Android Call Recorder Apps [Auto & Manual]

Finn Richter

June 26, 2025

Best Call Recording Apps for Android

Over the years, finding accurate information about call recording on Android has become more complicated due to constant Google policy shifts, API changes, and frustrating carrier restrictions.

I still remember the chaos in May 2022, when Google officially turned off access for many third-party call-recording apps, only for some of them to be partially turned back on through messy workarounds. By November 2022, the accessibility ban locked things down further.

I tested 140 phone calls across multiple test devices and went through a list of test apps just to find out what still works and what fails without fault.

What I’ve learned is this: Android isn’t always to blame—the change in policies, regional restrictions, and the way stuff is implemented by carriers and manufacturers is often where the problem lies.

There are still a few best call recorder apps that can sneak past these limits, but you have to dig deep through forums, obscure tutorials, and user reviews to separate fact from fiction.

So in this guide, I’ll show you which app options still hold up in 2025 and how to use them effectively, without wasting time on methods that no longer work.

Why is Android call recording so difficult?

The struggle to record calls on Android isn’t just about the app you install—it’s a tangled web of policies, Google Play restrictions, Accessibility API limitations, and fragmented features across devices and regions.

Ever since the May 2022 ban, when Google Play policy officially axed accessibility permission for recording, developers have been scrambling for workarounds, often relying on plug-ins, secondary apps, or even recommending root access—which most users, including myself, aren’t comfortable with. The truth is, starting from Android 9, escalating through Android 11, and now in Android 13, each version seems to further restrict the ability to use the native dialer app or any original app for capturing calls unless you’re on a specific region, phone, or lucky enough to own a Samsung device where OEMs may quietly preserve this feature.

Add to that the inconsistencies in Google’s own release of products and enforcement of Google Play rules, and it creates a minefield for both users and developers alike.

In my experience testing dozens of methods, some required rooting, others functioned through questionable mobile hacks, and almost all of them eventually broke after a system update.

No matter how promising a new solution appears, the issues persist due to the ever-tightening grip of Google’s evolving policies and Android’s decentralized ecosystem.

Best Call Recording Apps for Android

Top 10 best call recorder apps for Android

1. ACR Phone + APH

One of the most consistent tools I’ve used in recent months is ACR Phone, a versatile dialer app that smartly integrates essential features like caller ID, call blocker, and even auto-dialing, but what sets it apart is its tight pairing with APH (ACR Phone Helper)—a clever add-on that enables call recording even amidst Google Play Store’s strict accessibility policy.

Unlike other apps that fail mid-conversation or require excessive permissions, this app combination delivers smoother recording of phone calls, especially when tested on non-standard sources like the Samsung Galaxy Store or Huawei App Gallery, where sideloading via third-party download is still allowed.

During my testing, I had to manually install and configure it on various devices to ensure the recorded output matched quality expectations, and a simple test call often confirmed if the setup worked.

Though it’s not directly promoted on Google Play anymore, the workaround method via the helper is surprisingly robust and doesn’t interfere much with the core ACR Call Recorder functionality, making it a reliable choice even on heavily restricted Android builds.

Android App

2. Call Recorder by Lucky Mobile Apps

After testing dozens of options, I found Call Recorder by Lucky Mobile Apps to be one of the few recording app choices still offering a fairly functional experience without demanding excessive accessibility permissions, despite Google tightening its grip on Google Play.

What makes it a practical solution is its ability to automatically capture phone calls in the background, though you can also trigger it manually through the app’s straightforward UI. While it doesn’t come with a built-in dialer, its performance is impressive, especially if you fine-tune the settings for clarity and consistency.

The recordings are neatly saved, and during my hands-on, I noticed the functionality remained stable even after system updates.

This app is free to download, though it includes some ads, and a priced upgrade option is available for those who want an ad-free experience with additional controls.

Overall, this remains one of the better lightweight tools on the Google Play store for users who want a quick, reliable, and easy-to-use call recorder without having to jump through complicated permission hoops.

Android App

3. Automatic Call Recorder Pro (formerly CallU)

Automatic Call Recorder Pro, developed by SMSROBOT and previously known as CallU, has quietly remained one of the best options for phone call recording on Android, even post Google Play’s ban on apps relying heavily on accessibility permissions.

While the UI can feel a bit clunky, especially with its persistent overlay, it still works reliably and offers solid functional value if you’re willing to adjust the setup carefully.

I found the app especially helpful for manual control, although it can be configured with triggers for automatic capture too. What really stood out during my use was how clean the recorded calls were, even without rooting.

