How to return call recording to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from MIUI settings to circumventing restrictions

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro was once famous for its built-in call recording feature, but after MIUI updates or privacy policy changes, it could disappear. If you notice that the record button has disappeared from the call interface, or the system gives an error when you try to activate, don't be quick to blame the hardware. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by software.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to return recording conversations, from standard settings to bypassing regional restrictions and using alternative applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances of MIUI 12/13/14, since the logic of the function changed with each version of the shell. If you have already tried to enable recording through Settings → Apps → Calls and it did not work, read on.

We warn you right away that some methods require root rights or unofficial firmware installation, and we'll mark these cases separately so you can assess the risks, and for most users, the first three are enough, they don't require any deep technical knowledge.

1. Check the basic settings of MIUI

To start with, it's possible that the recording function is simply disabled in the settings. In different versions of MIUI, the path to this option has changed, so check out all the options:

• 📱 MIUI 12/13: Settings → Annexes → Calls. → Call recording. There should be a switch. Automatic recording or recording all calls.
• 🔄 MIUI 14: Path changed to Settings → Calls. → Additionally. → Sometimes the item is hidden under the Other (three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: on some firmware for Europe or India, the feature may be blocked due to local laws. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

If there is no entry point in the Calls menu, try resetting the application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Calls (or Phone) and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

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If after resetting the recording button appeared, but after a while disappeared again - the problem is to automatically update the Calls app. disable its updates in Google Play or through Settings → Apps → Calls → Three → Disable auto-update

Important: Some firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3) only records calls for incoming calls. Outgoing calls may not be recorded due to Android 10+ limitations.

2. bypassing regional restrictions through country change

Since 2021, Xiaomi has been blocking firmware recordings for the European Union and some Asian regions, and if your Redmi Note 8 Pro is officially purchased in Russia but EEA firmware (Europe), the feature can be disabled at the system level, so change the region in the settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Region.
2. Select the country where recording is allowed: India (India), Russia (Russia), Indonesia (Indonesia).
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Check the availability of the entry point in Settings → Calls.

If changing your region didn't work, try installing firmware for another region.

• 🔧 Download. MIUI Fastboot ROM for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from Xiaomi official website (select India or Russia version).
• 📱 Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware (instructions below in the section about custom firmware).

Critical detail: After changing the region through the settings (without firmware), recording calls can only work until the next major MIUI update.

3. Use of third-party applications for recording

If the standard methods don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular solutions -- the best options in the table below:

For Boldbeast Call Recorder (the most reliable option), follow the following steps:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and select Call Settings → Record Calls From → Voice Communication.
3. In Audio Source, try Option 1 (for most MIUI firmware), Option 6 (if the voice of the interlocutor is not recorded), Option 11 (for Android 10+)

Fix Recording Issues → Enable Tweak

Install the application from an official source

Select Audio Source: Option 1 or Option 6

Enable Fix Recording Issues

Give all permissions (microphone, phone, storage)

Reboot your phone after settings

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⚠️ Note: On Android 11 and later, apps without root rights may be banned from recording conversations due to Google's policy, in which case Boldbeast will offer to use the Accessibility Service - allow it in the special features settings.

Enabling recording through the Engineering Menu (MTK)

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is built on a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, which allows access to the MTK Engineering Mode, which allows you to force the recording of calls, even if it is locked in MIUI.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## This will open the Engineering Mode (if the code doesn't work, try #4636###).
2. Go to MTK Settings → Audio → Normal Mode.
3. Find the Sph Mode option and set the value 2 or 3.
4. Return to Audio and select Speech Enhancement – disable all options.
5. Reboot the phone.

The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for begonia (instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Download the firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) and transfer it to your phone.
4. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up), make Wipe (except internal memory) and install firmware.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 📞 Guaranteed call recording (without regional restrictions).
• 🚀 Higher performance and up-to-date security updates.
• 🔧 Ability to fine-tune the system (for example, disabling advertising in the MIUI).

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can lead to device blinking if errors occur. Before the procedure, check firmware compatibility with the begonia model (not to be confused with the Redmi Note 8 without the Pro!).

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Custom firmware is the only way to get back the call record 100%, but it requires technical skills, and for most users, the methods in sections 1-3 will suffice.

6.Alternative solutions: cloud services and external devices

If software methods haven’t helped or you don’t want to risk firmware, consider alternatives:

• ☁️ Cloud services: Apps like Google Voice or Skype allow you to record calls over the Internet.
• 🎧 External recorder: Connect a second phone or recorder to a conversation via speakerphone. Use a directional microphone (e.g. Boya) for better quality BY-M1).
• 🔌 Hardware solutions: Devices like Olympus TP-8 They connect between the phone and the headphones, recording both ends of the conversation.

For business users, the Rev Call Recorder service is optimal:

• 📲 Records calls via conference call (adds a third participant, a recording robot).
• 💰 Paid ($0.01 per minute of recording, but legally and without technical restrictions.
• 📄 Provides transcription of the conversation (useful for protocols).

If you need to record for legal purposes, check local law. In some countries (for example, California), recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Redmi Note 8 Pro