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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. Instead, you'll have to follow the following steps.
Legal considerations before recording Android callsIt'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. Some states require that only one party consent; however, check your state or local laws if you need further clarification.
Record incoming calls with Google VoiceMany 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: Open the Android app or 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.
Step 3: Scroll to the Calls section and toggle Incoming call options.
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.
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' RecommendationsThe 7 Best Voice-changing Apps For Android And IOS In 2024
Whether you're embarrassed by your voice, want to stay more anonymous, or just want to prank a friend, voice-changing apps for Android and iOS smart phones are the way to go. They can make you sound like anything from a tinny chipmunk to an alien, or even have more fine-tuned controls to make your voice deeper or higher-pitched, depending on your preference.
To get started with any of these apps, we recommend reading this article on your smartphone. When you see an app you're interested in, we've provided links directly to the store page for that item. What's better is that most voice changers are free, though some have limited in-app purchases.
Baviux Voice Changer with Effects Best voice changer app for AndroidBaviux, one of the most popular voice-changing apps available on Android, is also one of the simplest to use. Although you can't change your voice during a call with this app, you can record audio and apply effects or import files. It's easy to use, with over 40 effects to choose from, with all the usual suspects covered, from zombie and robot to squirrel and alien. It's also easy to save or share your audio file or set it as a ringtone or notification tone. The app is free, but there are in-app purchases for some premium effects, and you can also unlock additional effects by watching ads.
Android
Live Voice Changer — Prankcall Best app for changing voice during callAlthough Live Voice Changer only has 11 voice effects, it's one of the only apps on our list that lets you change your voice during a live call. The app is free to download, but to unlock the live call features, you'll need to make an in-app purchase for $7. In addition to the effects, there's a handy 12-band equalizer, which lets you customize and fine-tune each effect until it sounds just right.
iOS
Snapchat Best multi-purpose voice changing appSnapchat is famous for filters that change your appearance, but the app includes voice filters as well, which you can access by long-pressing the Loudspeaker icon at the bottom-left after recording a video. There are various options to play around with, like alien or robot, so experiment and see what suits you best. You can also use speed modifiers to change what your voice sounds like. Once you've recorded your video, just swipe left or right to bring up the filters, then tap the Snail to play your voice in slow-motion or the Rabbit to speed it up. You may already have this popular video-chat app on your phone for group chats with your friends, but if not, it's available for Android and iOS.
Android iOS
Voice Changer Best free voice changer appThis app makes a compelling use case with its clean interface and a wide range of features. You can either record new voice files or import files you already have. Once you load a file, a variety of vocal effects are available, including robot, alien, bee, and more. Some of the effects are lackluster — the "Old Radio" filter ended up producing a wall of noise — but the ones that work do well. The app is free but does feature ads.
Android
Call Voice Changer — IntCall Best paid voice changer appIf you're specifically looking for an app that can change your voice during a phone call, Call Voice Changer — IntCall is for you. This iOS-only app allows you to change your voice pitch during a call and use a variety of sound effects. There is no free option — you pay per minute — but before you commit to a purchase, you can use the app in demo mode. In demo mode, you can listen to yourself and give the effects a test run. Plus, you get two minutes free to try the app out on someone before you commit to purchasing more minutes. Prices range from $1 for two minutes up to $20 for 80 minutes, or if you're planning on many pranks, you can subscribe to a weekly plan for $7.
iOS
Voice Changer Plus Best celebrity and character voice changer appWhile you can't use Voice Changer Plus during a live call, this fun iOS app lets you create and share recordings for free. Voice Changer Plus works for more than just talking; you can actually use the app while singing. Choose from a vast selection of background effects and 55 voices, like Darth Vader or a robot — or play your recording backward. You can speed your voice up, slow it down, or even turn your (tuneful) singing into something nobody will want to listen to with the Bad Melody feature. To enhance your experience with Voice Changer Plus, pay just $2 to upgrade to the Premium version to remove ads and add a photo to your prank voice recordings.
iOS
Voice Changer Best alternate voice changer appThis app gives you the chance to get creative with your voice options, including a robot, duck, alien, chipmunk, or more voice disguises. Applying the voice modification is pretty straightforward; You can turn on the effect as you're recording the audio, or you can save a recording of your normal voice and import that audio into the app to apply a filter. Compared to its competitors, this app can seem a little outdated. We also were disappointed that we couldn't run the app while we were on a voice call. However, one significant benefit is that it's free for users and it's regularly updated. You just have to put up with some ads.
Android
Editors' RecommendationsRecording A Phone Call On IPhone: Tips & Apps For Call Recording
There are a bunch of reasons you might want to record a call on your iPhone. Maybe you're interviewing someone and want to keep track of everything said. Or maybe your grandma is sharing her famous apple pie recipe, and you don't want to miss her secret ingredient. It's also important to know how to record a phone call on an iPhone for everything from keeping track of client negotiations to having a record of things your supervisor says that might be inappropriate.
Can I record a phone conversation on my iPhone?Yes, it's possible to know how to record a phone call on an iPhone! You should know up front that it's generally easier to record a phone conversation on an Android device (and many of the below tips will work on Android as well), because Apple makes it impossible for an iPhone to record calls directly. But there's a good reason iPhones don't let you record calls. Apple is very protective of your privacy and won't allow third-party apps access to your microphone. So while recording a phone call on an iPhone can be done, it requires some creative workarounds.
