How to Record Google Meet Meetings (3 Methods Compared)

Google Meet has become the default video call platform for anyone using Google Workspace. But recording those meetings isn't as straightforward as it should be. Google restricts the built-in recording feature to paid plans, leaving millions of users without an obvious option.

Whether you're trying to capture a team standup, a client presentation, or a lecture, here are three ways to record Google Meet meetings — and the trade-offs of each.

Method 1: Google Meet's Built-In Recording

Google Meet includes a native recording feature, but it's only available on certain Google Workspace editions — Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise, and Education Plus. If you're on a personal Google account or the free tier of Workspace, you won't see a record button at all.

For those who do have access, here's how it works:

1. Start or join a Google Meet call. Click the Activities icon (bottom right), then select Recording.
2. Click Start recording. All participants will see a notification that recording has begun.
3. When the meeting ends (or you stop recording manually), the video file is saved to the organizer's Google Drive.

The limitations are significant:

• No transcription. You get a video file, but no searchable text. You'll need to rewatch the entire meeting to find specific moments.
• Everyone is notified. A banner appears for all participants when recording starts, which can change the dynamic in sensitive conversations.
• No AI summaries. You get raw footage with no key points, no action items, and no condensed notes.
• Paid plans only. Most individuals and small teams don't have access.

Method 2: Chrome Extensions and Bot Tools

Tools like Fireflies.ai, Otter.ai, and others offer Chrome extensions or meeting bots that can record Google Meet sessions. These typically provide better features than Google's native option — transcription, speaker labels, and AI summaries.

However, the bot approach has familiar problems:

• The bot joins as a participant. Everyone in the meeting can see it. In external calls, this can feel intrusive.
• Some organizations block third-party bots. IT policies and Google Workspace admin settings can prevent bots from joining entirely.
• Reliability varies. Bots sometimes fail to join, join late, or disconnect mid-meeting.
• Chrome extensions require desktop. If you're joining from a phone or tablet, most extensions won't work.

Method 3: Wave — Multiple Recording Options, Bot Optional

Wave gives you several ways to record Google Meet calls, depending on your preference:

• Meeting bot: Wave can send a bot to join your Google Meet call automatically — useful when transparency is expected.
• Desktop app: Wave's Mac and Windows app captures system audio directly. No bot joins the meeting, no browser extension needed, and it works with any platform.
• Mobile app: Record from your phone's microphone. Wave captures audio in the background while you focus on the call.

Here's how to use it:

1. Download Wave on iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows.
2. Choose your recording method — bot, desktop capture, or mobile recording.
3. Join your Google Meet call normally. Wave records in the background.
4. Stop recording when the meeting ends. Wave transcribes the audio, identifies speakers, and generates an AI summary within minutes.

No paid Google Workspace plan required. It works on any Google account, any device, any meeting. And with the desktop app or mobile recorder, there's no bot in the participant list.

How the Three Methods Compare

• Availability: Google's built-in recording requires a paid Workspace plan. Chrome extensions need a desktop browser. Wave works for everyone, on any device.
• Transcription: Google Meet doesn't transcribe. Bot tools transcribe with varying accuracy. Wave provides full transcripts with speaker labels.
• AI summaries: Only bot tools and Wave generate summaries. Google's native recording gives you raw video only.
• Privacy: Google notifies all participants. Bots are visible in the call. Wave gives you the choice — use the bot or record via desktop/mobile without anyone knowing.
• Works beyond Google Meet: Google's tool only works with Google Meet. Bot tools support a few platforms. Wave works with anything — video calls, phone calls (via VoIP dialer), in-person meetings.

Which Method Should You Use?

If your company pays for Google Workspace Business Standard or higher and you just need a video recording, the built-in option is fine for internal meetings. If your team has standardized on a bot-based tool and everyone is comfortable with it, those work for scheduled calls.

If you want a recorder that gives you transcripts and AI summaries, works on any device, doesn't require a paid Google plan, and lets you choose between a bot, desktop capture, or mobile recording — Wave is the most practical choice.