Recording calls to Xiaomi Poco X3: how to turn on and configure correctly

Xiaomi Poco X3 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but the feature of recording conversations in it is not always obvious to users. Unlike Xiaomi flagship models, where the option can be integrated into the standard Phone application, on the Poco X3, its activation depends on the version of the MIUI firmware, regional restrictions and even the carrier. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to enable recording calls from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also explain how to avoid typical errors when saving records.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of telephone conversations. According to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, except in cases provided by law (for example, for security), so use this function responsibly and notify the interlocutors of the recording if necessary.

Verification of MIUI version and availability of the function

The first step is to make sure your Poco X3 supports firmware call recording, and functionality depends on the MIUI version and regional build:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ MIUI 12.5 newer (Global/EU) โ€” The recording is built into the Phone application, but can be hidden due to operator restrictions.
  • ๐ŸŒ MIUI for India (IN) โ€” The function is often disabled for legal reasons.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Pixel Experience (LineageOS) โ€“ requires third-party applications.

To check the MIUI version, go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version. If you have a build for China (CN), call recording can work without restrictions, but you will need to Russify the system.

๐Ÿ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
Global/Europe
India (IN)
China (CN)
Custom firmware
I don't know.

It is also worth considering that some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block the recording at the network level, in which case only third-party software will help.

Method 1: Built-in recording in the "Phone" application

If your Poco X3 supports the feature natively, you can activate it in a few steps:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Move to the โ‹ฎ (three-point) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Recording calls.
  3. Turn on the "Record Calls" slider.
  4. Select the recording mode: ๐Ÿ”„ All calls โ€“ automatically fixes incoming and outgoing. ๐Ÿ“ž Only selected contacts โ€“ you need to manually mark subscribers.

After activation during the conversation, a recording notification will appear, and the file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (available through the "Conductorยป).

Is the microphone on during the conversation?

Is there enough space in the memory (at least 50 MB)?

Are recording rights allowed for the Phone app?

Is Do Not Disturb mode off?

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โš ๏ธ Note: On some versions MIUI 13+ After the update, the recording function may disappear due to the tightening of Xiaomi's privacy policy. MIUI 12.5. or the use of alternative methods.

Method 2: Hidden recording via engineering menu

If there is no recording option in the phone settings, you can activate it via the engineering menu (it does not work on all versions of MIUI):

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
  2. Go to the tab "Phone Information".
  3. Scroll down and find the "Turn on call recording" item.
  4. Turn on the function and restart the device.

This method works on Poco X3 with MIUI 12.0.3โ€“12.5.2, but newer versions may not. If there is no point, try the next one.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some firmware, code ##4636## is blocked. Alternatively, use the MTK Engineering Mode app (only for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices like the Poco X3). Download it from Google Play, open and select MTK Settings โ†’ Telephony โ†’ Call Recording.

Method 3: Third-party applications for recording

If the built-in methods don't work, you have to use third-party software. X3:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube Call RecorderHigh quality recording, cloud storage, VoIP supportPaid version for full functionalityGoogle Play
Call Recorder โ€“ ACRAutomatic recording, Google Drive integration, blacklistAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play
TruecallerRecord + block spam, identification of numbersRegistration and access to contactsGoogle Play

Before installing, check the app's permissions: it must have access to a microphone, storage and call log. Android 10+ will also require permission to record audio in the background (configure Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Special Access).

โš ๏ธ Note: Recording applications may conflict with MIUI Optimizations: If the recording is interrupted, disable optimization for the selected software in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery.

Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, records files are saved to:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Internal memory: /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /Recordings/Call/.
  • โ˜๏ธ Cloud: If sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive is enabled (in third-party applications).

To transfer the recordings to the computer:

  1. Connect Poco X3 to your PC via USB (select File Transfer mode).
  2. Open the folder with the records (see the paths above).
  3. Copy files in.amr or.mp3 format to your hard drive.

If the records are not retained:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the free space on the device (minimum 100 MB).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Make sure that the Battery Savings mode is not turned on (it can block background processes).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your phone โ€“ sometimes helps with system failures.

๐Ÿ’ก

To keep the records from taking up space, set up automatic deletion of old files in the recorder application. For example, in ACR, this is done in the Settings โ†’ File Management โ†’ Autoclean.

Solving Call Recording Problems

If the recording is not working, check the following points:

Problem.Reason.Decision
No sound on the record.Locking the microphone with another applicationClose all programs that use the microphone (such as WhatsApp during a call)
The record is cut off.Battery Optimization for a Recorder AppTurn off optimization in battery settings
Files are not saved.No permission to record in the vault.Check the permissions in Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Rights
No entry option on the menuObsolete or regionally limited firmwareUpdate MIUI or use third-party apps

If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the phone and select the storage.
  3. Click Clear Data (will not delete contacts or call logs!).
  4. Reset the device.

๐Ÿ’ก

On Poco X3 with MIUI 14, call recording may conflict with the Navigation Gestures function. If the recording stops working after the update, return the standard navigation buttons to Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Navigation Bar.

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

  • ๐Ÿ“œ Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation - guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and negotiations.
  • ๐Ÿ“œ Criminal Code (Article 138) โ€“ violation of the secrecy of negotiations is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 โ‚ฝ or correctional labour.
  • ๐Ÿ“œ 152.2 โ€“ Recording without consent may be considered a violation of the right to privacy.

Exceptions when recording is allowed without the consent of the interlocutor:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ To protect your rights (e.g., fixing threats or fraud).
  • ๐Ÿ“ž If the interlocutor is notified in advance of the recording (for example, an autoinformer in a call center).
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ By decision of the court or the investigating authorities.

In business correspondence or when communicating with customers, always notify the record in advance, for example: "The conversation is recorded to improve the quality of service. As you continue the conversation, you agree to the record."

FAQ: Frequent questions about Poco X3 call recording

Can I record calls through a Bluetooth headset?
Yes, but the recording quality will be lower because of the audio compression over Bluetooth. For better audio, use a wired headset or a built-in microphone on your phone. In applications like Cube Call Recorder, you can choose the audio source in the settings.
Why does the recording only work on speakerphone?
This is a limitation of Android 10+ โ€” by default, apps can't record sound from a microphone while talking without a hands-free connection. Solution: Use root-enabled apps (like Call Recorder โ€“ Automatic). Enable developer mode and activate the USB debugging option, then connect to your PC to record via ADB.
How do you increase the recording time? The default limit is 2 hours.
The restriction can be bypassed: In ACR, go to Settings โ†’ File Format and select No Limits (a premium version is required). Break long conversations into pieces using an in-app timer. On the built-in MIUI record, the restriction cannot be changed - the maximum duration of the file depends on the firmware version.
Can I record calls on WhatsApp or Telegram?
Yes, but only with third-party applications (like Cube Call Recorder or Auto Call Recorder). The built-in MIUI record only works for normal calls over a mobile network. For instant messengers: Enable recording in the settings of the recorder app. Select the audio source "Microphone + speaker" (for recording both sides). The quality may be worse due to voice compression in VoIP.
How to recover accidentally deleted records?
If the files were deleted from the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/, Try: Use DiskDigger, Recuva - connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode. Check the Recycle Bin in Xiaomi's Explorer (if Recycle Bin is enabled in your storage settings). Restore from the cloud if sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive was enabled. The chances of recovery depend on how long it has been since deleting and how many new files have been saved to the device.