Question / Feature: record emergency calls

[ElsAr4e]

As far as I know Android will use the stock / own dialer even if you've changed the default phone calling app AND your device is rooted.

The OS will use its own app anyway?

For example if you make an emergency call using the emergency call button from lock screen and other ways https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00050849/ . (And you can't bypass the Android lock screen)

Can you also use the Basic Call Recorder (BCR) to record emergency calls of all countries?

[chenxiaolong]

I don't know the exact answer for this as I (thankfully) have not needed to call emergency services.

The recording aspect of BCR would definitely work. The only thing I'm unsure about is the detection of calls (whether Android even tells BCR that a call is active). BCR's call detection mechanism is the same as what smartwatches and Android Auto use. If emergency calls show up on those devices, then emergency calls should also be detected by BCR.

[ElsAr4e]

I've also never needed to make emergency calls - I've been lucky enough so I had no chance to try out. (No device - neither rooted nor non-rooted)

Is there any way to try out without abusing the emergency services? (For example use a modified (rooted) test Operating System that dials a "real" number that is NOT an emergency telephone number? Or try out to make an emergency call but immediately hang up before someone receives a phone call - Just check if BCR would show a call recording notification (not sure if this is possible and maybe people at the emergency services still receive a notification that you tried to contact them and think you are in a dangerous situation)?

The only thing I'm unsure about is the detection of calls (whether Android even tells BCR that a call is active).

But Android - at least the unmodified OS - is open source? https://medium.com/@coopossum/how-open-source-is-android-8d1815b9a42d https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-really-open-source-matter/

So you should be able to know because of the source code?

[chenxiaolong]

As far as I'm aware, there's no longer an easy way to simulate emergency calls, even with a rooted device. In Android 10 and newer, the distinction between emergency and non-emergency calls is no longer just in Android itself. The communication between Android and the modem is different for emergency calls.

The recording aspect of BCR would definitely work.

I made this point in my previous comment, but thinking about it, I don't think this is actually true. The modem is very much involved in the recording process and there's a chance it disables features like this to ensure that emergency calls are reliable.

maybe people at the emergency services still receive a notification that you tried to contact them and think you are in a dangerous situation

Yeah, I've seen this first hand before, where someone called 911 and hung up before it connected because the situation turned out not to be an emergency. Emergency services still got the notification and dispatched the police and an ambulance. Better to stay on the line and explain if this happens.

[ElsAr4e]

Can you know if BCR can record emergency calls by reading the source code of Android OS?

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If the default dialer already has a recording option (on non-rooted Android 10+ phones) you should simply ask the manufactor if it is possible to record emergency calls using the built-in call recorder? - Especially if it's a modified Android version like EMUI or One UI etc. ?

[chenxiaolong]

Can you know if BCR can record emergency calls by reading the source code of Android OS?

No, the code is very complicated and it's unfortunately not sufficient. The modem is involved with the recording and that's not open source.

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Yeah, if a device has a built-in recorder and it supports emergency calls, then BCR should support it too (on those devices).

[blackwind]

I can confirm that BCR successfully records emergency calls.

[chenxiaolong]

I can confirm that BCR successfully records emergency calls.

Thanks for confirming! Hopefully it wasn't something too serious.

[ElsAr4e]

I can confirm that BCR successfully records emergency calls.

@blackwind Can you please name the device and the root method (Magisk vs KernelSU) you've been using?

EDIT: Because different devices use other modems and this might not work on all devices?

[blackwind]

Pixel 7 Pro, Magisk.

[ElsAr4e]

Pixel 7 Pro, Magisk.

Thanks. And the original ROM rooted (NOT for example /e/OS or linage rooted)?

[blackwind]

Correct.

[ElsAr4e]

@blackwind thank you for your information and sharing your experience with others!

[ReK42]

FYI emergency services are used to getting test calls when phone systems are installed/upgraded in buildings. You should be able to call your local police non-emergency line and schedule a test call with them.