Beside includes a Recording Consent setting that lets you notify callers when a call is being recorded. When enabled, both inbound and outbound callers will hear an automated message at the start of the call.
This helps you stay transparent and aligned with call recording laws in your region.
Enable recording consent
From Beside on the web
Go to app.beside.com
Click Settings in the sidebar, then Phone Numbers under Workspace
Click the line you want to manage
On the General tab, scroll to Compliance & Privacy
Toggle Recording Consent on
From the mobile app
Open the Beside mobile app
Go to the Settings tab
Scroll down to Recording Consent
Toggle the setting ON
Once enabled, Beside will automatically play this message at the start of every call - whether you're receiving or placing it:
"This call is recorded. To opt out, please ask the other party to stop recording."
📌 The consent message plays in full. The Recording Consent message is fixed and plays in its entirety at the very start of every call, including AI Receptionist calls. It cannot be interrupted by the caller speaking. This is the message that meets the notification requirement in all-party consent states.
Stop recording if a caller opts out
If a caller asks not to be recorded, you can stop recording mid-call by tapping the Recorder button on your call screen.
FAQ
Does the consent message play on AI Receptionist calls?
Does the consent message play on AI Receptionist calls?
Yes. When Recording Consent is enabled, the message plays at the start of all calls - including those handled by the AI Receptionist.
Can I customize the consent message?
Can I customize the consent message?
No. The recording consent message is a standard automated message and cannot be customized at this time.
Can a caller interrupt the consent message?
Can a caller interrupt the consent message?
No. The Recording Consent message plays in full at the start of every call and cannot be interrupted by the caller, even if they start speaking. This is what makes it suitable for the notification requirement in all-party consent states like California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Note that the AI Receptionist's Introduction Message (the custom greeting you record) is different - it can be interrupted if the caller starts speaking. This barge-in is intentional, so callers don't have to wait through the greeting before they can ask their question. For this reason, don't rely on your AI greeting alone to deliver the legal notification - keep Recording Consent enabled separately, so the compliance message is always played in full before anything else.
Do I legally need to enable recording consent?
Do I legally need to enable recording consent?
It depends on your state or region. Some states require all-party consent for call recording, meaning everyone on the call must be notified. Other states only require one-party consent. We recommend enabling it if you're unsure.