Elyse Betters Picaro /
Follow : Add us as a preferred source on Google.
'key takeaways
- Pixel 6 and newer phones now support built-in call recording.
- Recordings save locally and include automatic consent alerts.
- You can manage retention, share audio, and record select callers.
Google recently announced a native Call Recording feature for Pixel phones, and now it is finally rolling out, giving you a simple, built-in, and reliable way to save important calls.
Imagine you spoke with a contractor last week and want to remember what they said, or you need to conduct an interview and would like to replay it for your boss. Whatever the reason may be, if you have a Pixel 6 or newer, you can now record a call to play back later. Unlike Call Notes, Google's AI-powered transcription and summary tool, the feature uses no AI to capture your conversation.
Also: How to record a phone call on your iPhone (and where and when it's legal to do so)
It simply saves the audio of your call directly on your device. No cloud upload, and nothing is sent to Google's servers. And yes, it is all legit and disclosed. Before recording begins, Google plays a short "This call is being recorded" message so everyone is aware.
Availability varies, but if you are in a supported country, you can now hit "record" without a third-party app. Here's how.
How to record and replay a Pixel phone call
What you'll need: You'll need a Pixel 6 or newer running Android 14 or later, plus the latest version of the Phone app.
1. Turn on Call Recording
Before you can record anything, you need to enable Google's Call Recording feature inside the Phone app. Google tucks it under the Call Assist section, which is also where Scam Detection, Call Screening, and other calling features live on newer Pixels. It's worth checking all these out, honestly, as they're fun to try.
Also: I changed 10 settings on my Google Pixel phone to easily improve the user experience
The setup takes less than a minute. The first time you enable it, you'll be prompted to download "audio files." Once done, you can choose to record all unknown numbers, specific contacts, or only record calls manually.
How to enable Call Recording on your Pixel:
- Open the Phone app on your Pixel.
- Tap the Menu icon (hamburger button). You might see More options (three dots in the top right) instead.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Call Recording.
- Download the audio files and read Google's consent notice.
- Toggle Turn on Call Recording.
- Optional: Choose to automatically delete recordings (never or after 7, 14, or 30 days).
- Optional: Choose whether to automatically record non-contacts (unknown numbers) or select numbers.
2. Record a phone call
Once Call Recording is enabled, starting a recording is as easy as tapping one button during a call.
Also: Google just gave me 5 compelling reasons to update my Pixel - including this security boost
The Call Record button lives under the Call Assist menu, right next to Audio Emoji. When you tap it, you will see a brief countdown, and everyone on the call hears the standard disclosure message. A small red dot also appears next to the timer at the top of the call screen when recording is active.
How to record a call on your Pixel:
- Start (or answer) a call using the Phone app.
- Wait for the person to answer.
- If it's your first call after enabling Call Recording, you'll be asked to turn on Record Call. Do so and give consent. After that, you'll see a Call Assist button on call. Open that and then tap Record.
- Listen for the disclosure message that plays automatically.
- When done, go to Call Assist and tap Stop Recording.
You can stop recording at any time. Both parties will hear a message confirming that the recording has ended.
Show more3. How to find and play recorded calls
Once the call ends, your Pixel saves the audio file locally on your device.
Recordings appear in the Phone app's Recents tab with a small microphone icon. Because there are no cloud backups, no syncing, and nothing is sent to Google, you should not delete your call log unless you are absolutely sure. When you delete a call entry, the linked recording goes with it.
Also: Amazon is selling the Google Pixel 9 for its lowest price of the season - and I highly recommend it
Each recording uses Google's M3 Expressive audio player, and it works like any other media file. You can pause, scrub through the timeline, or share it with supported apps.
How to play call recordings on your Pixel:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap Home to see your recents calls.
- Select the call you recorded. You'll see a mic on the log entry to indicate it was recorded.
- Tap Play.
- Optional: Tap Share to send the recording via email, messaging apps, or file transfer.
- Optional: Tap the Trash icon to delete the recording.
FAQs
How long do recordings stay on my Pixel phone?
Your Pixel phone lets you automatically delete recordings after a set time. You can choose 7, 14, or 30-day retention, or select Never. Just open the Phone app, go to Menu or More options, then Settings, and select Call Recording. Tap Delete recordings under Recordings, choose a retention length, and tap Confirm.
Also: How to restart your Android phone without the power button: 2 free and easy methods
You can also delete everything instantly by tapping Delete all recordings now.
Do non-Pixel Android phones support Call Recording?
Some do, but not all. Google has not disclosed which manufacturers support the feature. It only says that non-Pixel devices must run Android 9 or later and use the latest Google Phone app. Pixel devices, starting with the Pixel 6, must be running Android 14 or later.
Where are my call recordings stored?
Recordings are saved locally on your device only. They are not backed up to Google or synced between devices.
Can I edit or share call recordings?
You can play and share recordings directly from the Phone app. There are no built-in editing tools in Google's Phone app, but you can share the audio via email, messaging apps, or cloud-upload apps and then import it into another app to edit.
Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to extend its battery life by several hours
Can I record calls automatically?
Yes. Pixels let you automatically record unknown numbers or specific contacts. You can turn both on in your Phone app settings.
Does Call Recording work during conference calls?
No. It won't work if the call is on hold or during conference calling.
How do I delete a recorded call?
Go to Recents, select the caller, tap History, find the specific recording, and tap the Trash can icon to delete it.
What are the consent rules for recording calls?
Many regions require all parties to consent.
In the US, it's legal to record a call only with proper consent. Federal law requires consent from at least one party, meaning you can record if you're part of the call. But many states -- including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts -- require all parties to agree. Recording without the needed consent in those states may violate wiretapping laws.
Also: Your Android phone's most critical security feature is turned off by default - how to enable it ASAP
Laws abroad vary, too, and carriers and regional laws can always block the feature if they choose. For example, Canada requires one-party consent, while the UK allows personal recordings but restricts sharing without permission.
Either way, Google complies by playing an automated disclosure message at the start and end of every recording, but that doesn't replace legal obligations. The safest approach is always to tell the other person and get their OK first.
In short: Check your local laws, and when in doubt, get consent. You can see all 50 states' recording laws here.
Show moreFeatured
-
The best products we tested in 2025: 's picks for phones, laptops, TVs, and more
-
The Windows Insider Program is a confusing mess
-
Best Black Friday deals under $100 2025: 20 sales out now
-
Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I compared the two Windows alternatives, and here's my advice