How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship smartphone of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for updates. However, with the release of new versions of Android (especially 12+ and 13+), the call recording function has changed: Google has tightened its privacy policy, and many standard solutions have ceased to function. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record conversations on the Mi 8 Pro – from built-in MIUI tools to workarounds using third-party applications.

It's important to understand that the recording capabilities depend on the firmware version. The Mi 8 Pro out of the box installed MIUI 9/10 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, but today most devices are upgraded to MIUI 12-14 (Android 11-13), we will take these nuances into account and offer solutions for each situation, and we will also tell you how to circumvent the restrictions if the recording is blocked by the operator or security settings.

Why Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro may not work on call recording

Problems recording conversations on the Mi 8 Pro are usually due to three factors:

• 📱 Android version and MIUI: Starting with Android 10, Google has banned apps from recording audio during calls without notifying the person they are talking to. MIUI 12+ The built-in recording function can be disabled by default.
• 🔒 Operator Policy: Some mobile operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) block recording at the network level, especially for VoLTE calls.
• 🛠️ Lack of root rights: Without them, third-party apps won’t be able to access the audio stream of a call on new versions of Android.

If your Mi 8 Pro runs on Android 8.1-9.0 (MIUI 9-11), the built-in recording is likely to be available. Android 10+ will require workarounds. We'll look at both scenarios below.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (for example, in Russia) recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the law of the Federal Law.-152 Use the function only for personal purposes (for example, fixing important agreements) and alert the interlocutor to the recording.

Method 1: Built-in call recording in MIUI (for Android 8.1–9.0)

If your Mi 8 Pro is running MIUI 9-11 (Android 8.1-9.0), the built-in conversation recording feature is available by default.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to Settings. → Recording of conversations.
3. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.
4. Specify which calls to record: All, outgoing or incoming only.

When you call, you'll see a record button on the screen, and you'll click on it to start recording the conversation. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec inner-memory.

If there is no record button, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ (Android 10+) The built-in record may not be available due to Google restrictions, in which case you can proceed to the following ways.

Method 2: Write via Google Drive (for MIUI 12–14)

Starting with MIUI 12 (Android 10+), the embedded recording is often disabled, but you can use integration with Google Drive. This method works without root rights, but requires an Internet connection:

1. Open the phone → Settings → Record conversations.
2. Select Write Automatically and activate Save to Google Drive.
3. Log in to your Google account and allow access.
4. After the call is completed, the recording will automatically be uploaded to the Call Recordings folder on your Drive.

Cons of the method:

• ⏳ Records are loaded with a delay (up to 5 minutes).
• 🌐 A stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) is required).
• 🔊 The sound quality may be worse than locally stored.

💡

If the entries don’t appear in Google Drive, check if Battery Optimization for Phone is blocking them. Turn off Optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

Method 3: Third-party recording applications (Cube Call Recorder, ACR)

If the built-in methods don’t work, use specialized applications. For Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, you can use:

Consider the settings on the example of Cube Call Recorder (the most versatile option):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. At the first start, allow access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
3. Go to the application settings and select: 📞 Source of entry: VoIP (for Android) 10+). 🔊 Format: MP3 (save space). 📁 Conservation folder: Internal memory/CallRecords.

Auto-recording

On Android 11+ Cube, Call Recorder may not record the voice of the person you are talking to because of Google restrictions, in which case try Boldbeast with root rights or use a headset with a microphone to record "from your side."

Method 4: Recording through the second SIM-map

If the software methods don’t work, use hardware workarounds:

• 📱 Second second SIM-Map: Insert second SIM You can call it on another phone, call it from the Mi 8 Pro, and turn it on speakerphone.
• 🎧 Headset with microphone: Connect a wired headset (like Xiaomi Piston) and use a voice recorder to record. Minus - only your voice will be heard.
• 🔊 External recorder: Put a smartphone with the recorder on next to it (for example, Mi Band with recording function or second phone).

For better quality when recording through a headset:

• Use noise-canceling headphones (such as Xiaomi AirDots Pro).
• Close the microphone with your hand to reduce echoes.
• Record it in a quiet room.

💡

Hardware recording methods are the only reliable way for Android 12+ without root rights, but they only capture sound from your side.

Method 5: Recording through a computer (for tech-savvy)

If you're ready for more complex manipulations, you can record a conversation through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized software like Scrcpy, which is suitable for Android 10-13 and does not require root rights, but you need command line skills.

Instructions for Scrcpy + Audio Relay:

1. Install Scrcpy and Audio Relay on PC.
2. Connect Mi 8 Pro over USB with USB Debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then Settings → Additional → For Developers).
3. Run scrcpy and Audio Relay, select Input: Phone Microphone.
4. Start recording on PC through any program (such as Audacity).

Advantages of the method:

• 🎙️ The sound is recorded on both sides (unless the operator blocks the sound).
• 💾 There are no restrictions on the duration of the recording.
• 🔧 No root required.

Disadvantages:

• 🖥️ I need a computer and USB-cable.
• 🛠️ It's hard to set up a beginner.

Where are the records stored and how do they be saved?

Depending on the recording method, files are stored in different places:

To keep the records for a long time:

• 📁 Regularly copy files to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Drive).
• 🔄 Convert the format to MP3 To save space, use Audacity or Online-Convert).
• 🗑️ Delete old records – they take up space in memory.

💡

To quickly find records, use MIUI Filter Explorer by date. type in type:audio and sort by date of change.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro