How to Record Calls on Samsung Galaxy (S9–S24): The Practical, No-Guesswork Guide

Recording a phone call on a Samsung Galaxy can be surprisingly easy—or mysteriously impossible—depending on your region, your carrier, and which Phone app your device uses.

That’s why two people with the “same” Galaxy model can see completely different options. One has a clear Record button. The other has nothing.

This guide removes the confusion. You’ll learn:

• How to check whether you’re using Samsung Phone or Phone by Google
• How to record calls manually, and how to enable auto call recording
• Where recordings are saved (and how to share/export them)
• Why the Record option is missing—and what you can realistically do about it
• How newer Galaxy devices handle transcripts/summaries (when available)

A quick note on legality and trust: call recording laws vary by location. Even when it’s legal, it’s best practice to tell the other person you’re recording. Some dialers also play an audible notice to both sides when recording starts.

First: Identify your Phone app (this determines everything)

Samsung Galaxy phones typically use one of two dialers:

• Samsung Phone (Samsung’s own Phone app)
• Phone by Google (Google’s dialer on some models/regions/carriers)

This matters because call recording settings live in different menus—and behavior (including auto/always-record options and audible notices) can differ.

Quick ways to tell

Open the Phone app → go into Settings.

• If it feels deeply “One UI” and you see Samsung-style menus like Record calls, you’re probably on Samsung Phone.
• If the settings look like Google’s Material UI and you see options like Call recording and Always record, you’re likely on Phone by Google.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this guide covers both paths.

If you’re using Samsung Phone: how to record calls

On Galaxy devices where call recording is supported, Samsung Phone usually includes a dedicated Record calls section.

1) Turn on auto call recording (best for reliability)

If you record calls often (interviews, customer support, documenting agreements), auto recording is the “set it once and forget it” option.

1. Open Phone
2. Tap Menu (three dots)
3. Tap Settings
4. Tap Record calls
5. Turn on Auto record calls (wording may vary)

You may see options like:

• All calls
• Calls from unknown numbers
• Calls with specific numbers / selected contacts

Best practice: use Selected contacts or Unknown numbers if you don’t need everything. It reduces clutter and lowers privacy risk.

2) Record a call manually (during an active call)

If manual recording is available on your device/region, you’ll typically see:

• a Record button on the in-call screen, or
• a Record option inside the in-call menu

Steps:

1. Make or answer a call
2. Tap Record
3. Tap Stop when you’re done (or end the call)

If you don’t see Record at all, jump to the troubleshooting section below—because it’s often a region/carrier restriction, not a bug.

If you’re using Phone by Google: how to record calls (and enable “Always record”)

On some Samsung devices, call recording lives inside Phone by Google. When supported, it can be straightforward—and it includes “Always record” options that many people specifically search for.

1) Record a single call manually

1. Make or receive a call
2. After the call is connected, tap Record
3. Tap Stop recording when finished

2) Always record calls from unknown numbers

1. Open Phone
2. Tap Menu (three dots) → Settings
3. Tap Call recording
4. Under Always record, enable Numbers not in your contacts
5. Confirm

3) Always record calls from selected contacts

1. Open Phone → Settings → Call recording
2. Under Always record, choose Selected numbers
3. Turn it on
4. Tap Add and choose contacts
5. Confirm

Important expectations: Phone by Google typically notifies participants when recording starts/stops. Some call types (hold, conference) may not be recordable.

Where Samsung call recordings are saved (and how to find them fast)

After you record a call, the next question is always: “Where did it go?”

Common places to find recordings:

• Phone → Settings → Record calls → Recorded calls (most common)
• Voice Recorder (on some models/regions)
• My Files (storage browser), often inside a call recording folder

Fastest path (most common)

1. Open Phone
2. Tap Menu → Settings
3. Tap Record calls
4. Tap Recorded calls

From there you can usually:

• Play recordings
• Delete recordings
• Share/export recordings (depending on model/software)

If you’re recording for work or anything sensitive, consider moving recordings to a secure location (encrypted folder, secure cloud drive, or work-managed storage) rather than leaving everything in local storage.

