Call recording issues

Even before the release of the Android 9 operating system, Google announced that this version would close the application programming interface (API), which developers used in their apps to record phone calls.

Despite this statement, on some phones with Android 9, the call recording function still works: in whole or in part – when the voice of only one participant in the conversation is heard, on whose phone AllTracker is installed.

The operability of the function depends on factors such as the manufacturer of the device, its model, the installed firmware, and the version of the Android security patch level.

It is also important for which region the device was made, since each country has its laws on recording telephone conversations; in some they are allowed, in some they are allowed with some restrictions or under certain conditions, and in some they are completely prohibited.

Unfortunately, the trend is that with each Android security update released regularly, there are fewer and fewer devices with a working call recording function on Android 9.

If you have a problem with recording calls on a device running Android 9 or earlier, you can try an alternative recording method.

To do this, you need to turn on the accessibility service “AllTracker - Accessibility” (in alternative versions of the app, the service is called “System Security”). How to do it is described here.

Additionally, on the monitoring page of the target device, you will need to go to “Settings” and enable the expert option “Alternative call recording method for Android 10”.

This method has some limitations, which are listed below in the description of the situation with Android 10 and higher.

Now for the newer versions of Android. Starting with Android 10, Google completely blocked the ability to record calls with third-party apps. Because of this, the recording of telephone conversations has become impossible – recordings are silent as a result.

We were able to work around this problem to some extent by creating an additional accessibility service in the app. Due to this service, call recording also works on current versions of Android, but there are some limitations:

1. As a rule, only the voice of the user of the target device is recorded, however, depending on the sensitivity of the target device's microphone, you may be able to hear the call partner on the recording.
2. On some devices, the recording does not work at all (for example, on mid-range Samsung phones from 2019).
3. If the call is through a wired or Bluetooth headset, it will not be recorded.

However, if the call goes on speakerphone, you will hear both participants in the conversation on the recording.

In view of the above, we cannot guarantee the reliable operation of the call recording function and therefore provide it in our service for free. Thus, each user can use this function on an “as is” basis.

Please note that by using this feature, you assume full responsibility for possible legal restrictions in your country.