yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
I would like to compile a list of Android phones that either...

1) Come with native call recording functionality.

2) Support call recording with 3rd party app/hack/ROM.

So that people who want this function can make a better purchase judgement. It would be great if you can lend a hand.

Please note that phones/apps that require using speakerphones (i.e. muffled voice from the other side; cannot record while headsets are used) to record the calls do *not* count. You can test by recording with a headset, Bluetooth or wired, and see if the voices from both sides are still loud and clear.

Most, if not all, "call recorder" apps on Android Market make use of such "speakerphone" hacks.

Please don't bring legality discussions here as well.

Thanks.

Jul-12 update: It is obvious now that this issue is not of Google origin, but of individual maker/carrier's decision, so choose wisely (and complaining to Google is unlikely to help.) The key, so it seems, is proper software (e.g. kernel, libraries) support.

Models that have this function built-in.

Meizu M9

Motorola Defy (Chinese mainland version ME525)

Motorola Milestone (with Chinese 2.2 ROM; Thanks to ystong)

Motorola XT701

Samsung Galaxy S (South Korean version SHW-M110S, with firmware DH09 or newer)

Models that don't have this function built-in but can use a 3rd party app/hack/ROM to record calls in both ways without turning on speakerphone.

HTC Desire; requires root and custom kernel/ROM

HTC HD2; requires custom rom and patch

HTC Hero/DROID ERIS; requires root and custom kernel; with rViox, support thread

HTC Magic (a.k.a. G2); requires root and custom kernel; with rViox, support thread

HTC Sensation; requires custom kernel, ROM and 3rd party app, support thread; Thanks to ccris

HTC Wildfire; requires root and custom kernel; with rViox, support thread

Motorola Defy; requires Chinese 2.2 ROM or Hacks with 3rd Party App or CM7 with 3rd Party App

Samsung i9000 (Galaxy S); with Hacks #1 or #2

Samsung i9100 (Galaxy S II); with 3rd Party App

Sony Ericsson X10, X10 Mini Pro and X8; with Call Recorder by Schass Innab

ZTE Blade (a.k.a. Orange San Francisco); requires custom ROM

Notes:

Developer skvalex claims his/her app can work with a number of devices from HTC and other makers, utilizing certain Qualcomm and Samsung processors, with custom kernel and root. Although I suspect that with proper kernel, a few other call recording apps, perhaps even free ones, would work as well.

The original issue 2117: http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=2117

Original thread: http://androidforums.com/android-lounge/181663-android-phone-call-recording-function.html
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Addition:

List of VOIP services that provide call recording functions:

Acrobits Softphone

Google Voice (only for incoming calls?)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Addition:

List of traditional 3rd party call recording services:

Call Trunk (Canada)

Google Voice (US) (only for incoming calls?)

Rectel (UK)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Labutin:
Are you shure, that call recording works on HTC Desire with MIUI ROM without need to turn on loudspeaker?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] pitsyapa:
I think you need to turn your speaker on for miui rom for the call recording to work.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Ooops... I gathered the information from other threads and I don't actually have the devices myself to test, I'll remove them.

THX for the headsup
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
LOL someone says he/she willing pay $250-750 for coding such app

http://south-carolina.freelancejobsearch.com/job-detail/363759_gaf-Android-Call-Recorder--01.html
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] memberfive:
SE X10 mini + CallRecorder
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] LEENO:
can i record call to lg p500 without activate speaker?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] tomppi:
nvm...........
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] matrix866:
Does Motorola Defy support call recording (not from speaker phone). Thanks!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
It does, but you have to flash the Chinese 2.2 ROM first. Go over Defy forums and find out more.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
True 2-way recording without speakerphone?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] tm2581:
Have you tested? I will buy one if it works.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] tm2581:
rvoix is running half on htc legend g6

Thistime i use rvoix on my htc legend (blayo 0.7 rom). but it only works in my car with bluetooth handsfree. if you use it over the normal mic/speaker it creates noises, that you can't understand anything anymore.

i think the dev of rvoix should invest a little time to get it running on htc legend, because it works perfectly over the bluetooth handsfree...it seems possible.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Yep, Defy with Chinese 2.2 ROM.

Read that XT701 also has this function but I don't think it's officially available outside SE Asia nor did I have a phone to test it personally.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] tm2581:
Thank you. could you please give me a link where someone writes about call recording on defy with chinese rom . i searched in xda-dev-defy-forum and didn't find anything about it.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Google "xda defy call recording" yields this...

