Call recording is a useful feature on Android phones that allows users to record conversations for reference, business, or personal use. However, when recording calls, many Android devices play a notification that says, “This call is now being recorded,” alerting both parties that the conversation is being captured. While this is done to comply with privacy laws in certain regions, some users may find this announcement disruptive or unnecessary, especially when both parties are already aware of the recording.
If you’re wondering how to disable this call recording announcement on your Android device, it’s important to note that the ability to do so depends on your region and the specific version of Android you are using. In some cases, disabling the alert may require third-party apps or even system modifications. Below, we’ll explore the steps and potential workarounds to disable the call recording notification.
Why the Announcement Exists
Before diving into the steps to disable the notification, it’s important to understand why it exists. The call recording announcement is often mandated by privacy laws to ensure both parties know they are being recorded. Some regions, such as parts of the United States, require two-party consent for call recording, meaning both individuals must be aware that the conversation is being recorded.
Google has introduced this feature into its default Phone app to comply with these legal requirements. As such, disabling this alert may not be possible or even legal in certain regions.
1. Using Third-Party Call Recording Apps
If your default Phone app is playing the call recording announcement, you can try using third-party call recording apps to bypass this feature. Some call recording apps don’t trigger the announcement. However, Google has restricted many of these apps from functioning on newer versions of Android, especially with Android 9 (Pie) and above.
Popular apps like Boldbeast Call Recorder and ACR Call Recorder previously offered silent recording without any announcements. However, due to Android restrictions, these apps might not work perfectly on all devices.
Steps to try using third-party apps:
1. Download a trusted call recording app like Boldbeast Call Recorder or ACR Call Recorder from the Google Play Store.
2. Configure the app’s settings to allow call recording.
3. Test the app to see if it records calls without triggering the notification.
Note: Some of these apps may require root access to your device to function properly, and rooting can void your phone’s warranty or compromise its security.
2. Downgrade to an Older Version of Google Phone App
If you’re using the default Google Phone app and it’s playing the recording announcement, one option could be to install an older version of the app. Earlier versions did not include the automatic announcement feature. Here’s how to downgrade:
1. Uninstall updates: Go to Settings > Apps > Google Phone and tap Uninstall Updates.
2. Download an older APK version of the Google Phone app from a trusted APK site like APKMirror.
3. Install the APK and disable automatic updates for the Phone app to avoid reverting to the newer version.
3. Use Manufacturer-Specific Phone Apps
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung and OnePlus, provide their own custom Phone apps that include call recording features without the automatic announcement. If you’re using a device from such manufacturers, try switching to the stock Phone app from your phone maker to avoid the Google-imposed announcement.
Disabling the “This call is now being recorded” announcement on Android is tricky due to legal restrictions and system limitations. While third-party apps or downgrading the Google Phone app can work, always consider your region’s legal requirements regarding call recording before attempting to disable the feature. Following these steps can help you achieve silent call recording while staying aware of legal boundaries.