Yes, it includes ads, but the $3.49 subscription unlocks extra perks like more space and an ad-free experience. While the permissions needed can be annoying—thanks to Android’s evolving privacy rules—this app manages to balance usability and reliability better than most.

For users like me who do a lot of writing based on client conversations, this is one of those rare tools that actually record phone calls in a way that justifies the hassle.

Android App

4. Cube ACR

Among all the call recorder options I’ve tested in 2025, Cube ACR stands out for its smart design and adaptability, especially considering the tight Google Play ban on accessibility permission-based tools.

What makes it powerful is its App Connector plugin, which pairs seamlessly with the main app to bypass limitations and ensure it still records calls reliably.

During testing, I explored both manually and automatically triggered recording modes, and with the right settings and a few tweaks, the experience was smooth even under strict overlay permissions.

I appreciated the little details, like the floating widget and notification control, which improved usability while capturing phone calls in real time.

Though the free trial only lasts seven days, the subscription options—$1.99 per week or $19.99 per year—are reasonable for users who need consistent performance.

With millions of downloads, this app has earned its reputation as a go-to solution for those who need reliable, high-quality recordings that actually function despite Android’s shifting rules.

Android App

5. Pixelify Magisk Manager module (root)

For advanced users who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, the Pixelify Magisk Manager module has become a hidden gem for unlocking call recording and other Pixel-specific features on non-Pixel phones.

By flashing this module via Magisk, root users can enable Google’s dialer with native call recording functionality, Magic Eraser, exclusive wallpapers, and more—bringing the full Pixel features suite to nearly any device.

I’ve personally used it across multiple test devices, and once the instructions are followed properly, the setup is surprisingly smooth. What I love most is that these features get enabled in all regions, bypassing the usual limitations tied to Google Dialer availability.

Though clearly not for beginners, knowledgeable users will appreciate how this download bridges the gap between official Pixel software and the broader Android ecosystem.

The developer community behind it keeps the modules up-to-date, and it remains one of the easiest root tweaks for enhancing system-level integration with real, reliable results on a rooted phone.

AndroidApp

6. All Call Recorder

If you’re looking for a minimal yet good call recording solution that just gets the job done without unnecessary bloat, All Call Recorder deserves a serious look.

I’ve used this app on secondary devices for basic phone conversations, and its user-friendly interface made it incredibly easy to start or stop recording with a single tap, avoiding those frustrating blunders where calls go unrecorded.

What stood out to me was the neatly organized library, where recorded calls are displayed in both list and calendar formats, making it easy to locate specific conversations.

Plus, playback, note-taking, and even cloud synchronization are built right in, making it a surprisingly perfect package for casual users.

While it does come with ads, the feature set is strong enough to make it worth dealing with them, especially for those who want a lightweight tool that’s reliably working without digging deep into complex settings.

Android App

7. Your stock phone dialer (regional restrictions apply)

Surprisingly, one of the most reliable ways to record phone calls in 2025 still comes down to using your stock phone dialer, provided you’re in one of the lucky regions where Google, Samsung, or Huawei haven’t disabled the call recording feature.

I’ve personally had success using the default dialer on my Galaxy S22 Ultra, where the option was buried inside the dialer’s settings and simply needed to be enabled—no third-party apps or extra steps required. However, availability varies heavily; in restricted regions like the United States, this method is often blocked, even on the same hardware.

The experience is noticeably smoother with first-party tools from OEMs who build integrated solutions right into their stock dialer app, and I’ve seen similar results with the Pixel 6, depending on the country of use.

This route is especially appealing for those who want a clean, native experience without the complications or risks of installing external tools—just be aware that regional restrictions and brand-specific limitations still play a major role in what’s actually possible.

8. callX

If you’re after a powerful yet intuitive call recorder app in 2025, callX remains a solid choice for any Android device, offering a smart blend of features that make it easy to record calls with both manual and automatic call recording options.

Its clean interface lets you quickly capture every conversation, whether from incoming calls or even from apps like SMS, Whatsapp, and Skype, all while tagging each recording with the relevant phone number or contact name.

I particularly liked how you can choose between HD, MP3, or WAV formats, giving you flexibility depending on your storage and quality needs. Beyond that, it offers tools to organize, manage, and even exclude specific numbers from being saved.

You can also easily upload recordings to Dropbox, Google Drive, or share them across different platforms, making callX one of the most practical and privacy-conscious apps I’ve worked with lately.

Android App

9. Call Recorder – Auto Recording

Developed by Call Team, Automatic Call Recorder is a reliable call-recording app I’ve used across various Android devices for both incoming calls and outgoing calls, offering a surprisingly versatile tool that also doubles as a voice recorder for saving memos and notes.