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=865220
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Andy, Google Voice now only provides recording of INcoming calls. Not outgoing, unless they changed the service again.

Half a glass is better than none, but it is still half a glass.

Seems like there is no call recorder that works on my Atrix, I have to go back to my ancient but venerable Treo to do that. That ought to embarass SOME programmer into coding...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] bleepbloop64:
I'd like to point out that recording phone calls without the other party's consent is illegal in some states and countries. Just a friendly heads up.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
The laws regarding audio recording vary from state to state. Differ from state to federal laws. AND differ in some states depending on whether you are using a POTS telephone, a VOIP telephone, or a cellular phone. And the definitions of "telephone" that are used by state laws also vary by state.

So please...can we assume this is a technical discussion in a technical forum, and leave the lawyering for a different time and place?

If anyone doesn't know their local laws, call your local DA, AG, telco, or attorney.

Let's keep it FOCUSED on the TOPIC here,

please?!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
I'm adding several Sony Ericsson phones to the list, as one member has mentioned earlier in this thread. I've raised a Q in this thread, although nobody confirmed, judging by the positive comments on the Market, I've decided to put it there.

If it isn't indeed working, please let me know.

As a sidenote, sometimes I find it amusing that people complain about the lack of this feature on a smartphone. In fact, all other contemporary smartphone platforms (iOS, Window Phone, Blackberry, webOS), AFAIK, lack this feature as well.

The good old Palm OS and in some case, Windows Mobile, can do it but don't think anybody consider it "contemporary" in 2011.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Are you positive that GV only recording incoming calls? I'm outside US so cannot actually test it...

Yeah, phones and OS 10-year old have better luck on this, just find some Symbian and Palm OS phones...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
"Are you positive that GV only recording incoming calls? "

Tha's been their stated policy on their web pages for six(?) months now. If that's not correct...it is still their stated policy.

"just find some Symbian and Palm OS phones..." My Treo has been dropped on its head once too often and the Bluetooth gone mildly psychotic, but other than that, it still works fine.<G> Needed the call recorder (note to programmers, bought and PAID for that) for some business issues "he never said" ok, do you want to hear what he said? and it paid for itself very quickly. Lotta liars out there, who quickly change their tunes when they hear you have it on tape.

What I'm hearing about Android programming and Motorola using terribly unusual audio routines, sounds an awful lot like what I used to hear about Windows apps when NT was "new". There are documented (sub)routines to be used, and there are programmers who take short cuts, and then complain when the shortcuts don't work. I would find it odd if Moto, home of the Droid, champion of the Android OS, was queering up the way they handled audio in all their phones. But, I'm not at all familiar with that kettle of fish. I'd rather just pay for a program that worked than have to DIY all the ay from scratch.

Time to call Moto soon, and see if they ROFL or turn pink when I ask them about their audio routines. Maybe it is Moto that's all wrong on this. Maybe.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Trekker56:
Huawei IDEOS U8150 (T-Mobile Comet) can record calls (both parties) without turning on speakerphone by using a software called "Totall Recall".

The 2nd party volume is low, but is still loud enough to be audible.

I am successfully using it. Rooting or modified ROM is NOT required.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] foreverinpanama:
Looking for a solution.

Used to walk flawlessly back in the day with my touch Pro and more recently with my Touch Pro 2 using EnergyRom, CHT 2.0 etc. The Jan2011 version. So far cannot find anything that will make it work with my Droid 2 Global.

I would think they would include something being that this phone is being sold as a business class phone.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
I also came from Treo/Palm OS. Indeed missed the call recording feature (thanks to all those sales calls and that you can "sign" a contract just by saying yes during a call) and that's why I made this list.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
It seems it's still probably using the microphone to record so, doesn't count in my list.

With proper 2-way recording, both sides should be clear and audible.

One way to test this is to use a headset. Puts your handset inside your pocket and see if it still picks up anything. A proper 2-way recording should have no trouble handling Bluetooth or wired headsets.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Looks like non-Chinese ROM running Defy can do this with rooted hacks as well...

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=994570
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
"It seems it's still probably using the microphone to record so, doesn't count in my list."

From a fast look at the Android SDK calls for audio, there are several different ones and some specifically record the audio stream from the mic, while only one is supposed to record audio from both sides of a call--not using the mic or speaker at all.

I'll just change my screen name to BlueBaboon if I find out that Moto doesn't support the standard Android programming calls, because that's what I'll be. I can't see it being that simple, and that odd, all at the same time.

