There's no shortage of Android call recording apps on the Google Play Store. Plenty of third-party options are available even if your device doesn't have a native recording function. However, soon you won't be able to use these apps on your Galaxy phone.
Google has confirmed through a developer webinar that it's making a substantial policy change which will effectively kill all third-party call recording apps. These changes have been made in the interest of privacy.
Google hangs up on Android call recording apps
The policy change that goes into effect starting May 11, 2022 limits how app developers can use the Accessibility API. The company states that this API was not designed and can't be requested for remote call audio recording.
This is effectively the final nail in the coffin for third-party Android call recording apps. Google has gradually been removing APIs that allowed such apps to record calls on Android devices. Privacy remains the primary reason why Google has been doing this.
Call recording was blocked by default in Android 10 but app developers switched to using the Accessibility API for their apps. Starting next month, it will no longer be possible for them to use this API for the recording apps.
It's important to note that Google isn't killing all call recording functionality on Android phones. Devices that come with a native recording feature, such as Google's own Pixel phones, will continue to offer this feature.
Some of you may also be aware that Samsung also has a native call recording feature on One UI. If you don't already know how, here's how to record calls on your Galaxy phone.
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