Recording Encounters on Android
Article Type: User Guide
Target Audience: Android Users
Last Updated: January 2026
Overview
Learn how to effectively record patient encounters using Ambient Scribe on your Android device, including tips for optimal audio quality and managing recordings.
Starting a New Recording
Quick Start
Open Ambient Scribe
Tap the Record button on the home screen
The recording indicator turns red when active
A notification appears in the status bar
Begin your patient conversation
With Patient Context (EHR Users)
If you launch from your EHR:
Select the patient in your EHR
Launch Ambient Scribe from the EHR
Patient context is automatically loaded
Tap Record to begin
Recording Best Practices
Optimal Setup
Position: Hold device 12-18 inches from conversation
Environment: Choose a quiet location when possible
Orientation: Keep device stationary during recording
Battery: Ensure device has adequate charge (20%+ recommended)
Audio Quality Tips
Do | Don't |
Speak clearly at normal volume | Whisper or speak too loudly |
Position device between speakers | Cover the microphone |
Use in quiet environments | Record near noisy equipment |
Keep device stationary | Move device during recording |
Pause and Resume
When to Pause
Use pause when:
- Taking a phone call
- Patient needs privacy
- Stepping out temporarily
- Non-clinical conversation occurs
How to Pause
Tap the Pause button during recording
Notification updates to show paused status
Audio capture stops
How to Resume
Tap Resume when ready
Recording continues from where you paused
All content is combined in the final note
Background Recording
Ambient Scribe supports recording while using other apps:
How It Works
Start a recording normally
Press the Home button or switch apps
A persistent notification shows that Ambient Scribe is recording
Recording continues in the background
Recording Notification
A persistent notification shows that Ambient Scribe is recording. Tap the notification to return to the app.
Returning to the App
Tap the notification to return
Or open app from app drawer
Your recording is still active
Foreground Service
Android requires a persistent notification during recording:
What It Means
Notification stays visible while recording
Cannot be dismissed during recording
Ensures Android doesn't kill the recording
Normal Android behavior for long-running tasks
Notification Display
The notification shows:
- Recording status
- Elapsed time
Ending a Recording
Standard End
Tap the End Encounter button
Confirm you want to end the recording
Wait for processing to begin
What Happens Next
Audio is uploaded for processing
Transcription is generated
Note is created using your template
You're notified when ready
Processing Time
Short encounters (< 10 min): 1-2 minutes
Medium encounters (10-30 min): 2-5 minutes
Long encounters (30+ min): 5-10 minutes
Recording Indicators
Indicator | Meaning |
🔴 Red dot | Actively recording |
⏸️ Pause icon | Recording paused |
✅ Checkmark | Complete |
Battery Optimization Important
Android may stop recordings to save battery. Prevent this:
Disable Battery Optimization
Settings > Apps > Ambient Scribe
Tap Battery
Select "Unrestricted" or "Don't optimize"
Keep Screen On (Optional)
For long recordings, consider:
- Keeping screen on at low brightness
- Or trusting background recording with optimization disabled
Managing Recording Quality
Check Audio Levels
Watch the audio level indicator
Peaks should reach middle of range
Consistent levels indicate good positioning
If Quality Seems Poor
Move device closer to speakers
Reduce background noise
Check microphone isn't blocked
Consider using a wired headset microphone
External Microphones
Ambient Scribe supports external microphones:
Compatible Options
USB-C microphones
3.5mm jack microphones (with adapter if needed)
Bluetooth headsets
Wired earbuds
Setup
Connect your external microphone
Android automatically routes audio
Test with a short recording first
Troubleshooting Recordings
Recording Won't Start
Check microphone permission is granted
Close and reopen the app
Clear app cache
Restart device if issue persists
Recording Stops Unexpectedly
Disable battery optimization (see above)
Check available storage (need at least 500MB)
Keep phone charged
Disable aggressive power saving modes
Poor Audio Quality
Check case isn't blocking microphone
Move closer to conversation
Reduce ambient noise
Clean microphone opening carefully
Recording Not Uploading
Check internet connection
Switch between WiFi and mobile data
Force close and reopen app
Recording will retry automatically
Data Usage
Mobile Data Usage
Recording Length | Approximate Data |
10 minutes | 5-10 MB |
30 minutes | 15-30 MB |
60 minutes | 30-60 MB |
WiFi Recommended
Use WiFi for longer recordings
Reduces mobile data usage
Often faster upload speeds
Privacy During Recording
Patient Notification
Inform patients that you're using an AI scribe
Recording is for clinical documentation only
Data handling follows HIPAA requirements
What's Recorded
All audio while recording is active
Paused periods are not recorded
No video is captured
Split Screen / Multi-Window
Android allows split-screen multitasking:
Recording in Split Screen
Recording continues in split screen mode
Useful for referencing patient info
Keep Ambient Scribe visible if possible
Limitations
Some devices may have issues with split screen
If recording stops, use full-screen mode
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Need Help?
Having trouble with recordings? Contact support with details about your device model and the issue you're experiencing.