How to listen to a phone conversation on your Xiaomi smartphone: a step-by-step guide to 2026

Recording or listening to phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a topic that raises a lot of questions among users: someone wants to keep an important business dialogue, someone needs proof for trial, and some just worry about the safety of loved ones. But before you start implementing this task, it is necessary to clearly understand that the legality of such actions depends on the jurisdiction and circumstances. In Russia, for example, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases where you are a participant (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to record and listen to conversations on Xiaomi devices – from standard features. MIUI We will pay special attention to technical nuances: why on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the built-in recording may not work, how to circumvent restrictions and what alternatives to use. MIUI, which few people know about, but which allow you to automate the recording process.

The important thing is, if you're looking to monitor a child or an employee, make sure you notify them in advance, and it's not only ethical, it's also legal, and now let's get to the practice.

1. built-in call recording function in MIUI: How to turn on and set up

Most of Xiaomi smartphones are based on MIUI 12 and later have a built-in conversation recorder, but it's often hidden in settings or disabled by default:

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Record conversations (some models call the item Auto Record).
4. Activate the switch and select which calls to record: All, Favorite Only, or Unknown Numbers Only.

Where are the records stored? They're stored in a folder by default. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec The files are.amr or formatted in internal memory.mp3 And they can play any player.

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If the phone does not have a "Record conversations" option in your settings, try updating the Phone app via Google Play. On some firmware, the feature only appears after the update.

Restrictions of embedded recording:

• 🔴 It does not work on models for the European market (due to laws). GDPR).
• 🔴 Redmi with global firmware can only record your voice (due to Android 10 limitations)+).
• 🔴 Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the recording at the network level.

If the built-in function is not available, move on to alternative methods.

2. Third-party applications for recording calls: TOP-5 provenance

When Xiaomi's standard tools don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of programs and selected those that work consistently on the platform. MIUI 14 Android 13/14:

How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from unknown sources!).
2. Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, access to calls, storage).
3. In the application settings, select the recording format (MP3 or AMR) and folder.
4. Activate auto-recording or press the button manually during the call.

Install the application from the official store|Provide all permissions manually|Check the free space on the phone (1 hour recording) = ~10MB)|Disable battery optimization for the application-->

Important nuance: on Xiaomi with Android 10+ So, applications are not allowed to record audio from the conversation line because of Google's privacy policy, so many programs only record your voice:

• 🛠️ Install the backbone firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu).
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB-Teams to Unblock Additional Permits.
• 🛠️ Connect an external recorder via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm connector (on models with audio output).

3. Hidden recording of conversations: risks and technical tricks

If you have to record a conversation without the other person knowing it, you have to use workarounds, but remember that a hidden recording without notice can be considered a violation of the law (depending on the country), in Russia this is only permissible if you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is for personal purposes (for example, to fix threats).

Technical methods of hidden recording on Xiaomi:

• 🎧 Using the second device: put a second phone with the voice recording turned on next to it (apps like Easy Voice Recorder.
• 🔌 Bluetooth headset with recorder: some models (for example, Sony) MDR-XB550AP) They have a built-in record. Connect it to Xiaomi and activate the recording on the headset.
• 📱 Don't disturb mode" + Screen recording: Enable screen recording (Settings) → Special opportunities → Record the screen and simultaneously conduct the conversation in the speaker.

Legal risk warning:

⚠️ In EU countries (including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) the hidden recording of conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is punishable by a fine up to €In the United States, laws vary by state: California requires the consent of all participants, and Texas only one!

4. Record VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) on Xiaomi

Calls via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) are recorded differently than regular phone calls, because these applications use encrypted protocols (like WhatsApp Signal Protocol) and standard recorders do not see them.

Method 1: Screen recording + microphone

• 📱 Enable screen recording in the Notification Panel (swipe down) → Screen recording).
• 🎤 Connect an external microphone through USB-C Bluetooth (for example, Boya) BY-M1).
• 🔊 Turn on speaker communication in the messenger.

Method 2: Applications for writing VoIP

Several programs are able to intercept the audio stream from messengers:

• 🛡️ Mobizen Screen Recorder – Records screen and sound at the same time (root required).
• 🛡️ AZ Screen Recorder – Works without root, but only records your voice.
• 🛡️ XRecorder – supports recording system sound on some firmware.

