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:
- ๐ฑ MIUI 12.5 newer (Global/EU) โ The recording is built into the Phone application, but can be hidden due to operator restrictions.
- ๐ MIUI for India (IN) โ The function is often disabled for legal reasons.
- ๐ง 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.
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:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Move to the โฎ (three-point) โ Settings โ Recording calls.
- Turn on the "Record Calls" slider.
- Select the recording mode: ๐ All calls โ automatically fixes incoming and outgoing. ๐ 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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โ ๏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):
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
- Go to the tab "Phone Information".
- Scroll down and find the "Turn on call recording" item.
- Turn on the function and restart the device.
This method works on Poco X3 with MIUI 12.0.3โ12.5.2, but newer versions may not. If there is no point, try the next one.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Third-party applications for recording
If the built-in methods don't work, you have to use third-party software. X3:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | High quality recording, cloud storage, VoIP support | Paid version for full functionality | Google Play |
| Call Recorder โ ACR | Automatic recording, Google Drive integration, blacklist | Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Record + block spam, identification of numbers | Registration and access to contacts | Google 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).
โ ๏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:
- ๐ 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:
- Connect Poco X3 to your PC via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Open the folder with the records (see the paths above).
- Copy files in.amr or.mp3 format to your hard drive.
If the records are not retained:
- ๐ Check the free space on the device (minimum 100 MB).
- ๐ต Make sure that the Battery Savings mode is not turned on (it can block background processes).
- ๐ Restart your phone โ sometimes helps with system failures.
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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 application | Close all programs that use the microphone (such as WhatsApp during a call) |
| The record is cut off. | Battery Optimization for a Recorder App | Turn 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 menu | Obsolete or regionally limited firmware | Update MIUI or use third-party apps |
If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Find the phone and select the storage.
- Click Clear Data (will not delete contacts or call logs!).
- Reset the device.
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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.
Legal aspects of recording conversations
In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:
- ๐ Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation - guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and negotiations.
- ๐ Criminal Code (Article 138) โ violation of the secrecy of negotiations is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 โฝ or correctional labour.
- ๐ 152.2 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:
- ๐ก๏ธ To protect your rights (e.g., fixing threats or fraud).
- ๐ If the interlocutor is notified in advance of the recording (for example, an autoinformer in a call center).
- ๐๏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."