Its simple toggle options allow users to enable or disable recording depending on preference, and the overall call management experience feels smooth and intuitive.

During my use, I appreciated how easy it was to manage recordings without encountering the dreaded issue where the app doesn’t record or leaves recordings missing, which I’ve faced with plenty of alternatives.

Whether for business conversations or everyday chats, the recording quality held up well and made it one of the more consistent performers for those looking to streamline voice recording with minimal setup.

Android App

10. Call Recorder – Talker ACR

Talker ACR is a well-rounded call recording app for Android that I’ve found surprisingly effective at capturing both incoming calls and outgoing phone calls, even across VoIP services like WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype.

Its user-friendly design allows easy toggling between automatic call recording and manual call recording, and one standout perk is the ability to exclude specific contacts to avoid unnecessary clutter.

While the free features offer a solid foundation, the premium option unlocks advanced capabilities like cloud backups, storage management, and enhanced security—all of which proved valuable during longer recording sessions over WiFi or VOLTE.

Despite a few ads and rare instances where it might fail or record just one side, I’d still recommend it to users who want strong performance without needing to immediately pay for results.

Android App

Conclusion

In 2025, finding the Best Call Recording Apps for Android requires navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by regional policies, app permissions, and device compatibility, but with the right tools—like Cube ACR, ACR Phone, callX, or even your stock phone dialer—you can still reliably record calls with clarity and control. Whether you prioritize automatic recordings, integration with VoIP services, or cloud sync, each app serves different user needs—from casual use to professional call documentation.

Pairing these apps with a solid android backup app, a trusted VPN for Android for added privacy, and a reliable file manager app android users can depend on helps not only secure your recordings but also speed up android phone performance by keeping things organized and efficient.

Frequently Ask Questions

What’s the best call recording app for Android?

When it comes to recording calls on Android, no single app fits every use case, but Cube ACR consistently emerges as the most recommended option for both regular calls and VoIP calls like WhatsApp and Telegram, thanks to its broad compatibility and advanced features. For users who need transcription services, Rev Call Recorder is a strong choice, while TapeACall remains a favorite for international call recording with clean audio capture. If you’re working within a Google Workspace environment, Google Voice might be the simplest native method, although limited in flexibility. With so many contenders, it ultimately comes down to what kind of record you need—whether it’s personal documentation, client meetings, or legal backups, there’s a refined solution out there for nearly every Android user.

How much does cube ACR cost?

Cube ACR offers flexible pricing plans tailored to different needs, starting at $0 for the Free tier, which is surprisingly functional for basic users wanting to test call recording features without commitment. For those looking to unlock the full suite—like cloud backup, advanced controls, and support across both Android and iOS—the Premium option for a Single User comes in at around $50 per year, making it competitively priced in the call recording space. I’ve personally used both tiers and found the upgrade well worth it if you’re planning to rely on Cube ACR for daily recordings or professional use, especially considering its smooth cross-platform support and the reliability it brings at every level.

Is there a truly free call recording app?

If you’re searching for a free call recorder that delivers without annoying restrictions, Rev Call Recorder is one of the rare options that genuinely stands out—though it’s currently only available for iPhones. This app offers unlimited recordings with no limits, no hidden costs, and surprisingly, no in-app ads, making it a clean and reliable software for those needing straightforward, high-quality recordings. While it does require you to register with a US phone number, the basic features work flawlessly once you’re set up. I’ve used it for quick interviews and personal notes, and the simple interface makes it ideal for users who just want to hit record and go.

Which Android version stopped call recording?

Android 10 was the version that officially blocked direct call recording access through the microphone, causing a major shift in how apps and developers could record phone calls. Prior to this, many relied on workarounds using the Accessibility Service, but Google’s policy update limited that path as well, prompting a wave of alternative methods and a surge in user frustration. I vividly remember the sudden response from the developer community scrambling to find solutions that would still function on devices updated to Android 10. The result was a fragmented landscape where only certain apps under specific conditions could still manage to offer limited recording ability—highlighting the importance of verifying compatibility before installing any new solution.

Does Android have a built in call recorder?

Some Android devices do come with built-in call recording features, particularly models from brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, or Samsung in select regions, but it’s far from universal due to Google’s restrictions on the Google Phone app. While the ability to record calls natively exists, it’s often disabled depending on your region or carrier, forcing users to rely on a third-party app instead. In my experience, even when a native feature is present, it’s not always reliable or accessible without tweaking settings or using specific firmware versions, making third-party solutions still essential for consistent and dependable call recording on Android.

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