Why you need to record calls and how it works for Xiaomi
Recording phone conversations is a useful feature that helps you capture important information, confirm agreements, or simply save memorable conversations. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models), this feature is built into the standard Phone app, but is not always activated by default. Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (12, 13 or 14) and regional restrictions, the setup process may vary.
It is important to understand that recording conversations on Xiaomi has legal nuances: In most countries (including Russia), the law requires that the interlocutor be notified of the record keeping, and failure to comply with this rule can lead to conflicts or even lawsuits. It is also worth considering that some carriers block the recording at the network level โ in this case, the built-in tools. MIUI won't work.
Technically, recording is done via a smartphone microphone, so the sound quality depends on the noise reduction level, the volume of the interlocutor and the environment. New models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) use an improved voice processing algorithm that minimizes extraneous noise. Old devices (before MIUI 11) can record calls only in.amr format, and modern ones can record calls in.mp3 or.m4a with better quality.
Checking for call recording support on your Xiaomi model
Not all Xiaomi smartphones support built-in conversation recording.
- ๐ฑ The flagship models (Xiaomi 14, 13 Ultra) usually have advanced features, and budget (Redmi) models. A2, POCO M6) may be limited.
- ๐ Regional firmware - in European and Indian versions MIUI The recording is often disabled due to local laws.
- ๐ Versions MIUI โ into MIUI 14 the configuration interface has changed compared to MIUI 12.
- ๐ก Operator policies โ some mobile networks (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the recording at the level SIM-map.
To check if the feature is available on your device:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to Settings. โ Recording of conversations.
- If no item is available, your model does not support the built-in record (see alternative methods below).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global may be hidden due to legal restrictions, in which case switching region to India or Russia via Settings will help. โ Additionally. โ Region (resetting will be required).
| Xiaomi model | Recording support (MIUI 14) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | โ Yes. | Automatic recording of all calls,.m4a format |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/12S Ultra | โ Yes. | Manual activation is required for each contact |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | โ ๏ธ Partially. | It only works for incoming calls. |
| Redmi 10A/10C | โ No. | Budget models without support |
| Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro | โ Yes. | Record with the notification of the interlocutor (loud signal) |
Step-by-step: how to turn on recording conversations
If your device supports the feature, follow this instruction. The process may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic is maintained.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings โ About the phone
Make sure your phone has enough memory (records take ~1MB/minute)
Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates (if required)
Close all background applications for stable operation-->
Method 1: Using the settings of the Phone application (MIUI 12/13/14)
- Open the Phone app (green tube icon).
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner (โฎ) and select "Settingsยป.
- Go to the section "Recording conversations" (or Call recording in English firmware).
- Activate the "Write Automatically" switch.
- Choose one of the options: ๐ All calls - recording incoming and outgoing. ๐ Only incoming. ๐ฑ Selected contacts โ you need to specify manually.
"The Recording Format"
.mp3
.amr
Save the settings.
Method 2: Quick recording during a call
If you do not need automatic recording, you can manually enable it:
- During the call, click on the Record button (mic icon) on the screen.
- The system will notify the interlocutor by voice message (if included in the settings).
- To stop the recording, press the same button again.
To listen to the video directly on your phone:
- Open the phone app.
- Go to the Call Journal.
- Find the right call โ next to it will be an icon ๐ค (if the recording was made).
- Click on the recording to listen to or share it.
Important: Records are automatically deleted after 30 days unless you change your storage settings. To avoid this, transfer files to another folder or to the cloud.
| Action. | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Exports to PCs | Put the phone on. USB, Select File Transfer, copy the folder call_rec |
| Postal delivery | In Explorer, select files โ Share โ Select Gmail or another client |
| Upload to the cloud | Use Google Drive or Mi Cloud (folder automatically syncs when the feature is enabled) |
| Removal | Keep your finger on the entries in the call log โ โDeleteโ |
Solving Call Recording Problems
If the recording is not working, check the following points:
1. No record button in settings
Causes and solutions:
- ๐ต Outdated firmware - update MIUI through settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ Regional restrictions โ change region to India (see instructions above).
- ๐ง There is no system application - reinstall "Phone" through Settings โ Annexes โ Remove updates.
2. the recording is terminated or not retained
Possible causes:
- ๐ Lack of memory โ free up space or transfer records to the map SD.
- ๐ ๏ธ Application failure โ clear the โPhoneโ cache in Settings โ Annexes โ Phone. โ Memory.
- ๐ต Blocking by the operator - try another SIM or contact support.
3. Poor sound quality
To improve the record:
- ๐๏ธ Use headphones with a microphone (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
- ๐ Turn on noise reduction in the recording settings.
- ๐ถ Call in places with good signal โ weak network degrades quality.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M4 Pro) recording may be interrupted due to battery optimization. Add the Phone app to the exceptions: Settings โ Battery โ Optimizing the battery โ All applications โ Phone. โ No restrictions.
What if the record is not included on Xiaomi with custom firmware?
Alternative ways to record calls
If the built-in feature is not available, use third-party solutions. We tested them on Xiaomi and selected the most reliable ones.
1. Apps from Google Play
The best options for MIUI:
- ๐ค Cube Call Recorder ACR โ Supports cloud storage and automatic decryption.
- ๐ฑ Call Recorder by Lovekara โ Simple interface, recording in.mp3.
- โ๏ธ Automatic Call Recorder โ Google Drive integration.
Before installing, check permissions: the application needs permissions for microphone, storage and call log.
2. Recording through the second device
If the software methods do not work:
- ๐ป Use the recorder on the second phone (put it next to you).
- ๐ง Connect an external voice recorder in 3.5 mm or USB-C.
- ๐ป Record the conversation via a computer (for example, using Audacity and microphone).
3. Services of telecom operators
Some operators offer call recording as a paid service:
- MTS โ โRecording conversationsโ in the personal office.
- Beeline is a Voicemail service with a saving function.
- Tele2 is the โRecording Callsโ option for business rates.
๐ก
The application side may conflict with the built-in MIUI record. Before installing, disable the standard feature in the Phone settings to avoid duplicate files.
Legal aspects and ethics of recording conversations
In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence") and FZ-152 ("On personal data").
- โ๏ธ You can record a conversation if you are a member.
- ๐จ Be sure to notify the interlocutor about the recording (orally or automatically voicemail).
- ๐ต It is forbidden to distribute the recording without the consent of the second participant (except in court or law enforcement agencies).
- ๐ข For legal entities there are additional requirements โ the record must be kept for at least 6 months.
In other countries, the rules may differ:
- ๐บ๐ธ In the United States (in most states) the consent of one participant (your member) is sufficient).
- ๐ช๐บ The EU is operating GDPR โ Recording is allowed only with the explicit consent of the interlocutor.
- ๐จ๐ณ In China, recording without notice is considered a privacy violation.
To avoid problems:
- Always warn about the recording at the beginning of the conversation.
- Keep the records no longer than necessary.
- Do not use the recordings to blackmail or distribute without consent.
โ ๏ธ Note: If a record is needed in court, it must be unedited and authenticated (e.g., examination of the time of creation of the file.