You record an important business call, review it afterward, and hear only your own voice. The other side of the conversation is missing. This is the classic "Cube ACR not recording incoming voice" problem, and it makes call recordings nearly useless.
Cube ACR remains one of the most capable call recording apps for Android, supporting both cellular and VoIP calls through WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Telegram, and more. But Android security changes and phone manufacturer restrictions have made reliable recording increasingly difficult. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved with the right settings.
This guide walks through every practical fix, from simple permission checks to advanced workarounds, so you can get both sides of your calls recorded consistently.
Why Cube ACR Fails to Capture Incoming Audio
Understanding what causes one-sided recordings helps you target the right fix. The problem usually stems from one or more of these factors:
Android security restrictions — Starting with Android 9 and continuing through Android 14 and 15 in 2026, Google has progressively limited third-party access to call audio streams. This is by design, intended to protect user privacy, but it directly impacts how call recording apps function.
Microphone routing quirks — Cube ACR often relies on the phone's microphone to pick up audio. On many devices, the microphone hears your voice clearly but fails to capture the speaker's voice coming through the earpiece.
Manufacturer-specific blocks — Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, and OnePlus add their own security layers and power management systems. These can silently block Cube ACR from accessing incoming audio, even when permissions appear correct.
Incorrect audio source setting — This is the single most common cause. Cube ACR offers several audio source options, and choosing the wrong one produces one-sided recordings.
App conflicts and battery optimization — Other apps using the microphone simultaneously, or aggressive battery saving features that kill Cube ACR in the background, frequently cause recording failures.
Bluetooth or headset interference — Audio routing through Bluetooth or wired headsets sometimes bypasses Cube ACR's recording mechanism entirely.
A common mistake is assuming the app itself is broken. In practice, the issue is almost always a combination of your phone's specific settings, Android version, and manufacturer restrictions.
12 Step-by-Step Fixes to Restore Incoming Voice Recording
Work through these solutions in order. Test after each change by making a short call and checking the recording — changing multiple settings at once makes it impossible to know what actually worked.
1. Update Cube ACR and Your Phone
Start with the basics. Outdated software is an underappreciated cause of recording failures.
- Open the Google Play Store, search for Cube ACR, and install any available update
- Check your phone for system updates: Settings > System > Software update
- Restart your device after updating both
Developers regularly release compatibility fixes for new Android versions. Running an old version of Cube ACR on Android 14 or 15 is a recipe for problems.
2. Verify and Grant All Required Permissions
Cube ACR needs several permissions to function correctly. Missing even one can block incoming audio.
Go to Settings > Apps > Cube ACR > Permissions and ensure these are set to Allow:
- Microphone
- Phone
- Storage
- Notifications
On some phones, check Special permissions or Additional permissions for options like "Appear on top" or "Modify system settings." These are often required for VoIP recording overlays.
3. Select the Correct Audio Source
This setting makes or breaks your recordings. Cube ACR defaults to one option, but your phone may require a different one.
Open Cube ACR, go to Menu > Settings > Recording > Audio Source, and try each option:
| Audio Source | Best For |
|---|---|
| Voice Communication | Most Samsung and OnePlus devices |
| Voice Call | Xiaomi, Oppo, and some Huawei models |
| Voice Recognition | Phones where other sources fail |
| Microphone | Loudspeaker calls; often picks up both sides |
| Default | System default — rarely works well |
Test each option with a short call. The correct source varies by phone model and Android version, so be patient and try them all.
4. Disable Battery Optimization for Cube ACR
Aggressive battery saving frequently kills Cube ACR mid-call, resulting in partial or one-sided recordings.
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization (may be called "App battery management" on some phones)
- Find Cube ACR in the list
- Set it to Not optimized or Don't optimize
For Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oppo devices, also check the security or power manager app for a whitelist or "Protected apps" list and add Cube ACR there. These brands are particularly aggressive about background app restrictions.
5. Close or Uninstall Competing Recording Apps
Only one app can access the microphone at a time. Screen recorders, voice assistants, and other call recording apps can block Cube ACR.
