The built-in voice recorder is the main tool for recording sound on Android devices, but trust us, your phone can do so much more. We’ll show you six free and easy ways to record audio and share tips for capturing clear, high-quality sound.
Note. For this article, we’ve used instructions and screenshots from Samsung M51. Most Android devices have similar interfaces, so if you are wondering, “How do I record on this phone?” these steps should work for you as well.
How Do I Record on My Phone?
First, let’s take a look at all the main options you have to record audio on Android:
- Voice Recorder, the built-in app;
- Voice notes;
- Phone call recording;
- Audio notes via messaging apps;
- Screen capture (can be used for recording internal audio);
- Third-party apps.
Below, we’ll explore each method and help you make the most of them.
#1. Android Voice Recorder
The built-in Android voice recorder covers all your basic needs. While it might not offer advanced features like volume adjustment or perfect audio montage, it’s usually more than enough for everyday use.
How to record audio with Voice Recorder
Here’s how to make a voice recording using the Voice Recorder app on Android:
- Open Voice Recorder. Swipe up to access the search field, type “Voice Recorder,” or locate it in your tools folder.
- Tap the recording button. Usually, it’s either a round red circle or a microphone icon.
- Mark key moments, if needed. Use the bookmark button to highlight important parts of the recording.
- Pause or stop. Tap the two-bar button to pause or the square button to stop recording.
When you’re done recording, name it, choose a category, and click Save.
Depending on your phone model, there may be different recording modes, such as Interview or Speech-to-Text. In interview mode, your device uses the top and bottom microphones to better hear two speakers.
To view all audio, click the List button. In the upper right corner, you’ll find the All button. By clicking it, you can create categories for your audio, such as “Ideas,” “Reminders,” “Calls,” etc.
Can’t find Voice Recorder on your phone?
It happens that after resetting your phone to factory settings, some basic apps disappear. For example, the author of this article lost Voice Recorder and Calculator. To get them back, download them from your phone’s store. For Samsung devices, visit the Galaxy Store and search for “Voice Recorder,” ensuring the developer matches the phone’s brand. Of course, you can also search the Play Store for third-party apps, but a native voice recorder is pretty good and doesn’t contain ads, unlike many third-party apps.
Which audio settings should I choose?
Android typically offers three levels of audio quality:
- Low: 64 kbps, 44.1 kHz
- Medium: 128 kbps, 44.1 kHz
- High: 256 kbps, 84 kHz
Here’s how to adjust the recording quality on Android:
- Open Voice Recorder.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Tap Recording quality and choose your preferred setting.
Low or medium quality is usually fine for casual recordings in a quiet room. However, for important audio, you might want to use high quality. This also works better when you need to capture distant or soft sounds.
How much space does the audio take up? We recorded an audio on Samsung M51 for 1 minute in each mode and got the following:
- Low — 523 KB
- Medium — 970 KB
- High — 1.89 MB
These are actually small sizes, but if you record a lot, they can add up. So, keeping an eye on your disk space is a good idea.
How do I edit audio?
Your voice recorder allows you to perform basic audio editing, like trimming or cutting.
- Open the Voice Recorder app.
- Tap List and select the audio you want to edit.
- Tap the pencil icon in the upper right corner.
- Drag the sliders at the beginning and end of the track to select the portion you want to delete or keep.
- Tap the scissors.
- Repeat for other sections, if necessary.
- Click Save.
You can save this audio as new or overwrite the original one.
#2. Voice Notes on Android
Built-in notes on Android usually allow you to record voice memos. This makes for great combination notes: for example, you can jot down an idea and explain it further in a voice recording.
Here’s how to create a voice memo on Android:
- Open your Notes app (in our case, Samsung Notes).
- Create a new note by tapping the pen in the lower-right corner.
- Tap the paper clip icon in the upper right corner.
- Click Voice Recording and start speaking.
- Tap the square button to stop recording.
The audio is now attached to the note, but you can easily share it. Just tap the sandwich icon, select the audio, and send it.
Tip: If you use other note-taking apps, check their settings. Many of them also let you create voice reminders.
#3. Recording audio during calls
You can record incoming and outgoing calls from your phone. While dialing, press the Record button on the screen. If recording is in progress, the button turns green. To stop recording, just tap the button again, or it will stop automatically when your call ends.
To access the recording, go to Voice Recorder > List.
In the call list, any recorded calls will have a microphone icon next to them.
Less Obvious Ways to Record Audio on Samsung or ANY Other Android
There are a few unconventional methods to record audio on your phone. Depending on your habits or workflow, you may find them useful.
#4. Record audio in a chat with yourself
Most instant messaging apps allow you to create a private chat with yourself. For many people, it’s a great space to take quick notes or reminders. Here’s how to make a voice recording using WhatsApp as an example.
- Log into your WhatsApp account.
- Tap + to create a new conversation.
- Select your own number.
- Click the microphone to record sound.
- Send a message.
The recording will stay private and visible only to you.
#5. Record your phone screen
This method is especially useful if you need to capture audio directly from your phone.
- Open the Screen Recorder. It typically sits in the quick access bar. If it’s not there, use the search field.
