How-to guide
How to Record a Meeting Without a Bot (Chrome, Windows, Android)
Direct answer
You can record a meeting without inviting a bot by capturing audio from your own browser tab, desktop, or phone. Below are three ways to do it with KukuNotes on Chrome, Windows, and Android, what other people see, and what not to expect (including that Android does not record dialer phone calls).
What without a bot means
- Bot-based notetakers join Zoom, Meet, or Teams as an extra participant.
- Bot-free notetakers record from your device: browser tab, Windows system audio, or the phone mic.
- KukuNotes never joins as a bot. It writes a summary, decisions, and action items into a Space.
- Listening is opt-in. Tell people you are recording.
Method A: Chrome extension
Best for Google Meet, Zoom Web, and Microsoft Teams Web.
Install KukuNotes Meeting Recorder from the Chrome Web Store.
Open the meeting in Chrome and pick the Space for notes.
Allow tab audio, then Start Listening when ready.
Participants do not see a KukuNotes attendee. Platforms may still show their own recording indicators. Announce recording.
Method B: Windows app
Best for desktop Zoom / Teams apps.
Install from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10/11).
Open the Space for that meeting or client.
Start Listening and allow audio permissions. Offline record is fine; notes sync later.
No Mac app yet (use web, Chrome, Windows, or Android).
Method C: Android
Best for in-person meetings, classes, and speakerphone conversations near the phone.
Install from Google Play (Android 9.0+).
Open the right Space.
Tap Start Listening. Mic is used only while listening is on.
Hard limit: Android does not record phone or dialer / cellular calls. Meetings and in-person only.
Consent
Laws vary. KukuNotes is opt-in by design. Tell participants and follow local rules. Not legal advice.
After the meeting
Summary, decisions, and action items in a Space. Free: 2 hours notes + 10 hours meetings. Pro ₹499/mo. Business ₹999/mo.
How these tools compare
Dated November 2026. Cells that say “Not stated here” were not confirmed for this page. Check the vendor’s own pages before you rely on a peer cell.
| Tool | Bot joins? | Chrome / web | Windows | Android | Phone calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KukuNotes | No | Meet / Zoom Web / Teams Web | Yes | Meetings + in-person | No on Android |
| Fireflies | Yes (typical) | Via bot flows | Via bot flows | Talk / related apps | Not stated here |
| Otter | Often yes (virtual) | Strong live transcript | Available | In-person / app | Not stated here |
| Granola | No | Desktop-first | Yes | Since Jul 2026, in-person | iOS-only per Granola |
| Fathom | Bot, or bot-free on Mac | Zoom / Meet / Teams | Via product | No Android described | No |
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to read every column.
Frequently asked questions
How do I record Google Meet without a bot?
Use the Chrome extension and tab audio. Open Google Meet in Chrome, pick the Space for notes, allow tab audio, and Start Listening. Participants do not see a KukuNotes attendee.
Does a Chrome extension show up as a participant?
No. The Chrome extension captures tab audio from your browser. Participants do not see a KukuNotes attendee. Platforms may still show their own recording indicators. Announce recording.
Can I record Zoom without a bot on desktop?
Yes. Use the Windows app for the desktop Zoom app, or open Zoom Web and use the Chrome extension. There is no Mac app yet (use web, Chrome, Windows, or Android).
Does KukuNotes record phone calls on Android?
No. KukuNotes on Android does not record phone or dialer / cellular calls. It records meetings and in-person conversations only, and the mic is used only while listening is on.
Is it legal to record a meeting?
Laws vary. Tell participants you are recording and follow local rules. This is not legal advice.
Is the Chrome extension free?
Yes to install. Minutes follow your plan. Free: 2 hours notes + 10 hours meetings. Pro ₹499/mo. Business ₹999/mo.