I wonder where one could find some Android-literate programmers to look into that, instead of having to go learn the programming.<VBG>

Anyone want some karma points? <G>
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Had a fast email with the folks at Killer directly, they're very responsive and they said up front their software doesn't work with any Moto Droids so they're not surprised it doesn't work with the Atrix, which after all is a Droid by any other name.

Whatever Killer's product does, they're sure Moto can't work with it. Take their word for it. Tried it, NG.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] killer_mobile:
Well, don't just take our word for it, always test and confirm first ;)

But Motorola has a fairly long history of not supporting or what sometimes appears like outright prevention of call recording. This goes back to UIQ. The base Android OS supports call recording, as has already been pointed out, but it seems that some manufacturers stray quite a bit more than others, and Android is the biggest offender, Samsung is a close second (though Samsung users seem to at least have some custom ROM's that can get around it).

Anyways, it'd be great if someday this changed, Motorola sells a load of Android devices, but I really think there's someone at the top of the company that has set a mandate to prevent it, similar to Nokia's "beep" mandate on their Symbian devices (but at least there's work around for this).

Cheers!

Josh @ Killer Mobile

www.killermobile.com

Stay Killer
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] foreverinpanama:
It would be awesome. Couple girlfriends later and recorded phone arguments has taught me the usefulness of this feature. Especially when talking about money and property. I am sure someone here is smart enough to figure out the riddle.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Josh, I saw a commnet posted elswhere that the problem is Moto leaves out a standard audio call (? wrong term? subroutine?) from libaudio.so on the Droids. Have you heard anything about that? Is that something that can be modified, or something encrypted and locked untouchably?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
I'm adding HTC Desire to the list...

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=993793

Wonder if that works with Nexus One as well...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] TedMurphy:
All android phones can record with Call Trunk

The Call Trunk android app allows you to initiate a recorded phone call on any Android phone. Easy and quick, cloud-based, keeps the call saved and available forever, free for the first 25 minutes. Contact me at ted@calltrunk.com for more information.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Arguably a clever solution, biut only good for outgoing calls unless you put every caller on hold and then bridge in Call Trunk? And, always pay for airtime on two calls that are bring bridged. And, pay per minute for the recording. (Which most cellco's will do without the bridging and calling.)

Nah. Arguably clever, Ted, whether you're a cloud fan or not, but not the simple "just record this call, now" solution that Palm and others have had around for a decade or longer.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] BrainGlow:
I'm new to this, so I may not be following along correctly, but are you sure that Fascinate should be on this list? Reading at the link you give for the Hacks, it seems like I shouldn't do those things because Fascinate is not an i9000, but an i500 (CDMA).

Still getting the hang of the differences, so please let me know if I'm misunderstanding.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Trekker56:
I think you are correct. Tried with the headphone and it only recorded my voice.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Brainglow, it won't matter which cellular scheme (GSM, CDMA2000) or what carrier a phone is on. If standard Android OS functions allow for the call audio, the two-way audio stream that "is" a voice call, to be recorded, and some vendor intentionally omits those standard Android library functions in order to cripple the phone (or because they were sloppy, whatever) then the phone will still not work with standard call recording software. The brand, carrier, cellular type, don't matter here.

Whether the standard Android library functions are supported is all that matters.

It might be interesting to ask the sphinxes at Google whether this type of omission also constitutes a breech of the Android licensing contract. In which case, the manufacturer might have to issue a firmware update, or else stop using the Android OS. In theory, if someone wants to license the Android OS, they license the whole thing--whatever version--they don't get to just pick pieces of it.

I've got a copy of the 2.1 and 2.2 license terms (they're on the web) but haven't had the chance to do any reading of them. Yet.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
That's the case with most of the so called "call recorders" on the Market, some users claim that theirs work without giving detail accounts, I venture to guess that, more often than not, those users are not aware that they're just recording through the speakerphone.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] gwmac:
Sprint phones?

Any chance the new Samsung Nexus S coming out on May 8th on Sprint will be able to do 2 way call recording?

I know it is hard to answer that until the actual phone is released, but I wonder how similar or different this model is from the Korean version that is supposed to allow recording.

I currently have an Optimus S and although I think it is capable software wise, the rather slow CPU seems to be causing issues. I use total recall by killer mobile and the calls are recorded but with a lot of distortion. I also get the problem where in the middle of a call the phone will just reboot itself. If anyone here has an Optimus S and has tweaked the settings or overcome the distortion and reboots, please let me know what you did.