Keep in mind: In some states (and countries), it can be illegal to record a phone conversation. Other states, including New York, only require one-party consent, so as long as one person taking part in the phone conversation consents to being recorded, it's fine to record the conversation. In other words, a person living in New York can record a call without notifying the other person on the line. To be on the safe side, though, you might want to inform anyone on the call that you're recording.
Method 1: Record a phone call on speaker
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If you prefer your life uncomplicated, this is the best option for you, though you'll need two devices. On the first, you'll have your conversation (on speakerphone); an iPhone or any other speaker-enabled phone will work. On the second device, you'll record. For this, an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac computer would work.
Essentially, you can make the call on any phone with a speaker and record it on your iPhone. Or make the call on your iPhone and record it on a second Apple device—all use the same Voice Memos app. It all depends on the devices you have access to.
To catch your entire phone conversation, start recording before the call. The steps below explain how to use an iPhone to record a phone call on a speakerphone. Note that the steps may be slightly different depending on your model and iOS.
Step 1. Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone (or whichever Apple device you're using to record).
Step 2. To start recording, tap the red record button.
That's it! You're now recording.
Next, it's time to make your phone call. You can do that from an iPhone (if you're not recording with it) or any other phone with a speaker function. Simply dial the number and turn on the phone's speakerphone so both sides of the conversation—not just your voice—can be heard and recorded.
If you want to do more while recording, or once you're done, follow these tips:
Pause a recordingHere's an iPhone trick that'll come in handy during conversations with long pauses or when you're put on hold: While recording, tap or swipe up on the recording field at the bottom of your screen to bring it into full-screen view. Here, you can pause your recording as needed.
End a recordingWhen you're finished with your conversation, hit the stop button (or Done, if you're in the full-screen view) to end the recording and save your file.
Delete a recordingTo delete a recording, hit the stop button, then tap the trash can. Accidentally got rid of a recording? Just as you can recover deleted photos, you can recover recently deleted recordings. On the main Voice Memos screen, tap Recently Deleted to see a list of your trashed files. Select Recover to restore your recording, but bear in mind that you only have about 30 days to recover deleted files.
Rename a recordingTo rename your recording, tap the default title (your current location, though you can turn off Location-Based Naming in Settings by tapping the toggle). The text will become highlighted. Simply delete it, then type your new title.
If you're feeling creative, you can edit, crop and replace sections of your recording, as well as duplicate it and share it via text, email, AirDrop and other apps. Play around—there are a ton of Voice Memos tricks to help you achieve your clearest recording.
Method 2: Download an app to record phone callsThe speakerphone method, while easy, isn't for everyone. If you don't have two devices, it's probably not the best option for you. Knowing how to record a phone call on an iPhone—sans speaker—is as easy as downloading the right recording app. In no particular order, these are the apps we love for recording phone calls on an iPhone and getting the highest sound quality possible.
Google Voice
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Next to using two devices and calling on speakerphone, Google Voice is one of the easiest call-recording methods there is. The app allows you to select the phone or device you want to make and receive calls on. Then head over to the Settings menu and select Calls. Scroll down to the Incoming Call option, where you can toggle to record incoming calls. Once everyone is on the call, simply press the number four on the keypad to start recording. Press the number four again at the end of the call to stop recording. After you're done, your phone recording will show up in the Recorded menu option.
This method comes with some added perks. If you haven't already set up your Google Voice account, you can do that and claim a free phone number at the same time. It's like a virtual burner phone. Meanwhile, recording an iPhone conversation this way is free and super easy. One downside: It can be trickier to figure out how to record outgoing calls, although the app supports it.
Rev Voice Recorder
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What makes this app so great? Well, for one thing, it's free to use. Rev Voice Recorder is able to record while you're using your phone or other apps. It's also super easy to not only record but also share and trim your files. Want to transcribe your conversation when it's over? Rev has a transcription service that'll turn your voice recording into text. One downside of that: Transcription with Rev is slightly pricier than other options, but that's because the company boasts human transcriptionists, not automated ones.
TapeACall
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This iPhone call recorder app is available in over 50 countries and boasts a huge user base (4 million at press time). We love the fact that you can record incoming and outgoing calls (that's not always the case!) and store them on TapeACall's server. It's also easy to label a conversation before it's converted to MP3 format. Before you pay for the service, use the free trial option to see if this is the right recording app for you. I paid for the full version of TapeACall and found it a bit confusing. You start each call by either calling into the TapeACall recording line or placing your phone call and merging it to ensure it's recorded, a process I found myself forgetting. For some, that step may be a big enough turn-off to prompt them to permanently delete the app. For others, it may just be an early stumbling block.
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Otter
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Best known for its transcription services, Otter offers an easy-to-configure hack for recording calls on an iPhone. The process is almost identical to recording a phone conversation on speakerphone. The difference is that with Otter you can also transcribe the call, which is invaluable if you plan to pull quotes or share notes later on. The app isn't for those needing immediate gratification, however. It can take a bit of time for the file to be processed before it's available for you to listen to. Pro tip: Read through your transcription while the conversation is fresh in your mind to correct any glaring errors.
There you have it: Five tools that make call recording a cinch. Now that you know how to record a phone call on an iPhone, learn how to stop spam calls and how to screen record on an iPhone.
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