How to set up a phone call record on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways 2026

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a feature that can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving voice notes from relatives. However, the standard features of MIUI are not always obvious, and in some regions this option is completely hidden due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to set up call recording โ€” from built-in tools to third-party applications โ€” and also discuss the nuances that are important to consider before activating the feature.

The feature of Redmi smartphones (Note 12, Redmi 13C, Redmi A2 and others) is that the ability to record depends on the version of the MIUI firmware and regional build. For example, in European versions of the software, the feature is often disabled by default due to privacy laws, while in global and Chinese firmware it can be available out of the box. We tested all methods on current models with MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (Android 13/14) and collected working solutions.

1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on

To start with, check for built-in recording. In the latest versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12.5), the option may be hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all.

Open the Phone app (telephone icon) and go to Recents, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. In the menu that opens, look for Recording Conversations (on some models, Recording Calls). If it's not, it's disabled at the firmware level.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ For the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 12/13C: The option is usually available in the Settings menu โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Recording of conversations.
  • ๐ŸŒ For European firmware (EEA): The function can be blocked โ€“ you will need to change the region or install a patch.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง For Chinese firmware: the record is enabled by default, but the interface is in Chinese (you need to switch to English in the system settings).

If the item Record conversations found, activate it and select one of the modes:

  • ๐ŸŽค Recording all calls โ€“ Automatically recording all incoming and outgoing conversations.
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Record only selected ones โ€“ manually start recordings during a call (button appears on the screen).
  • ๐Ÿšซ Not to write - disabling the function.
๐Ÿ“Š What Redmi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
Redmi 11/10
Redmi 9/9A
Redmi A2/A3
Another model

โš ๏ธ Attention: On smartphones with firmware MIUI EEA (Attempt to enable it may trigger a warning about legal restrictions, in which case you will have to use third-party applications or change the region of the device (see section 4).

2. How to record calls manually while talking

If the automatic recording is disabled or not working, you can manually run it right at the time of the call, which works on most Redmi models, regardless of the MIUI version.

During a conversation, a control panel with several buttons will appear on the screen, including a recording icon (usually a dot circle or microphone), and click on it, and a recording will begin, as the notification at the top of the screen will report. To stop the recording, press the same button again. Finished files are saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Access through Files or Explorer).

The recording icon is visible on the call screen|Notice of the beginning of the recording appeared|File saved in a folder call_rec|Replay of the recording verified-->

If the record button is not available, your firmware does not support this function, in which case:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update MIUI Update (sometimes the function appears after the update).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Install an alternative phone application (e.g. Google Phone, but recording in it may also be limited).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Activate hidden settings through the engineering menu (see Section 5).

Important: on Redmi models with a MediaTek chipset (e.g. Redmi 10A, Redmi 9C), manual recording may not work stable due to the processing of audio streams, in which case it is recommended to use third-party applications.

3.The best apps to record calls on Xiaomi Redmi

If the built-in tools don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we've tested dozens of programs and selected those that work consistently on Redmi with MIUI 14/15 and do not conflict with system constraints.

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube ACRRecord both sides of the conversation, cloud storage, automatic save by contacts.Advertising is free, sometimes does not catch calls to MediaTek.Google Play
Call Recorder by LovekeshSimple interface, support for MP3 format, high bitrate recording.There is no Russian language, sometimes crashes on Android 14.Google Play
TruecallerBuilt-in record + number detector, spam blocking.Registration is required, recording does not work on all Redmi models.Google Play
OTT Call RecorderSpecializes in recording VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram).It does not record regular calls, complex settings.Google Play

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it must request access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.

  1. Launch the app and follow the setup wizard.
  2. Select the save format (recommended MP3 for space saving).
  3. Activate Auto Record option or set up manual start.
  4. Check the save folder (usually CallRecordings in internal memory).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the app doesnโ€™t record the voice of the person, try turning on speaker mode for 1-2 seconds during the call โ€“ this sometimes helps to activate the recording of both channels.

4. How to unlock call recording on European firmware (MIUI EEA)

The MIUI EEA (European) versions often lack the recording feature due to strict privacy laws, but can be returned by changing the region of the device or installing a patch.The method works on the Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 10/11 and other models with an unlocked bootloader.

The most reliable method is to change the region through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Region. Choose India or Russia (where the feature is allowed), restart the phone and check for the recording option in the Phone application.

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Switch a patch to record calls (e.g., Call Recorder Enabler for MIUI).

โš ๏ธ Note: Change of region may result in loss of warranty if the device was purchased in Europe.In addition, some banking applications (e.g. Revolut or Revolut) N26) can block access if a region is inconsistent SIM-maps and firmware.

The alternative method is the use of ADB-- You can use the commands to activate hidden functions. USB In Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1

After the reboot, check for the recording option. This method doesn't work on all models, but it's been tested successfully on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi 9T.

