Google is expanding call recording capabilities globally for Pixel phone users within its Phone by Google application.
The feature, announced for Pixel 6 and subsequent models in September, is now broadly available. An update to the Phone by Google app enabled call recording on a Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro Fold, specifically when upgrading from version 195.0 to version 200.0 of the public beta. Reports from 9to5Google indicate its appearance on the stable version 198 as well.
Enabling call recording also necessitates the November Pixel Drop installation. A Pixel 8 Pro device did not display the recording option after an app update but before the system update, which then made the feature accessible.
Users with a supported Pixel phone can activate call recording via Settings > Call Assist > Call Recording within the Phone app. Options include manual recording, automatic recording for specific numbers, or capturing calls from unknown or non-contact numbers.
Upon initial use of call recording, a prompt displays. A notice further explains Google’s handling of recordings and how the other party receives notification upon recording initiation.
Call recording requirements differ across devices. Non-Pixel phones utilizing the Phone app can record calls if they operate on Android 9 or newer. Pixel phones, however, must be Pixel 6 or newer and run Android 14 or higher for feature access.
The legal framework for call recording varies geographically, potentially requiring consent. To address this, the Phone app automatically plays an announcement or beep to notify the other caller of the recording.