Transcripts and summaries on newer Galaxy phones (S23/S24 and beyond)

Some newer Galaxy phones may offer call recording extras like:

• automatic transcription
• transcript viewing inside call recording
• summaries (often under Galaxy AI features)

Availability depends heavily on:

• One UI / Android version
• device model
• region/language support
• rollout status

If you don’t see transcripts, it doesn’t necessarily mean call recording is broken—it may simply not be supported on your configuration.

Why the “Record” option is missing (and what to try)

This is the most common frustration across S9–S24 models.

1) Region or carrier doesn’t support call recording

This is the biggest factor. Call recording can be enabled/disabled by:

• regional rules
• carrier policies
• device configuration (CSC)
• dialer version

If it’s missing from Settings, there often isn’t a safe “toggle” that restores it without changing region-level configuration (which can be risky and may violate policies).

2) Wi-Fi Calling can interfere

On some setups, call recording may fail or disappear when Wi-Fi Calling is enabled.

Quick test:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi Calling
2. Place a normal call
3. Check if Record appears/works

If recording works with Wi-Fi Calling OFF, you found the culprit.

3) You’re using a different dialer than you think

People often assume Samsung Phone but are actually using Google Phone (or vice versa). Menus will look totally different.

Double-check:

• Phone app name and settings layout
• Default apps → Phone app (if selectable)

4) The call type isn’t supported

Recording can be unreliable or unavailable for:

• conference / merged calls
• calls on hold
• certain VoIP scenarios routed through the dialer
• enterprise-managed devices (MDM restrictions)

Test with a simple 1:1 call (no hold, no merge).

5) Older models / older software (S9–S10 era)

Older devices can show inconsistent behavior across regions and carriers. Even if your hardware is fine, rules and software can still disable the feature.

Safe steps:

• update the Phone app
• update system software (if available)
• verify whether your dialer supports recording in your region

Be careful with “risky” advice that recommends system modifications. It can break updates, trigger security issues, or create legal trouble.

Tips for clearer recordings (especially on older Galaxy models)

If your recordings sound muffled or quiet, these habits help:

• Record in a quiet room (background noise destroys clarity)
• Avoid speakerphone unless necessary (speakerphone can echo)
• If you must use speakerphone, place the phone on a stable surface
• If your Bluetooth mic is poor, switch to handset audio
• Do a 10-second test call before recording something important

FAQ

Can I record calls on every Samsung Galaxy from S9 to S24?

Not guaranteed. Model matters, but region, carrier, and dialer matter even more. Many S-series phones can record calls in supported regions, while others won’t show the option at all.

Can I auto-record calls on Samsung?

If your dialer supports it, yes. Samsung Phone may offer Auto record calls. Phone by Google may offer Always record for unknown or selected numbers.

Does the other person get notified?

Often yes—especially on Phone by Google, which typically plays an audible notice and/or informs participants when recording starts and stops. Even when notification isn’t obvious, follow local laws and ask for consent.

Where are Samsung call recordings saved?

Common locations include:

• Phone → Settings → Record calls → Recorded calls
• Voice Recorder (some devices)
• My Files (folder location varies by model/software)

Why does call recording stop working when Wi-Fi Calling is on?

Some configurations don’t support recording with Wi-Fi Calling enabled. The simplest test is to disable Wi-Fi Calling and retry.

Final takeaway

Fastest path to success:

• Identify your Phone app (Samsung Phone vs Phone by Google)
• Look for Record calls / Call recording in settings
• Enable Auto record / Always record if you need consistency
• Find files under Recorded calls (or Voice Recorder / My Files)
• If the option is missing, it’s likely region/carrier limitation—then test Wi-Fi Calling and confirm your dialer

If you tell me your exact model (e.g., S21, S23 Ultra) and your country/region, I can tailor the troubleshooting section into a short “do this, then this” checklist that matches your menus exactly.