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I do not own an Android device. I was thinking about getting one, and an important feature for me is the ability to record a phone conversation which is in progress - meaning, while I am in the middle of a conversation, I could touch a button which will save a two-sided audio recording of that conversation from the moment onward.

I am aware that recording a conversation I am participating in without notifying the other members is illegal in some places - I have already checked this and have verified that it is completely legal in my country.

Is there is such a functionality in Android, through core features or available applications?

EDIT:

  • I prefer a solution which does not notify the other side of the recording, though it's not a must.
  • I need a solution which works in any country.
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3  
FYI, you need to check with states here in the US for legality of recording conversations. – Webs Sep 28 '10 at 21:27
Just to add...Not all recordings of conversations are evil by the way. I use it to conduct telephone interviews with some of my clients, with their permission, and then write up notes from the recording afterwards. – JW. Mar 12 '12 at 15:35

6 Answers

up vote 19 down vote accepted

There are a couple of apps to try. I use Ultimate Voice Recorder which costs $4.99 but works beautifully. You can start recording in the middle of a call.

A quick search on AppBrain brought up Record My Call which is free. I haven't used Record My Call so I can't comment on whether or not it can start in the middle of a call.

Update: Ultimate Voice Recorder does record both sides of the conversation.

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Lots of the comments say that the Ultimate Voice recorder doesn't work? Quote: "Android system doesnt allow for recording the caller" – Annan Nov 4 '11 at 15:06
1  
Most call-recorders that work on the phone itself - do not work on many devices. This is because of how the hardware is designed. The only solutions that work across all devices are the ones using an intermediately recording service. There are some such apps on iPhone, and currently only one for Android: market.android.com/details?id=com.scoompa.callrecorder.open. Disclosure: I am the developer of this app. – Guy Nov 8 '11 at 18:33
up vote 6 down vote

Yes, it is possible to record phone calls using Google Voice (but only calls that you receive).

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5  
Note that it does alert the other party that it is recording. – Al Everett Sep 28 '10 at 21:20
That does sound interesting, though limited; however it seems like an external service only available in the US at the moment, and I'm not in the US. – Oak Sep 28 '10 at 21:36
I don't believe that works when you turn off call announce though. – Matt Sep 28 '10 at 22:44
up vote 6 down vote

Tasker can do this for you no problems. In fact, it's listed on the home page as a particular use case:

make automatic recordings of what you say during phone calls to SD card

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1  
Only your side of the conversation, though, from that sentence. – Oak Sep 30 '10 at 11:29
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I agree that sentence isn't clear - but Tasker definitely allows you to record both sides of the conversation. See the following for precise details: tech.shantanugoel.com/2010/09/24/… – simmosn Sep 30 '10 at 21:41
very cool! Though like other solutions here, this does use the speaker phone (it just turns it on automatically). – Oak Oct 2 '10 at 11:10
up vote 2 down vote

Ditto Bryan on Google voice.

Another thing to try, download Voice Recorder from market. Turn on speakerphone during call with voice recorder running and recording in the background. That will at least record you, not sure if it will work for the other party, but might while on speakerphone.

Update:

Just found a developer that is making an app for business use. Might want to check this out. But you will have to wait awhile before the app is out. I would email and see if you could help beta test.

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up vote 1 down vote

I have found Call Recorder to be an excellent app. It only works on some devices and requires root. (I think it works on the international SGS2 without needing root.)

For some devices, you can flash a kernel that has added support for it (such as IncrediKernel, in the case of my HTC Incredible). Works on all calls, whether they are incoming or outgoing, speakerphone/headphone or not.

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up vote 0 down vote

UPDATE: Nevermind. Found it and it has terrible reviews.

Total Recall. It's pricey ($10) and it doesn't appear to be in the app market but I like how it integrates with Evernote and you can always sideload.

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