How do I record Skype voice calls on Android?

With Skype being one of the most popular video calling apps, there may be times when you want to record your Skype calls on your Android device. Whether it’s for keeping records of important calls, having discussions to refer back to later, or any other reason, recording your Skype calls can be very useful.
Thankfully, there are a few different options for recording Skype calls on Android devices. While Skype itself does not have a built-in call recording feature, you can use third-party apps or your device’s built-in call recorder to easily capture your Skype calls. In this guide, we’ll go over all the different methods so you can choose the best option for recording Skype on your Android device.
Why Record Skype Calls?
There are several good reasons why you may want to record your Skype calls:
Keep a record of important conversations – Recording your Skype calls allows you to save important conversations for future reference. This can be especially helpful for work calls where you need to remember key details that were discussed. According to Skype’s support article, Skype’s call recording feature lets you capture audio and video so you can “refer back to your calls later on.”
Share a call with others – Skype’s call recording allows you to share a call with others who couldn’t attend the live conversation. You can send them the recording to get them up to speed.
Improve customer service – If you use Skype for customer service calls, recording these interactions can be useful for quality assurance purposes or resolving any disputes.
Reflect on your own performance – Recording your Skype calls enables you to go back and analyze your own communication skills and performance. This allows you to identify areas for improvement.
Things to Keep in Mind
When recording Skype calls, it is important to inform all participants that the call is being recorded. Some laws, like the two-party consent law in California, require that all parties consent to being recorded [1]. You should check local laws to ensure recording is permitted. Notify participants ahead of time and get their consent to record the call. Failure to do so may violate wiretapping laws.
Inform participants each time you initiate a recording, even if they have consented previously. Do not assume ongoing consent. Allow participants to opt out of any recording. Make your notification clear and unambiguous so there is no confusion over consent.
Using Third-Party Apps
One of the most popular options for recording Skype calls on Android is using third-party apps designed specifically for call recording. Apps like Cube Call Recorder and Boldbeast Recorder allow you to easily record both incoming and outgoing Skype calls.
Cube Call Recorder is frequently recommended as one of the best Skype call recording apps for Android. It provides high-quality recordings, works with both standard calls and VoIP calls, and has a range of useful features like the ability to share recordings and advanced audio settings. The app is free to download with some additional “pro” features available as in-app purchases.
Another top option is Boldbeast Recorder. This app also allows recording from a wide range of VoIP apps including Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and more. Key features include one-touch recording, cloud storage support, and the ability to save files in multiple formats. Boldbeast Recorder has a free version with limited features and a paid “pro” unlock for full functionality.
The main advantage of using dedicated call recording apps like these is that they provide an easy, straightforward way to record just the Skype audio you need. They are designed specifically with call recording in mind. However, quality can vary between different apps, so reading reviews and comparing options is recommended.
Using Built-in Recorder
Many Android devices have built-in screen recording functionality that can be used to record Skype calls. To access the built-in recorder on Android:
1. Open the notification shade and tap the screen record icon. On Samsung devices, this may be in the Quick Settings panel.
2. A screen record toolbar will appear. Tap the red record button to start recording your device’s screen.
3. Open the Skype app and start your video call. The screen recorder will capture everything on your screen, including both video and audio from the Skype call.
4. When you are finished with the call, open the notification shade again and tap the screen record button to stop recording.
The screen recording will be saved to your device’s Photos/Gallery app. You can then share or save the recording as you wish. Note that the built-in Android recorder records system audio by default, capturing all sounds from your device.1
One limitation is that the recording may show some visual artifacts or glitches since it is capturing a real-time video call. Overall though, the Android built-in recorder provides a handy way to capture Skype calls without any extra apps.
Recording Audio Only
To record just the audio from a Skype call on Android, you can use a voice recorder app. Some popular options include:
ACR Phone Call Recorder (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nll.acr): This app allows you to record calls from any app, including Skype. Enable Skype call recording in the settings.
Cube Call Recorder ACR (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.catalinagroup.callrecorder): Another top call recording app that works with Skype. Turn on Skype call recording in the app.
Automatic Call Recorder (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appstar.callrecorder): Supports Skype call recording along with regular calls. Enable Skype mode in settings.
These apps only record the audio which helps minimize file size. Make sure to follow local call recording laws when using such apps.
Saving and Sharing
After you finish recording a Skype call, the recording will automatically be saved to your computer or mobile device. On desktop, recordings are saved to your documents folder by default. On mobile, they are saved to your photo gallery (Android) or camera roll (iOS).
To share a Skype call recording, you have a few options:
- Email – Attach the recording file to an email from your desktop or mobile device and send to recipients.
- Cloud storage – Upload the recording file to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc. and share access.
- Social media – Post the recording on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. if you want to share publicly.
When sharing recordings, be sure to follow any applicable laws and get consent from all participants before distributing. You may want to edit recordings first to remove sensitive information if needed.
Troubleshooting
If you run into issues recording Skype calls on your Android device, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Make sure you have allowed Skype access to your microphone and storage. You can check this in your Android settings under Apps & Notifications > Skype > Permissions. Skype needs microphone access to record calls and storage access to save the recordings.
Try restarting your Skype app and device if the recording feature stops working suddenly. This can resolve temporary glitches.
Check that your Android OS and Skype app are fully updated. Older versions may not support call recording or have bugs.
Your device model may not be compatible with Skype call recording. Try updating Skype or use a different device. According to Skype’s system requirements 1, many Samsung devices do not support call recording.
If you still cannot get call recording to work, you may need to use a third-party app instead of the built-in Skype recorder.
Best Practices
Here are some best practices to follow when recording Skype calls on Android:
Test the recording quality beforehand. Make a test call and ensure the volume levels are adequate and voices are clear before recording an important conversation. Check that both sides of the call are capturing well.
Aim for high quality recordings. Use a stable internet connection, reduce background noise, and speak clearly and loudly enough during calls. Position the microphone appropriately so all speakers are captured.
Organize recordings. Give files descriptive names relating to the call topic or participants so they are easy to find later. Store them in a dedicated folder or cloud storage if needed for sharing.
Make everyone aware you are recording. Ensure you let all participants know a call is being recorded before starting to avoid surprises or objections.
Comply with laws. Check your local laws regarding consent requirements for recording conversations. It is often required that all parties agree to being recorded.
Conclusion
In summary, recording Skype calls on Android is possible through a few different methods. Using a third-party call recording app like Cube Call Recorder or AZ Screen Recorder provides a straightforward way to record both audio and video. The built-in screen recorder in Android also lets you capture just the audio from a call if you don’t need the video. When recording calls, be sure to follow local laws and get consent from all parties on the call. Save and share your Skype recordings wisely, and avoid simply re-posting full calls online without providing your own original commentary or analysis.
With the methods discussed here, Android users can successfully record Skype audio or video calls. Choose the recording method that best fits your needs and technical capabilities. Test any apps before an important call and be prepared with backup options in case of issues. Record responsibly and focus on creating value for your audience with thoughtful, original analysis of the call content.