5. Hidden recording settings: engineering menu and codes

For power users, there is a way to activate recording via an engineering menu, a method that is suitable for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K50i).

Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## โ†’ Select Phone Information โ†’ Battery Settings (not to be confused with the usual battery settings!). There may be a hidden Voice Call Recording switch. Activate it and restart the device.

List of working codes for Redmi
##4636## โ€” Engineering menu (for Snapdragon) ##36446337## โ€” Audio test (Mic check) ##232338## โ€” Wi-Fi and Bluetooth check (indirectly affects VoIP recording)

On devices with MediaTek chipsets (e.g. Redmi 10C, Redmi 9A), the engineering menu opens with ##36446337##. Here you need to find the Audio section and enable the Record Call Audio option. Be careful: improper changes to the engineering menu can cause modem malfunctions.

If the engineering menu is not available, try using the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm EngineerMode app (for Snapdragon). These can be downloaded from Google Play, but they require superuser rights (root).

Before you activate a recording, you need to understand the legal nuances, and in most countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited unless you notify them in advance.

  • ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia: It is allowed to record conversations if you are a party to them (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), but using the recording in court requires proof of its authenticity.
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union (GDPR): Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality and can result in a fine of up to 20 million euros (for companies) or 4% of annual revenue.
  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Most require the consent of at least one party (your), but 12 states (e.g. California) require the consent of all participants.
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India: Recording conversations for personal use is allowed, but distributing the recording without consent is punishable by law.

To avoid problems:

  • ๐Ÿ“ข Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: โ€œThe conversation is recorded to record the informationยป).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Keep the records no longer than necessary and delete them after use.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Do not distribute posts without the consent of the other party, especially in social networks or instant messengers.

๐Ÿ’ก

Even if the recording is permitted by law, its use in court or for blackmail can be considered a violation of privacy.Always consult a lawyer before publishing or sharing the recordings with third parties.

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, when recording is activated, the system can automatically play a notification such as โ€œThis conversation is recorded.โ€ This feature is enabled by default in global firmware, but can be disabled in the recording application settings.

7 Where records are stored and how to recover them

By default, call records files are saved in one of the following folders (depending on the recording method):

  • /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ โ€” embedded MIUI.
  • /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ โ€“ for most third-party applications.
  • /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecords/ โ€“ if you manually specified the folder to save.

Files are usually.amr (compressed audio format) or.mp3.

  1. Open the Files app (or any file manager).
  2. Go to the folder with the records (see above).
  3. Click on the file and it will open in the standard Music player.

If the entries are Suddenly disappeared, try the following steps:

  • ๐Ÿ” Check the Recycle Bin in the Files app (entries could have been deleted by mistake).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Connect your phone to your PC and search for files through Windows Explorer or Finder (macOS).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restore from backup if Automatic Save is enabled in Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Use recovery software (such as DiskDigger or Recuva) but they require root rights.

If the recordings are not played, check the codecs..amr format is not supported by all players - install VLC or MX Player to play.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi

โ“ Why my Redmi doesn't have call recording options in settings?
It could be related to: ๐ŸŒ Regional firmware (EEA Versions are often devoid of this function). ๐Ÿ“ฑ An outdated version MIUI (upgrade the system). ๐Ÿ”ง Hardware restrictions (some MediaTek models have chipset-level locks on the record) Solution: try changing region to India or install a third-party recording app.
โ“ Can I record WhatsApp and Telegram calls?
Built-in MIUI recording works only for normal calls. VoIP recording (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) requires specialized applications: OTT Call Recorder - records VoIP calls, but requires configuration. Cube ACR - supports some messengers (you need to enable the option in the settings). Note: recording in messengers may violate their rules of use (for example, WhatsApp prohibits automated recording of calls).
โ“ How to disable automatic recording notification?
In global MIUI firmware, when recording begins, a voice notification automatically plays out (โ€œThis conversation is recordedโ€). To turn it off: Go to Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Phone โ†’ Notifications. Find the option Voice prompts or Record Notifications. Turn off the switch next to Play audio when recording. If there is no option, it is blocked at the firmware level, in which case only changing the region or installing custom firmware will help.
โ“ Why the recording is terminated or not saved?
Problems with recording are usually associated with: ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery savings โ€“ add the recording app to optimization exceptions (Settings) โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Lack of memory โ€“ clear the place or change the save folder to SD-map. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Conflicts with other applications (such as antivirus or call managers) and check if Do Not Disturb is enabled, it can block the recording.
โ“Legal to record calls for work purposes?
Recording of conversations for work purposes is permitted if: ๐Ÿ“‹ You have notified the interlocutor of the recording (orally or at the beginning of the conversation). ๐Ÿข This is required by the companyโ€™s internal rules (e.g. for call centers). ๐Ÿ“‘ Records are stored in a secure location and are not distributed outside the organization. In the EU and some states, written consent may be required for work records.