Method 3: Using a PC

If the call is made via WhatsApp Web or Telegram Desktop, you can record it on your computer using:

• 💻 Audacity (free audio editor with microphone recording function).
• 💻 OBS Studio (screen recording) + sound).

WhatsApp|Telegram|Viber|Skype|Other-->

5. Automatic recording of conversations: schedule setting

If you need to record all incoming/outgoing calls automatically (for example, for business), set this up via:

Method 1: Tasker + AutoTools

Tasker allows you to create automatic scripts.

1. Install Tasker and AutoTools plugin.
2. Create a task with a phone trigger → Status of the call.
3. Add the action Multimedia. → Sound recording.
4. Specify the conservation path (e.g, /sdcard/CallRecords/).

Method 2: Macrodroid

A simpler alternative to Tasker is:

1. Install Macrodroid from Google Play.
2. Create a macro with a trigger Call started.
3. Add the action Record audio.
4. Set up auto-stop recording when the call is completed.

Method 3: Embedded facilities MIUI (china-fix)

On firmware xiaomi.eu or Chinese versions MIUI There is a hidden auto-recording function:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1

This command needs to be entered through ADB (more in the next section).

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Automatic conversation recording can quickly fill up the phone's memory. Set up automatic deletion of old files (for example, via Files by Google) or cloud backup.

Advanced methods: ADB, root and modified firmware

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use advanced techniques. ADB, root access or custom firmware. Let's look at the most effective ones:

Method 1: Unlocking hidden permissions through ADB

Android 10.+ Google has blocked apps from recording conversations, but that's a limitation that can be circumvented:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and enable Debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additionally. → For developers).
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell pm grant com.app.name android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO adb shell pm grant com.app.name android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE adb shell pm grant com.app.name android.permission.PROCESS_OUTGOING_CALLS (Replace com.app.name with an application package, such as com.cube.callrecorder).
3. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn't have Google's restrictions on recording calls.

• 🔧 Unlock Bootloader with Mi Unlock Tool (Official Xiaomi Tool).
• 🔧 Install. TWRP Recovery.
• 🔧 Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu with recording support).

Method 3: Using Magisk modules

If you already have root, install modules:

• 📦 Call Recorder Patch – bypasses the limitations of Android.
• 📦 Universal Call Recorder – Records both sides on any firmware.

⚠️ Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights resets all data on the phone and can take away warranties. 13T Pro, Redmi K60 Ultra also blocks data encryption, which reduces security.

7. Alternative methods: cloud services and operator services

If software methods are not suitable, consider hardware and operator solutions:

Method 1: Mobile Operator Services

Some operators offer recording conversations as an additional service:

• 📡 MTS: "Conversation Recording" service (connected via *111#).
• 📡 Beeline: "Call Archive" (available for business rates).
• 📡 Tele2: Recording via personal account (only for corporate clients).

Method 2: Cloud services

Services like CallHippo or JustCall let you record calls through virtual numbers.

1. Register on the service website.
2. You get a virtual number (for example, Moscow or St. Petersburg).
3. Configure call forwarding from your Xiaomi to a virtual number.
4. All conversations are automatically recorded and stored in the cloud.

Method 3: Hardware Recorders

For maximum privacy, use external devices:

• 🎤 Olympic recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) — record from a distance of 10 meters.
• 📱 Bluetooth recorder (e.g. Tascam) DR-10L) — They are attached to clothes and record in high quality.

8.How to protect yourself from wiretapping: tips for Xiaomi users

If you are worried that your conversations may be being listened to, take action:

Step 1: Check apps with microphone access

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.
2. Remove suspicious programs or revoke access to them.

Step 2: Use protected messengers

• 🔒 Signal – calls are encrypted with end-to-end encryption.
• 🔒 Session – decentralized messenger without reference to the number.
• 🔒 Threema is an open source Swiss messenger.

Step 3: Check your phone for spyware

Signs of infection:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge.
• 📶 Unexplained Mobile Data Traffic.
• 🔊 Extraneous noise during calls.

Use:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes – scans for spyware.
• 🛡️ Kaspersky Mobile - Detects Hidden Recorders.

Step 4: Physical Protection

• 📵 Use lock-in cases (such as Faraday bag) for confidential conversations.
• 🔇 Turn on the plane mode or remove it. SIM-map when discussing sensitive information.

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Even if you don't record conversations, your interlocutor can, and always assume that any call can be recorded, especially when it comes to work or finances.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi