Free bots
for any Google account
30 sec
after call for AI notes
3 steps
to set up recording
Workspace Std+
for built-in recording
Google Meet has a built-in recording feature, but it is only available on paid Google Workspace plans (Business Standard and above). If you are on a free Google account or a basic Workspace plan, the recording button simply does not appear.
This guide covers both paths: how to use the built-in recording if you have Workspace access, and how to get recordings and AI notes on any Google Meet account using a free AI note taker.
Use built-in recording if you need the video file stored in Google Drive and have Workspace Standard or above. Use an AI bot if you want structured notes and action items - it works on any plan, including free.
Check if you have Workspace recording access
Open Google Meet and look for the activity menu (three-dot icon) at the bottom of the screen during a call. If you see "Start recording", you are on a plan that supports it (Business Standard, Business Plus, or Enterprise). If you do not see it, proceed to step 4 to use an AI note taker instead.
Ask for consent before recording
Inform all participants before starting the recording. Google Meet shows a notification to all participants when recording starts, but the host should also announce it verbally at the start of the call. Recording participants without consent violates data protection regulations in most jurisdictions.
Start the built-in recording (Workspace only)
Click the three-dot menu at the bottom of the Meet screen during a call. Select "Start recording". Confirm the consent dialog. A recording indicator appears in the top-left corner. To stop, go back to the three-dot menu and select "Stop recording". The recording saves automatically to the meeting organizer's Google Drive in MP4 format, typically within a few minutes of the call ending.
Set up a free AI note taker (works on any plan)
AI note takers do not require a Workspace account. They work on any Google Meet call including free accounts. Connect your Google Calendar to the AI note taker tool. The bot joins your meetings automatically from that point forward.
Fireflies.ai is free to start and supports Google Meet natively. Connect your calendar at app.fireflies.ai, authorize Google Calendar, and Fireflies will join your next Google Meet automatically.
Otter.ai has a Chrome extension that works directly in the Google Meet browser tab. Install from the Chrome Web Store, connect your Google account, and Otter will transcribe meetings live in a side panel.
Tool used in this step: Fireflies.ai
Review and share the AI notes after the call
After the meeting ends, the AI note taker delivers a transcript and summary to your email and the tool dashboard, typically within two to five minutes. Review the summary for accuracy, then share it with attendees via the tool's share link or by copying into your team's notes tool.
For a full comparison of tools for Google Meet, see the best AI note takers for Google Meet in 2026.
If you are on Google Workspace Business Standard or above, the built-in recording covers basic needs. For AI summaries, action item extraction, and CRM integration on top of the recording, you still need an AI note taker on any plan.
If you are on a free account or want more than basic recording, start with Fireflies.ai (free) or Otter.ai's Chrome extension. Both work on any Google Meet call without a Workspace subscription.
Tools Used in This Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you record Google Meet for free?
The built-in Google Meet recording requires a paid Workspace plan (Business Standard or higher). To record on a free account, you need a third-party AI note taker. Fireflies.ai and Otter.ai both offer free plans that record Google Meet calls on any account type.
Where does Google Meet recording save?
Built-in Google Meet recordings save automatically to the meeting organizer's Google Drive in the "Meet Recordings" folder. You receive an email with a link when the recording is ready, typically within a few minutes of the call ending.
Do all participants get notified when recording starts?
Yes. Google Meet shows a notification banner to all participants when recording begins. You cannot record a Google Meet call without participants being notified.
How long are Google Meet recordings stored?
Built-in recordings are stored in Google Drive with no automatic expiry, subject to your storage limit. AI note taker recordings are stored per each tool's retention policy, which varies from 30 days for free plans to unlimited on paid plans.