- Force stop any screen recorder, voice assistant, or secondary call recorder
- For a clean test, temporarily uninstall other recording apps
- Restart your phone and test Cube ACR alone
6. Avoid Bluetooth and Wired Headsets During Tests
Audio routing changes when you use external audio devices. Many users find that Cube ACR records perfectly through the phone speaker but fails entirely with Bluetooth.
- Make your test calls using the phone's earpiece or loudspeaker
- Confirm both sides are recorded
- If you must use a headset, try the "Microphone" audio source in Cube ACR — results vary widely
7. Change the Recording File Format
Some phones handle specific audio formats better than others. In Cube ACR, go to Settings > Recording > File Format and try each option:
- AMR — small file size, widely compatible
- MP4 — good quality, works on most devices
- WAV — uncompressed, highest quality but large files
- 3GP — older format, sometimes works when others don't
Record a test call after each change and compare the results.
8. Enable the Accessibility Service
Some Android versions require Cube ACR to use an Accessibility service to capture audio during calls.
- Open Cube ACR, go to Settings > Recording
- Tap Enable Accessibility Service
- Follow the on-screen instructions to grant access in your phone's Accessibility settings
This step specifically helps with VoIP calls on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype.
9. Install the Cube ACR Helper App
For devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei, Cube ACR offers a Helper app that works alongside the main app to bypass manufacturer restrictions.
- Download the Cube ACR Helper from the official Cube ACR website (not the Play Store)
- Install it and follow the setup guide
- The Helper app adds a notification that must remain active during calls
Many users on restricted phones report that the Helper app is the only way to get both sides of a conversation recorded.
10. Test Different Call Types Separately
Some phones block recording for cellular calls but allow it for VoIP calls, or vice versa.
- Record a standard phone call
- Record a WhatsApp call
- Record a Telegram or Skype call
Identifying which call type fails gives you a clear direction. VoIP issues are often solved by the Accessibility service or Helper app, while cellular issues usually point to manufacturer blocks that may not have a workaround.
11. Use Speakerphone Mode as a Temporary Workaround
If you urgently need a recording and the other fixes haven't worked, switch to speakerphone during the call.
The phone's microphone picks up both your voice and the speaker's voice from the loudspeaker. Audio quality won't be perfect, but both sides will be captured. This works on nearly every phone because it bypasses any internal audio routing restrictions.
12. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If the problem started after a system update and nothing else works, a factory reset may help. This should only be attempted after backing up all important data.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset
- Follow the prompts
- After the reset, install Cube ACR first, grant permissions, and test before restoring other apps
This step erases everything on your phone — use it only when you're certain the issue is software-related and you've exhausted other options.
The audio source selection menu in Cube ACR. Choosing the wrong option is the most common cause of one-sided recordings.
How Phone Brands and Android Versions Affect Recording
Not all phones handle call recording the same way. Here's what you can expect from popular brands:
| Brand | Recording Support | Common Blocking Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Android 10+) | Blocked by default | One-sided recordings; needs Helper app |
| Xiaomi | Blocked on most models | Aggressive battery optimization; requires whitelisting |
| Oppo/Vivo | Blocked on recent models | Security app conflicts; background app killing |
| Huawei/Honor | Blocked on EMUI 10+ | Microphone access restricted; system-level blocks |
| Google Pixel | Blocked on Android 9+ | No known workaround without root |
| OnePlus | Partial support | Works on some models, fails on others inconsistently |
If you're shopping for a new phone and call recording is essential, check user forums for real-world experiences with Cube ACR on specific models before purchasing.
Advanced Options for Reliable Recording
If basic fixes haven't resolved the issue, these advanced approaches can help — but each comes with trade-offs.
Root Your Phone (For Experienced Users Only)
Rooting your Android device removes the security restrictions that block call recording. With root access, Cube ACR can access the audio stream directly, and incoming voice recording usually works perfectly.
Risks: Rooting voids your warranty, creates security vulnerabilities, and can brick your phone if done incorrectly. Only attempt this if you fully understand the process and accept the consequences.
