Call recording lets you capture the audio of your sales calls and access them from the dashboard or your CRM. Before you set anything up, this article explains how recording works, which setup path applies to your device, and what to expect.
Call recording is Android only
Recording is not supported on iPhone due to Apple platform restrictions. If your team is on iOS, this section does not apply.
On Android, Salestrail can record SIM/GSM calls and WhatsApp calls, depending on your device and setup.
How recording works
Salestrail uses one of two recording methods depending on your device:
The phone's built-in recorder — some Android devices include a native call recorder built into the dialer. If yours does, Salestrail can read those recordings directly without any additional app. However, this only works on devices using a native dialer — if your phone uses a Google Dialer, Salestrail cannot access the built-in recorder's storage folder, and you will need to use the Salestrail Recorder APK instead.
The Salestrail Recorder APK — a separate app installed alongside the main Salestrail app. It captures call audio at the device level and sends the recordings to Salestrail. This is required when the built-in recorder isn't available, isn't accessible, or when you want to record WhatsApp calls.
Once a call is recorded, a microphone icon appears on the call list in the Salestrail app and the recording also appears in the Recordings tab in the dashboard. If you have a CRM connected, a link to the recording is included in the call activity automatically.
Which setup path applies to you
| Your situation | Recording method |
|---|---|
| Device has a built-in call recorder and uses a native dialer (not Google Dialer) | Can use the built-in recorder |
| Device has a built-in call recorder but uses a Google Dialer | Must use the Salestrail Recorder APK |
| Device does not have a built-in call recorder | Must use the Salestrail Recorder APK |
| Want to record WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business calls | Must use the Salestrail Recorder APK, regardless of device or dialer |
Built-in call recorders are more common on devices sold in India, Indonesia, Russia, and some other markets, but they can appear on any Android device regardless of where it was purchased.
Not sure if your device has a built-in recorder? Open your phone's dialer, tap the three dots or settings icon, and look for a Call Recording option. If you don't see one, your device doesn't have it and you'll need the APK.
Not sure which dialer your phone uses? Open the Salestrail app, go to Settings > Recording Settings, and enable recording. If you see the message "Your phone might have a Google Dialer," use the APK path.
Why is the Recorder APK a separate app?
Google restricted call recording in Play Store apps from Android 9 onwards. The Salestrail Recorder is installed as an APK — outside the Play Store — which allows it to capture call audio without those restrictions.
When you install it, Google Play Protect will show a security warning. This is a standard warning for all apps installed outside the Play Store and does not mean the app is unsafe. You can proceed with the installation.
What to know before you set up
Both apps need battery optimization disabled. If you're using the Recorder APK, both the main Salestrail app and the Recorder APK must be set to Unrestricted in your battery settings. If either app is being optimized, you will get inconsistent recording — some calls captured, some missed.
Recording quality varies by device. Some Android manufacturers restrict access to call audio, meaning only your voice is captured and not the other person's. This is a device-level restriction that Salestrail cannot override. A workaround is to use speakerphone during calls, which allows the microphone to pick up both sides.
WhatsApp recording always requires the APK. Even if your device has a built-in recorder that works for SIM calls, WhatsApp call recording always requires the Salestrail Recorder APK.
Recording is an add-on feature. Make sure call recording is included in your Salestrail subscription before setting it up. If you're unsure, check Dashboard > Subscription or contact support@liid.com.
Next step
Choose the setup path that applies to your device:
- I can use my phone's built-in recorder — Call Recording > Setup > Setting Up the Built-in Recorder
- I need to install the Salestrail Recorder APK — Call Recording > Setup > Installing the Recorder APK
- I want to record WhatsApp calls — Call Recording > WhatsApp Recording > Is WhatsApp Recording Supported?
If you're not sure which path to take, start with Installing the Recorder APK — it works for all Android devices regardless of region or dialer type.