Is automatic GSM call recording possible for third-party Android apps?

3 weeks ago 27
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I am building a Flutter (Android) application where users see lead cards containing mobile numbers.
When a user taps a number, the intention is to initiate a phone call and record that call, but only for calls started from my app (not background or all calls).

What I want to achieve

User taps a phone number inside my app

Call is initiated (GSM / normal phone network)

Call recording starts automatically

Recording is stored or accessible to my app

No background or silent recording

Only app-initiated calls should be recorded

Problem

From Android 10+ onward:

Apps cannot access GSM call audio

VOICE_CALL audio source is blocked

Background or automatic call recording is restricted

Even if the call is initiated from the app, recording is not allowed

Despite this, apps like Truecaller and Salestrail appear to support GSM call recording on some devices.

My confusion

How do apps like Truecaller or Salestrail record GSM calls?

Are they using undocumented / OEM-specific permissions?

Is this functionality limited to:

Default dialer apps?

System / pre-installed apps?

OEM partnerships?

Is there any supported or future-proof way for a third-party Flutter/Android app to:

Record only its own GSM calls

While remaining Play Store compliant?

What I understand so far

Normal third-party apps cannot reliably record GSM calls

OEM-specific behavior may allow it on some devices, but it is unstable

VoIP-based in-app calling is the only fully supported alternative

What I am looking for

A clear technical explanation of how these apps work

Confirmation whether this is impossible for normal apps

Any official Android guidance or policy-backed approach

Whether attempting OEM-specific gaps is viable or discouraged

I am not looking to bypass security or violate Play Store policies — just trying to understand the technical and platform limitations clearly.

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