- Select the recording options. If you select Media sounds, the environmental noise won’t be recorded.
- Start recording the screen. It usually begins after the 3-second countdown. Stop when you’re done.
The recording will be saved to your gallery in the Screen Recordings folder.
The output you’ll get is a video with good, clear sound. You can then convert it to audio — just search for “convert video to mp3” online, and you’ll find plenty of them.
#6. Use third-party audio recording apps
If the basic features of the built-in voice recorder are not enough for you, consider trying third-party apps. We’ve tested URecorder, Voice Recorder Pro, MyRecorder, and several others from the Play Store.
Most of them have about the same functionality, allowing you to adjust various audio settings to your liking. They have more audio formats (.wav, .m4a, .mp3), and you can select from more audio sources — for example, from the camera, phone, microphone, and internal audio. If you like, play around with the bitrate encoder (from 32 kbps to 320 kbps) — the higher it is, the better the audio will sound.
In fact, these apps perform roughly the same functions, so when choosing, you can focus on the interface you like more.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the free versions contain ads or have limitations (for example, you won’t be able to get the highest-quality audio).
Advanced Tips for High-quality AudioRecording
If you are recording a regular reminder, there is no need to play around with the settings — your Android will deliver a pretty good sound. However, if you’re recording for professional purposes, such as a voice-over for a video or an official commentary, it’s worth enhancing the sound quality. Here are some ideas for improving your recording experience.
Edit audio on the fly
Sometimes, we record audio only to stumble and have to start everything from scratch. But this is not necessary. Most Android devices allow you to edit and continue recording seamlessly:
- If you feel like you’ve gone off track, pause the recording.
- Scroll through the timeline to locate the spot where you slipped.
- Press the Record button and start talking again.
The failed part will be overwritten, and you won’t have to start from scratch! Take a look at the screenshot: the part that is being overwritten right at the moment is highlighted in red.
Choose the best format
The format of an audio file affects its quality and size:
- MP3: Compressed, small file size, but slightly lower quality — perfect for casual recording.
- WAV: Uncompressed, high-quality audio, with a larger file size — good for professional use.
- M4A: Good compression, similar to MP3, but with better sound quality — good for amateur and professional audio.
Not all built-in apps allow you to switch between formats, but check your recorder settings anyway.
Create a good audio setup
Recording with a loop microphone (even an inexpensive one) often results in better sound than recording through a phone speaker. So if you have one, give it a try.
But even without special equipment, you can create — maybe not professional — but definitely a decent sound. Choose a quiet room with no background noise. Then, surround yourself with soft objects that absorb sound, such as pillows or curtains. It won’t deliver the perfect studio sound, but you’ll notice the difference.
How to Make a Voice Recording: Solved
Most Android smartphones come with similar voice recording apps. They may be called Voice Recorder, Audio Recorder, or Speech Recorder. These apps typically offer basic functionality like recording, trimming, and cutting audio, which is sufficient for everyday needs.
If you need more advanced features, such as fine-tuning the sound quality or changing the file format, consider trying third-party apps.
FAQ
How to do an audio recording on Android?
To record audio on Android, use built-in apps like Voice Recorder. Open the app, tap the record button (usually a red circle or microphone icon), and save the file when you’re done.
How do I record audio directly from my phone?
Some Android voice recorder apps let you choose the audio source. Open the app and look for an option like Audio Source in the settings. If it’s there, select Internal Audio. If your phone doesn’t offer this option, turn to third-party apps from the Play Store — you’ll find a couple of decent free tools. Another workaround is to record the screen and set the audio source to Internal Audio. Then, convert the video to an audio file using any online converter.
What are the steps you can use a smartphone for audio recording?
Here are the steps to recording audio with a smartphone.
- Open the Voice Recorder app.
- Tap the Record button.
- Press the Pause or Stop button as needed.
- Click Save and give your file a name.
- Edit or share the audio if necessary.
How to record audio from YouTube on Android?
To record audio from YouTube on Android, you might need a special app that extracts audio from video. Usually, you can’t use Audio Recorder for this because the app stops recording when you switch to other apps.
An alternative is to play YouTube while recording the screen with the built-in Screen Recorder app. Then, convert the video to an audio file using any free online converter.
Is there a way to record internal audio on Android?
Yes, some Android audio recorders allow you to capture internal audio. Check your app’s settings for options such as Internal Audio and App Audio.
How to make a voice recording?
To record a voice:
- Open the Voice Recorder app.
- Tap Record and capture audio.
- Click Stop when you’re done.
Alternatively, you can use note-taking apps, which often have an option to add voice memos. Another method is to create a chat with yourself in a messenger app and send voice messages there.
How to record internal audio in Android programmatically?
The easiest way to record internal audio in Android is to install a dedicated voice recording app, such as Internal Audio Recorder, from the Play Store. This app records internal sounds without picking up surrounding noises.
How to record audio in Chrome?
To record sounds in Chrome, use browser-based tools or extensions like Online Voice Recorder. Find it in the Chrome Web Store, install it, grant microphone permission when prompted, press record, and save the file when finished.