Introducing ShizuCallRecorder, an Android 11-16 application that uses the shell app (ADB through Shizuku), to record phone calls on non-rooted devices. FOSS, privacy-friendly, and it does not always run in the background. Simple as that.
Before saying anything else, Android 11 support is limited.
Features:
Records both sides of phone calls (incoming and outgoing)
Should work even when using Bluetooth or a remote headset
Security toggles to manage Shizuku on/off state
An attempt to reduce the potential attack surface introduced by Shizuku
Helps with apps that detect / yells at you when USB Debugging or Shizuku is enabled
(You need thedjchi Shizuku fork, recommend in requirements in the README.md)
Automatic call recording option with basic exclusion rules:
Ignore anonymous calls
Ignore specific contacts
Ignore all contacts
Saves recordings with Opus or AAC codec.
The app runs only on phone event changes, no persistent background process and notifications
This is a tool, use it responsibly, and follow the law. Read the app disclaimer, it's a one time thing, don't skip it.
Focus on phone carriers call, not third-party calling apps.
# GitHub: https://github.com/kitsumed/ShizuCallRecorder
If you are an Android dev or if you know more about Android internal API / hiddenapi, take a look at the CONTRIBUTING file. I have a few issues I would like assistance with, any kind of feedback, online resources, or even PoCs are welcome.
This app is not an first time easy install and forget. You have some configuration to do, though it is relatively small. However, if you have never used Shizuku, it will take longer. Please follow the **documentation** carefully. There is reading to do. I highly recommend that you do read, both for the sake of it working and for the sake of keeping your device safe.
The project is licensed under GPLv3, with additional terms under Section 7. The goal of the additional terms is to prevent the app from being published to app stores under the name
ShizuCallRecorder, and to stop anyone else from distributing it as the official app. In a nutshell, it cover trademark protection, giving credit to me and the project in forks, etc. But anyone is free to fork it.I care a lot about security and transparency. I enabled immutable GitHub releases, assets of a release cannot be swapped once a release is published. Releases are built using GitHub Actions Runners, they clone the repository code directly, build the app, and the apk files are attested so that all users can detect if something else happened between the build process and the release publication (gray-area). This reduces the attack vector, but does not fully eliminate it (the code itself, the runner getting compromised, dependencies, etc.).
I'm looking for user feedback. If you try out the app, please tell me the following:
Device model
Android Version
Did it work with the screen unlocked?
Did it work when the screen was locked?
I want to see if there's any specific device, OEM or Android limitations. I didn't extensively test it across devices outside of the Android emulator and my Samsung Android 16 test phone, but it SHOULD work.
"It works on my machine"
More rambling below, not important :
For a couple of years now, I have been looking for a call recording app. I think there are multiple reasons why one would want to record phone calls, such as remembering things, or even using it as proof for any kind of scenario.
However, the Android project seems to think differently. Ever since the release of