I really need a phone on Sprint that can record calls well for my job. The funny part is that my old HTC Touch Pro 2 with an even slower CPU recorded calls flawlessly on WM 6.1 with a program called Vito Audio Notes. I wonder why Google and the handset makers are making it so hard to for developers to add this feature.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
This (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=976717) and this (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=933078) says the Galaxy S patch doesn't work on the Nexus S, unfortunately.

You may better ask in the Nexus S forums (http://xdaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=880) and see. Besides, it's the Galaxy S that supports the feature, not the Nexus S, AFAIK.

Let us know if you find out otherwise... :)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] timp123:
verizon phones

Does anybody know which Verizon phones have this capability? I see the HTC Eris on the list; does anybody know whether the Incredible or Thunderbolt, or any of the Samsung phones can record calls?

So far, I've tried all of the Motorola droids as well as the Incredible with no success, although I haven't tried any custom ROMs for the Incredible. I'm choosing a phone to buy based on this. Thanks!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
The info you asked is already in the original post. Asking again is unlikely to change the fact......

You may refer to the linked threads for more information.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] AWildColin:
Since the Epic is the Sprint version of the Galaxy S, does the Epic also support call recording?
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
good call... i remember reading somewhere in the i9000 thread about it but maybe i was premature to say it works so... i've asked in that thread again to make sure and for now removed the reference in #1 post.

thx.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] tm2581:
bought a desire and it's working great now.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Glad to hear that. :)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] AWildColin:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=2117#c406

Can someone confirm this? If it's true, we have one more phone to add to the list.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
The developer of the recently publicised "virus" apparently isn't aware of the problem...

http://www.betanews.com/article/Sym...ndroids-from-recording-phone-calls/1312403556

Maybe the hardware makers intentionally crippled this function to prevent such viruses.

PS The Thunderbolt seems to have a somewhat working setup but not stable???
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
"Maybe the hardware makers intentionally crippled this function to prevent such viruses."

Moto didn't cripple the function, they totally removed it. By your logic, they could remove the entire Android OS and that would make the phone totally secure.

Hmmm....

Most likely someone removed it a long time ago to reduce library size and that (wrongly) became the standard library. Second most likely, I'll vote the theory that someone was well paid to remove it, perhaps by druggies or terrorists who wanted to make sure their calls would be secure against such monitors.

Give fifty grand to a library programmer to ensure you've got a secure phone, and the excutives will never figure it out or admit if they have. Let's see Moto deny that allegation. It beats "we were too stupid to include the whole Android library and what some users think is a necessary function."

But removing a function to protect against the misuse of it? Uhuh, that logic goes nowhere. Might as well brick the phone.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] AWildColin:
Is the list on the first post up to date?

I'm with Sprint and am stuck with an aging HTC Hero because it's the only phone Sprint has that'll do 2-way call recording properly.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] ccris:
Can someone who knows something about this please update the informations?

On the "[DEV] Ginger call recording" thread it's stated that SGS II supports native Call recording out of the box...is this true?

Does other Samsung and Xperia Android phones support this?

(Galaxy Ace S5830, Xperia neo, Xperia arc ...)

Thank you in advance!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
sorry haven't been updating the list for some time, please do submit reports if there are updates... i don't have much time checking all the forums these days... sorry

p.s. will be updating the defy entry though... gingerbread is now doable with some kind of hacks...

---------- Post added at 09:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ----------

SGS II i9100 reported to work with a specific app....

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1065110
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] fei_sal:
sound like urban legend for such application called "Call Recorder", unbelieveble, my 6 years old Nok*a 3230 can handle it without doubt...

now i can see why Nok*a was superior for sort of time, simple, it can do such simple task flawlesly...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] ccris:
HTC Sensation two way call recording

HTC Sensation records calls with patched kernels like Bricked kernel or Unity kernel and CallRecorder app by skvalex. You'll need root, S-off and 2.3.4 based Sense ROM.

More info in the HTC Sensation forum
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Thx! Updated the thread.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] ystong:
My milestone after flashing to a Chinese Android 2.2 rom will have call recording function. I wonder if anyone can tell me how to flash the cm7 base on the Chinese rom.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] ccris:
HTC EVO 3D (tested on GSM version) records calls with custom ROMS like Eternity, MikRunny and CallRecorder app by skvalex. You'll need root and S-off.