How to set up a call record for Xiaomi: all working ways for MIUI

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that periodically disappears from MIUI firmware and then returns in a modified form. With the release of Android 10, Google has tightened its privacy policy, which led to restrictions on recording calls even for device manufacturers. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable recording conversations on Redmi, POCO and Black Shark — from regular MIUI tools to workarounds for models where the function is disabled.

It's important to understand that recording capabilities depend on three factors: MIUI version (12, 13, 14 or 15), firmware region (global, Chinese, European) and smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 Global, the recording is available out of the box, and on the Redmi Note 10 with Chinese firmware it may not be at all, we tested all methods on current versions of software (2026) and weed out outdated tips that no longer work.

If you're looking for a way to record incoming and outgoing calls automatically or manually, you'll find step-by-step instructions with all the nuances in mind. And for those who have encountered the message "No recording possible due to Android limitations," we've prepared workarounds using third-party apps and hidden MIUI settings.

1. Verification of the presence of built-in recording function in MIUI

Before you install third-party apps, make sure your version of MIUI doesn't hide the recording function. It can be on different menus on different firmwares -- or it can be completely disabled. Here's how to check:

Open the Phone app (green handset) and make a test call. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen:

• 📱 If you see the Record button, the function is active. Click on it to start/stop recording. Files are saved to File Manager. → Call records.
• ⚙️ If there is no button, but in the top menu (three-point) there is a item "Calling settings" - go there and look for the option "Record conversations".
• 🚫 If there's no button or settings, your firmware doesn't support recording at all.

On some models (e.g., the POCO F5 with MIUI 14), the function may be hidden due to regional constraints, in which case it will help to change the firmware region or activate through a hidden menu of engineering settings (discussed below).

2. Enable recording via MIUI settings (for supported models)

If your smartphone theoretically supports recording but the feature is disabled, try activating it via system settings, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-15 Global/EEA (European version).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your phone in the list and tap it.
3. Go to Permits → Microphone and make sure access is allowed.
4. Return to Settings → System → Additional → Special features.
5. Activate the Call Record switch (if any).

After that, the Phone app should have a recording button, and if it's not, try restarting the device or updating MIUI to the latest version.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Update the firmware to the latest stable version

Allow access to the microphone for the "Phone" application

Make sure that the device has enough free memory (records are taken up) ~1 MB/minute)-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) recording only works for outgoing calls. Incoming conversations may not be recorded due to Android restrictions.

3. Use of hidden engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard settings do not give a result, you can try to activate the recording through the engineering menu. MIUI. This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most of them are used in the same way). Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO) Carefulness – wrong actions can disrupt your phone.

Steps:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (code for the MIUI engineering menu).
2. In the menu that opens, go to Modem Test → Audio → Normal Mode.
3. Find the VoIP Call Recording option and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

After you restart, check if the write button appears in the Phone app. If the menu doesn't open or the setting doesn't, your model doesn't support this method.

4. Third-party applications for recording calls (if MIUI does not support)

If the built-in methods didn't work, we'd have to use third-party apps. However, with Android 10+, most of the recording software stopped working because of Google's limitations, and we tested the current solutions and selected the ones that still work on Xiaomi in 2026.

These applications will require:

• 🔧 Allow access to special features (in Android settings).
• 📱 Enable display over other windows.
• 🎤 Provide access to microphone and contacts.

⚠️ Note: Google Play Apps May Stop Working After Update MIUI. If the recording is interrupted or only your voice is saved, it is a restriction of Android, not a bug of the program.

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Before installing a third-party recording software, check reviews from the past 2-3 months. Many apps have stopped updating and do not work on newer versions of MIUI. The alternative is to use Google Drive to automatically back up records if they suddenly disappear after the update.

5. Recording calls via Google Drive (alternative method)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use cloud recording via Google Drive, which does not record the conversation directly, but saves important information:

How it works:

1. During the call, turn on speakerphone and put the phone next to another device (laptop, tablet).
2. On the second device, start recording voice through Google Drive (click "Create → Record Voice").
3. After the conversation, the record will automatically be saved to your Google account.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ The quality of the recording depends on the microphone of the second device.
• ❌ Inconvenient for frequent calls.
• ❌ Requires the presence of a second gadget.

But this method is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi models and MIUI versions, as it does not depend on the limitations of Android, suitable for rare but important conversations (for example, negotiations with a bank or a lawyer).

6. Rooting and modified firmware (for power users)

If you're critical to recording calls, and the standard methods don't work, you're left with rooting or custom firmware.

• 🔓 Pros: Full control of the system, the ability to record any calls.
• ⚠️ Cons: Loss of warranty, risk of “bricking” the device, problems with banking applications.

If you are willing to go for it, here is a brief instruction:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Install the Call Recorder for Magisk module.

After that, any recording app (like Boldbeast) can save conversations from both sides, but remember that many banks and services (like Google Pay) stop working on rooted devices.

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Rooting is the last chance to record calls to Xiaomi if other methods have failed, but before you do so, weigh the risks, from loss of warranty to security issues (root access opens up vulnerabilities to malware).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi