Google: Beta of the Phone app enables call recordings

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With a new feature in Android, Google enables recording of ongoing calls. As announced in September 2025, the feature is intended to be available in all countries “where Pixel is supported.” According to Google, the feature should also be provided on devices from other manufacturers.

Call recordings with built-in tools

For Google, the integration of call recording represents a U-turn in a way: in 2022, the manufacturer removed all third-party apps with this feature from the Play Store. The background at the time was that providers of call recording apps were exploiting an accessibility interface (API). According to Google, however, only applications that demonstrably help people with disabilities are allowed to use this API.

Now the manufacturer is bringing the call recording feature itself: It will be part of the Phone app, but currently seems to be available only to beta testers in this country, as was initially the case with the iPhone-like “Contact Posters.” The new feature for recording phone calls was offered to us yesterday on a Pixel 10 Pro, and later on a Pixel 8. Apparently, it is also being rolled out for devices from other manufacturers. A reader of Stadt-Bremerhaven.de claims to have seen the feature on their Fairphone 6.

Users of the Phone app can activate call recording directly via a selection window during a call. In the app settings, users also have the option to record all calls from unknown numbers. You can also specify for certain phone numbers that calls should be recorded automatically. The recorded calls can be listened to and shared directly in the call overview. According to Google, the saved calls remain only locally on the device and are not backed up externally. To save storage space or protect data, users can specify in the settings whether recordings should be automatically deleted after 7, 14, or 30 days.

Recording only with permission

In Germany, you are not allowed to record a call secretly and without the consent of the other party. According to Paragraph 201, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, unauthorized recording of telephone conversations is prohibited; otherwise, it is a “violation of the confidentiality of speech.” To be allowed to record a call, you need the explicit consent of the conversation partner. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to three years.

The conversation partners are “audibly notified that the call is being recorded” when it starts, Google emphasizes. This notification does not replace a declaration of consent. According to Google, both parties are also informed when the recording ends that the call is no longer being recorded.

In a support document about the feature, Google also points out that users are informed before the first call recording that they must comply with local laws for recording calls.

Restrictions

In the document, Google also makes it clear that on supported Pixel devices, Android 14 or newer must be installed. Furthermore, the whole thing only works from a Pixel 6 or newer. In addition, the current version of the Phone app must be installed (currently only beta), and you must be in one of the countries or regions where call recording is supported.

Google also confirms in the support document that the feature is supported on non-Pixel models. These smartphones must have at least Android 9 or newer installed. We have asked Google whether the feature will be released for everyone soon.

(afl)