There isn't one Android recording switch. That is the frustrating answer when someone says "Just press Record", while your smartphone doesn't have a recording button. Know which dialler is placing the call before you install anything. Phone by Google and Samsung Phone are different apps. Countries and networks matter, too.
Start with the Phone you already have
If you do have Phone by Google, it has demanding recording requirements: Android 9+ on supported non-Pixel phones, or a Pixel 6+ with Android 14+. The app needs to be up to date. Your carrier and region also need to support recording. A recent device isn't a promise that this will work.
Once the call is answered, tap Record. That's how supported non-Pixel phones do it. On Pixel, open Call Assist, then select Call Recording.
To stop, tap Stop recording, or Call Assist then Stop, on Pixel.
Both sides will hear a warning. You can't use this Google feature when the call is on hold or when on a conference call.
Follow the instructions for your country on Samsung
Samsung US instructions: compatible Galaxy devices with One UI 7 or later. Tap Record at any time during a call (You may need to expand More first.) Tap the icon again to stop. Your recording will play back from the call entry with a microphone icon in Recents.
Record call may be in the three-dot menu in some versions of regional builds.
Where supported, record calls automatically in Phone settings, Record calls, Auto record calls. If a menu is missing, you're not doing anything wrong. Samsung's instructions are different for some regions.
Test it before the call that matters
Ask someone to help with a quick test. Once you have permission, read 2 or 3 phrases each. Listen to the recording. Check that you can hear both voices.
Check the rules about calls, too: an announcement says it's recording - but that's not the same as having the other person give their permission.
When the button is missing
Upgrade? Look at your model's support page for your country, then consider everything before you buy. Read exactly what the app will record.
Some services will take their calls on their own number rather than your normal mobile number.
Those are different purchases.
What you need for one call
A second phone next to your speakerphone may be enough to record the sound of one call, but check with the other party. Let them know, and get their okay if you need to. Reduce distractions and test the quality. It's not perfect, but it may be all you need.
A second number for the calls you want to keep
Having a separate virtual phone number for customer calls could be useful. MoreMins call recording applies to calls you make or get on a MoreMins number in the app, on Android and iPhone. It doesn't record SIM calls or calls you place with other calling apps.
Add recording at purchase or enable it for an existing number in your account. Recording – $1.99/month. The number costs extra, from $0.99/month; see its cost and call charges before you purchase. You'll receive every recording by email.
Consider the inbox before giving the number to customers. Who has permission to open attachments? Where will you keep the files you need? "Somewhere in my email" gets less useful with each new call you take.
Finding the file again
In Google Phone, tap the person in Home to listen to a recent recording or in History for an old one. Google says its recordings are stored on your device, not anywhere else, and deleting the call log deletes the recording. Back up before you need it. Name it with date and subject ("Washer delivery, 18 September") so you won't forget.
Android call recording questions
Does every Android phone record calls?
No. Check your calling app, model, carrier and region. Instructions for one device may not be valid for yours.
Should I auto-record every call?
Only if you need to, the feature is there and you can adhere to the relevant consent requirements. Otherwise, make each recording manually and keep only what you want.
What about recording on iPhone?
Apple's built-in iPhone feature uses Notes to save recordings, and has its own regional limitations; our guide to how to record a phone call on iPhone covers that.