Google is set to introduce automatic call recording feature in the US soon.

The Pixel 9 series debuted with AI-driven functionalities such as Call Notes, which provides call recording, transcription, and summaries in the United States, an area where the standard Google Phone application lacks call recording capabilities. Currently, users must manually activate Call Notes for each call, although earlier code suggested the possibility of automatic activation. However, that feature was reportedly limited to internal testing and never fully implemented.

The latest beta version of the Phone app (v172.0) indicates a promising shift, having renamed the automatic Call Notes setting to “Automatic call recording.” This new label includes options for automatic recording of unknown numbers or selected contacts, hinting at a future rollout of automatic call recording for Pixel 9 users in the U.S. Along with the Pixel 9 series, Google introduced Call Notes, an AI-powered feature designed to address the lack of recording capabilities in the region.

This feature ensures that all parties involved in a call are informed when the recording is taking place. Additionally, Call Notes offers a transcript and summary, making it easier to revisit and review significant conversations. However, the functionality remains limited to manual activation per call, which users must enable through the in-call overflow menu.

Initially, early code indications had suggested that automatic activation could become a reality for certain calls, with customizable options for “All non-contact calls,” “Only incoming non-contact calls,” or “Only outgoing non-contact calls.” Despite those initial hints, the option for automatic activation never came to fruition. A Google spokesperson clarified that the identified code was never meant for public use.

Interestingly, the recent beta update has breathed new life into this dormant feature, as it now reflects changes to its name and user interface. The rebranding to “Automatic call recording” along with refined options may offer a hint that Google is considering making this feature available to all Pixel 9 series users. However, the timeline for its potential release remains uncertain.