Google is now enabling call recording on older Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, expanding a feature previously limited to its latest models. This move brings a valuable tool to more users, allowing them to document conversations for reference or legal purposes. The update also extends to some non-Pixel phones running the Google Phone app, though availability appears inconsistent across different devices and carriers.
How to Enable Call Recording
To activate call recording, Pixel users must have Android 14 or a later version and the newest Google Phone app installed. The setting is found within the Phone app under Settings > Call Recording. Users can configure the feature to record all calls automatically or select specific numbers for recording. When a call begins, a prominent record button is available at the bottom of the screen.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
It’s important to note that call recording prompts an automated message to the other party, notifying them that the conversation is being recorded. This is designed to ensure transparency and comply with legal requirements in many jurisdictions. Recordings are stored indefinitely unless the user sets a deletion timeframe of 7, 14, or 30 days.
Limited Availability on Non-Pixel Devices
While Google’s support documentation states compatibility with non-Pixel phones running Android 9 and above, testing reveals inconsistencies. Attempts to enable the feature on recent Samsung Galaxy phones (AT&T and T-Mobile carriers) were unsuccessful, suggesting the functionality is device-dependent. Google has yet to clarify these discrepancies.
Why This Matters
The expansion of call recording reflects a growing demand for tools that document real-time interactions. This feature is useful for journalists, researchers, or anyone needing accurate records of conversations. However, its inconsistent availability highlights the complexities of software features, which are often influenced by hardware limitations and carrier restrictions.
Call recording on Pixel phones is now available, but its broader adoption remains uncertain. The feature provides a valuable tool for documentation while also raising questions about its uneven implementation across Android devices.
