Recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: how to turn on and configure

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular choice among users who value the reliability and functionality of budget smartphones, and one of the most popular features is recording phone conversations that can be useful for recording important conversations, interviews, or just for personal safety, but not everyone knows that the ability to record on this model depends on the version of MIUI firmware and regional restrictions.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to activate recording, from built-in tools (if available in your firmware) to reliable third-party applications, and also touch on the legal aspects of when recording is allowed and when it can lead to problems.

If you've tried to find a record of conversations on your phone's menu before and you haven't found it, don't get upset. It might be hidden or disabled by default. You'll learn how to unlock it, even if it's not in your version of MIUI.

Verification of the built-in recording function

Before installing third-party applications, make sure your Redmi Note 5 firmware doesn’t have a built-in recording option, depending on:

• 📱 Versions MIUI: in global firmware (for example, MIUI Global 10.2) is often missing, and in Chinese (MIUI China) or Indian (MIUI India - may be available.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some countries prohibit recording conversations at the level of legislation, so Xiaomi removes this option from the software.
• 🔄 System updates: after upgrade to MIUI 11/12 The function may disappear or, conversely, appear.

To check for her presence:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and look for Recording Conversations or Call Recording.

If you don't have one, move on to the next section. If it's available but inactive, try updating your firmware or changing your region in your phone settings (more on that below).

How to Enable Conversation Recording through Hidden MIUI Settings

Some versions of MIUI have a hidden recording function, but you can activate it through an engineering menu or a special command, which doesn't work on all firmware, but it's worth a try.

Method 1: Code for activation

Enter the following code in the Phone application:

##266333##

After that, a notification should appear to turn on the record. If the code did not work, try an alternative:

##847##

Method 2: Changing the region

Sometimes the recording of conversations appears after the region changes to India (where the function is allowed by law).

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and Region.
2. Select a Region and set up India.
3. Restart your phone and check for the option in your phone settings.

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If the feature appears after the region change but the interface language has changed to Hindi, return the language back to Settings → Language without changing the region.

Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, you have to use the apps from Google Play, and it's important to choose a reliable tool that:

• 🔒 Does not violate privacy (does not send records to the developer's servers).
• 📱 It works on the Redmi Note 5, taking into account the features MIUI (Some programs conflict with the shell).
• 🎙️ Records both sides of the conversation (not all apps support this on Xiaomi).

The best options for the Redmi Note 5 are:

Boldbeast Call Recorder (the most reliable option) will require:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select in the Record Mode settings → 1 (for Redmi Note 5).
3. Enable Fix recording issues → Fix for Xiaomi phones.
4. Provide all permissions you request (including Special Access in Android settings).

Install the app from Google Play|

Select Record Mode → 1|

Activate Fix for Xiaomi phones|

Permit recordings and microphones |

Reboot the phone-->

Legal aspects: when recording is allowed and when not

Before you start recording conversations, you need to understand the legal nuances. In most countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited unless you notify them in advance.

When recording is allowed:

• ⚖️ If you are in a unilateral jurisdiction (such as some states in the United States or Russia) where at least one party to the conversation (your partner) is satisfied).
• 📞 If the interlocutor has been notified of the recording in advance (for example, via an answering machine or verbal warning).
• 🚨 In cases of self-defense (threats, blackmail, fraud) – the record can be used as evidence in court.

When recording is prohibited:

• 🔇 In countries with bilateral consent (e.g. Germany, France), where permission from all participants in the conversation is required.
• 💼 Record confidential business negotiations without the consent of the company.
• 📱 If you distribute an entry in public access (social networks, messengers) without the consent of the interlocutor.

On the Redmi Note 5, some apps (like Cube ACR) offer automatic recording notifications at the start of a conversation, which helps comply with the law in most jurisdictions, and allows the option to be included in the app settings:

Settings → Notifications → Warning about the recording

Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, conversation records (both built-in and from third-party applications) are stored:

• 📁 In a file. /sdcard/CallRecordings/ or /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ (built-in).
• 🖥️ In the application cloud (if sync is enabled in Cube) ACR orboldbeast).
• 📱 In the phone memory on the path specified in the application settings (usually /storage/emulated/0/CallRecorder/).

To keep the records for a long time:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and copy files in.mp3 or.amr format.
2. Use Google Drive (Yandex Disk) to download automatically.
3. Enable backup in the app settings (e.g., Cube ACR does this in the Cloud → Auto Upload section).

Important: Record files take up a lot of space. On the Redmi Note 5 with 32/64 GB of memory, it is recommended to regularly clean the folder with records or configure automatic deletion of old files (for example, older than 30 days).

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The default format is.amr (lightweight but low quality) or.mp3 (best quality but weighs more), and you can choose your preferred format in the application settings.

Problem Solving: Why conversations are not recorded

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

1. Lack of necessary permits

The application needs rights to:

• 🎤 Microphone (to record your voice).
• 📞 Telephone (access to calls).
• 📁 Storage (Save files).
• 🔄 Special access (in Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Sound recording).

2. Conflict with other applications

On Redmi Note 5, the recording can be blocked:

• 🔇 Applications for saving battery (MIUI Battery Saver).
• 🛡️ Antivirus or permission managers (e.g. Clean Master).
• 📱 Two recording programs simultaneously.

3. Firmware restrictions

On some versions of MIUI (especially MIUI 12+), Xiaomi blocks system-level recording.

• 🔄 Reverse to an older firmware (for example, MIUI 10).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Use Boldbeast with manual settings (select Record Mode 6 or 8).

💡

If the record stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the Phone app to Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Clear the data. This sometimes returns hidden features.

Alternative ways to record conversations

If none of the above methods worked, then the workarounds remain:

1. Recording through the second device

Use the second phone or voice recorder, bringing it to the speaker Redmi Note 5.

• 🔊 Low quality of sound (interference, echoes).
• 🤫 The interviewer may hear extraneous noises.

2. Conference call with recording service

Services like CallNote or Rev Call Recorder allow you to:

1. Create a conference with your number and service number.
2. The service records the conversation and sends the file to an email.

Minus: paid rates (from $0.10 per minute of recording).

3.Use of a headset with a record

Some Bluetooth headsets (such as the Sony DR-BT50GX) have a built-in conversation recording feature, plug the headset into the Redmi Note 5 and activate the recording via its app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi Note 5