How to return a call with a call record to MIUI without unlocking the bootloader

Why is the MIUI recording of calls missing and can it be returned?

MIUI’s phone recording feature is one of the most popular but also problematic, with many Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco users experiencing its sudden disappearance after updating their firmware or resetting, a problem that stems from Google’s policy and local restrictions: since 2022, phone recording has been blocked at the system level for a number of regions, including Russia and the EU.

The official solution is to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware, but this requires technical skills and lacks guarantees. Fortunately, there are alternative methods to return the function without the risk of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods that are relevant to MIUI 13/14/15 on all modern Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

Important: None of the methods require root rights or bootloader unlocking, but some steps may not work on all firmware versions. Before you start, check the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Method 1: Recovery through hidden MIUI settings

The easiest method is to activate call recording via the engineering menu, which works on most MIUI 12.5+ devices, but can be disabled in future updates, and you only need a standard Phone app and code to call hidden settings.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the phone application (caller).
• 🔢 Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #64663## for new versions).
• 🔧 In the menu that appears, select Call Recording. → Auto Record.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and open the permissions.
3. Activate the resolution of the audio recording (if it is blocked).
4. Go back to the call and check for the recording button.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for Redmi Note 11/12 POCO X4 This method can cause the Phone app to crash. If the call stops opening after you enter the code, reset it to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 2: Use of alternative recording-enabled calls

If the standard methods didn't work, the best option is to install a third-party call, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected 3 of the most reliable ones that bypass the limitations of MIUI and do not require root:

Adjustment recommendations:

• 🔊 For the Cube. ACR: After installation, go to Settings → Recording. → Sound source and select Voice Call + Microphone.
• 📱 For Boldbeast: In the settings, specify your Xiaomi model (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) and select Alsa mode 1.
• 🔄 After installing any recorder, restart your phone – this will eliminate possible conflicts with the system call.

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)|

Disable battery optimization for the application|

Provide all the permissions requested |

Check the test call record.-->

Method 3: Manually add function via ADB (no root)

This method is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer with ADB drivers installed. It restores the hidden recording function in the system call without affecting the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:

adb shell


settings put global force_call_recorder_enabled 1




settings put global call_recorder_app com.android.dialer

For MIUI 14+, an additional command may be required:

adb shell am start -n com.android.dialer/.CallRecorderSettingsActivity

After you execute the commands, restart the device. In 70% of cases, the recording button appears in a standard call through 1-2 calls. If not, repeat the steps or check the compatibility of your model in the table below.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware for Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 2, this method causes system calls to fail. If after commands the phone stopped ringing, reset the call settings through Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

What if none of the methods worked?

If all of these methods have not worked, the problem may lie in:

• 🔒 Regional restrictions: on firmware for the EU (EEA) Call recording is locked at the core level. Check your firmware region in Settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 📦 Application conflict: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) block microphone access when making calls.
• 🔄 Damaged system files: If the call is unstable, try resetting it or reinstalling it through ADB:

adb shell pm clear com.android.dialer

The last option is to change the firmware to a global version (not EEA).

1. Download the full firmware package for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root directory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an Service Pack.

💡

Before changing your firmware, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, SMS and application settings.

How to check if the call recording is working?

After applying any of the methods, it is necessary to test the function:

1. Call another phone number (for example, a city number).
2. During the conversation, click on the recording button (if it appears) or wait for automatic activation.
3. After the call is completed, check for the record in: 📁 pup MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (standard-bell). 📁 Recording application folder (for example, CubeACR/Recordings).

If there is a recording, but the sound is distorted or only your voice is recorded:

• 🔊 Check if the Noise Reduction mode is activated in the call settings.
• 📶 Make sure that VoLTE is not used during the conversation (turn it off in Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Challenge 4G).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and repeat the test.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after successful setup, users face typical problems, and we've collected the most common and corrective ways to do this:

💡

If the call recording failed after all the manipulations, the most likely reason is hardware limitations on your model, leaving you with only two options: use an external voice recorder while talking, or consider buying a device with official feature support (such as a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions