Google first announced the expansion of the Call Recording feature in September. It should be available after you update the Phone by Google app and ensure you have the November Pixel Drop installed, according to Android Authority, which also has access to the feature on a Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro Fold after updates.
Call Notes uses AI to transcribe phone calls and generate summaries that highlight key points and “next steps” on the Pixel 9 and above. But Call Recording, which can be activated by navigating to Settings > Call Assist > Call Recording in the Phone app, simply creates audio files stored on your device that you’ll need to transcribe through other apps or services.
Recordings can be started manually at the start of a call, but in the Phone app’s settings, you can choose to automatically record calls from a list of specific numbers or for calls that aren’t in your contacts. The recordings can be set to automatically delete after 7, 14, or 30 days, or you can choose to keep them all forever.
After turning on Call Recording, you’ll need to download some audio files that inform everyone on a call that they’re being recorded. You’ll set it up during your first call, when Google explains how the recordings are handled and stored.
While Pixel 6 and newer devices require Android 14 or higher to use Call Recording, non-Pixel devices with the Phone app installed only require Android 9 or newer.