Pixel Call Recording Returns for Select Users in US and UK
▼ Summary
– Google is preparing to reintroduce full call recording to Pixel devices in more regions after updating its help page.
– The feature appears alongside existing Call Notes and Magic Cue functions in the Phone app’s beta version.
– Call Recording can be enabled in settings and is activated during a call via the Call Assist pill.
– The feature is currently in a limited rollout, with reports of availability in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
– Eligible devices include Pixel 6 and later models, as well as other devices running Android 9 or higher.
A quiet update to Google’s support documentation suggests the company is preparing to reintroduce full call recording capabilities for certain Pixel smartphone owners in specific markets. This development follows a period where the native recording function was largely unavailable, replaced instead by the AI-powered Call Notes feature. The return of direct recording offers users greater flexibility in how they capture and review their telephone conversations.
The first signs of this change emerged earlier this month when Google revised a Help Center page. For a significant time, direct call recording faced restrictions on Android devices in numerous countries. During this period, Google introduced Call Notes, an artificial intelligence tool that creates written summaries from call audio. Now, it appears the traditional recording function is being tested alongside Call Notes and Magic Compose within the Phone application’s beta version.
According to a recent report, at least one individual using a Pixel 8 Pro has observed the feature active on their device. The functionality was present while running the latest beta iteration of the Phone app. This selective availability strongly indicates that Google is conducting a limited trial before considering a broader release to the general user base.
Within the app’s settings menu, the Call Recording option is situated directly beneath the Caller ID & Spam section. The configuration for this returning tool mirrors the setup seen with Call Notes. Users can choose to enable or disable the feature completely. Furthermore, it can be programmed to activate automatically during conversations with unknown numbers or with specific contacts saved in the address book.
When engaged in a live call, the record button appears within the Call Assist interface, similar to the placement of the Call Notes shortcut. A single tap initiates the recording process immediately. Once a call concludes, the audio file becomes accessible for playback directly from the corresponding entry in the Recents list.
While a widespread rollout does not seem to be underway currently, some individuals in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have reported gaining access. A prominent recommendation card accompanies the feature, making its activation unmistakable for those included in the test group. Google’s official support page confirms that Pixel 6 and later models are eligible for the function, alongside other devices operating on Android 9 or newer software. The final list of supported regions, however, remains unclear at this stage.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
