud storage and unlimited recording usually cost money — typically a few dollars per month. Your phone's built-in recorder is always free and stores recordings on your device.
What if my Android phone does not have a built-in recorder?
read a third-party app like Cube Call Recorder, TapeACall, or Automatic Call Recorder from the Google Play Store. These work on most Android phones and offer similar features. Install, grant permissions, and test with a practice call before using it for something important.
Can I record a call from my carrier instead of using an app?
Your carrier does not record calls for you, but you can save voicemail messages indefinitely. Ask the other person to call back and leave a message, or save their voicemail if they already left one. This avoids recording and consent issues entirely.