Use Built-In Call Recording If Available
Some phones include native call recording in the Phone app. Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus devices often have this feature hidden in the phone dialer settings.
- Open your Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu > Settings
- Look for Record calls or Call recording
Built-in recording uses system-level access and is far more reliable than any third-party app.
Consider a Dedicated Recording Device
For professionals who absolutely need reliable recordings, a hardware call recorder that connects between your phone and the phone line or uses a physical tap may be the best solution. These devices bypass all software restrictions.
Cube ACR vs. Alternative Call Recording Apps
Some users consider switching apps. Here's how Cube ACR compares to two popular alternatives:
| Feature | Cube ACR | Call Recorder – ACR | Automatic Call Recorder |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoIP recording | Yes (WhatsApp, Skype, etc.) | No | No |
| Multiple audio sources | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Free version | Yes (with ads) | Yes | Yes |
| Works on latest Android | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| Helper app available | Yes | No | No |
| Cloud backup | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cube ACR remains the most feature-rich option, especially if you need VoIP recording. But all third-party apps face the same Android restrictions, so switching likely won't solve a manufacturer-level block.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Incoming Voice Recording
Changing multiple settings at once — You can't know which fix worked. Change one thing, test, then move to the next.
Skipping brand-specific settings — Xiaomi's security app, Samsung's battery manager, and Huawei's power optimization all have hidden menus that can block Cube ACR. Always check your brand's community forums.
Using outdated APKs from unofficial sources — Downloading Cube ACR from third-party sites can introduce malware or broken features. Stick to the Google Play Store or the official website.
Assuming VoIP and cellular calls work the same — They don't. A solution for WhatsApp may fail for regular calls, and vice versa.
Ignoring legal requirements — Call recording laws vary by location. Some jurisdictions require two-party consent. Always verify your local regulations before recording.
What If Nothing Works?
Due to ongoing Android security changes, some phones in 2026 simply cannot record both sides of a call with any third-party app. If you've tried every fix above without success:
- Use a dedicated hardware call recorder
- Switch to a phone with built-in call recording support
- Explore VoIP business services that include recording as a feature
- Accept the limitation and use speakerphone workarounds for important calls
Check the Cube ACR official website and community forums like XDA Developers for the latest news. Android and app rules change frequently, and new solutions may become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cube ACR record only my voice and not the other side?
This is usually caused by Android security restrictions that prevent third-party apps from accessing the incoming call audio stream. Wrong audio source settings, battery optimization killing the app, or manufacturer blocks are also common causes. Work through the fixes in this guide in order.
Can I fix Cube ACR on any phone?
Not always. Recent Samsung, Google Pixel, and some Xiaomi models block call recording at the system level. If you've tried all fixes with no success, your phone may not support third-party recording without rooting.
Is call recording legal with Cube ACR?
It depends entirely on your location. Some countries require consent from both parties; others allow recording with one party's knowledge. Check your local laws before recording any call.
Does Cube ACR work with WhatsApp and Telegram calls?
Yes, Cube ACR supports recording on WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Viber, and other VoIP apps. However, some phones still block incoming audio on VoIP calls. Enable the Accessibility service and install the Helper app for the best chance of success.
What should I do if an update breaks Cube ACR?
Try rolling back to a previous version if possible, wait for a developer fix, report the issue through the app, check forums for temporary workarounds, or consider a hardware recorder if you need reliable recording immediately.
Conclusion
The "Cube ACR not recording incoming voice" problem is frustrating, but it's almost always solvable — at least partially. Start with the audio source setting, grant all permissions, and disable battery optimization. For most users, one of these three steps alone restores both sides of the conversation.
If basic fixes fail, install the Helper app for manufacturer-restricted phones, enable the Accessibility service for VoIP calls, or use speakerphone as a reliable fallback. For phones that block recording entirely at the system level, a hardware recorder or built-in call recording may be your only long-term solution.
Your next step: Open Cube ACR right now, change the audio source to "Voice Communication," make a 30-second test call, and check the recording. If that doesn't work, move to the next fix. Test after every change — and respect your local recording laws.
