Why Xiaomi doesnβt have a call record button and how to fix it
Have you ever caught yourself thinking that an important phone conversation should be saved? On Xiaomi smartphones, the call recording feature appears in the firmware and disappears, depending on the version of MIUI, regional restrictions and even the device model. In 2026, things got complicated: in some countries (including Russia), the default recording of conversations is disabled due to privacy laws. But that doesn't mean there's no possibility at all.
In this article, we will analyze all working ways to include call recording on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO Black Shark β from standard settings MIUI You'll learn how to activate the feature through hidden menus, third-party apps, and even through ADB-We also explain why some models only record manually, while others automatically record all contacts.
Beginning with MIUI 14 Global, call recording can be blocked at the firmware level for devices sold in the EU and some Asian countries, not a bug, but a feature of localization.
Method 1: Standard recording via the "Phone" application
On most Xiaomi smartphones (especially on MIUI 12-15 firmware for Russia and CIS), the call recording is built into the standard Phone app, but is hidden by default.
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if there is no item, see Method 3).
- Activate the switch to record conversations.
- Select the recording mode: πΉ Manually β the button will appear during the call. πΉ Automatically for all β all incoming/outgoing are recorded. πΉ Only for selected contacts β setting up in the contact card.
If you don't have a Record conversation, don't get upset. Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have a deeper feature or need more manipulation. Check if your device has been upgraded to MIUI 14.0.5+, which sometimes cuts out for specific regions.
Make sure you donβt have a βEuropeanβ firmware (checked in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version)
Update the Phone app via Google Play (if it is updated separately)
Try calling another number β sometimes the record is activated only after the first call
Check if the function is disabled in Settings β Permissions β Microphone for the βPhoneβ application
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Method 2: Enabling engineering settings through a hidden menu
If the standard path didn't work, try activating the recording through the engineering menu. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro, POCO X5 For MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) way.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (this is the code to access EngineerMode).
- In the menu, select Audio β Normal Mode.
- Scroll to the Voice Call section and find the Voice Record option.
- Set the Enabled value (or 1).
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
After the reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button during the call, and if the menu doesn't open or the setting doesn't, your model uses a different chipset (see spoiler below).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Qualcomm Snapdragon|MediaTek Helio/Dimensity|Other (specify in the comments)|I don't know-->
Method 3: Bypassing regional restrictions through ADB
If your Xiaomi is bought in Europe or Asia, chances are that the call recording is blocked at the firmware level. ADB-The method requires a computer and basic skills to work with the system. ADB, But it gives you a 100% result. MIUI 13β15.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
- On your phone, activate USB Debugging: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message βYouβre a developerβ appears) β go back to Settings β Additional β For Developers β Debugging by USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the platform-tools folder, and type in: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
- Execute the command to unlock the record: adb shell settings put global force_allow_call_recording 1
- Reboot the phone.
We recommend Cube Call Recorder ACR, which is free, supports Xiaomi and can record calls even on locked firmware.
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (microphone, call access, notifications).
- In the application settings, select: π§ Recording format: MP3 or WAV (better). π Save folder: Select Internal Memory β CallRecordings. π Recording mode: Automatically for all or Only for selected contacts.
Show notice of record
Important: Some applications (like Truecaller) have built-in call recording, but recording quality may be worse than that of specialized programs, and remember that recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws of your country (for more information in the "Legal Nuances" block).
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Third-party applications are the only reliable way to write on Xiaomiβs βEuropeanβ firmware, where the function is locked at the system level.
Compatibility table: recording calls on popular Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones support recording conversations out of the box. In the table below, we have collected data on popular models (relevant to MIUI 14-15):
| Model | Processor | Standard Recording (MIUI Global) | ADB/app is required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | β No. | β Yes (ADB Cube ACR) | In Chinese firmware, the recording works by default. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | β Yes (by hand) | β No. | Automatic recording only for selected contacts. |
| POCO X5 Pro | Snapdragon 778G | β No, EU) | β Yes (ADB) | On Indian firmware, the record is turned on by default. |
| Xiaomi 12T | MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra | β Yes (auto/manual) | β No. | The function is available on all regional firmware. |
| Redmi 10C | Snapdragon 680 | β No. | β Yes, annex) | The engineering menu does not open - only third-party software. |
If your model is not in the table, check it on forums (e.g. Xiaomi EU or 4PDA), and users often share working methods for specific devices.
Legal nuances: can you record conversations without consent
Before you turn on the record, you should know if you are breaking the law.
- π·πΊ Russia: recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), except if you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is conducted for personal needs (without distribution of the information).
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: it is allowed to record conversations if you participate in them (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), but the use of the recording in court requires notarization.
- πͺπΊ EU: by GDPR Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality (fiscal fine of up to 20 million) β¬).
- πΊπΈ U.S.: laws vary by state, most of which allow recordings if at least one person knows about it ("one-party consent").
To avoid problems:
- π’ Always notify the person about the recording (for example: βIβll turn on the record for the record, you will be satisfied with this?").
- π Keep records in a secure place and do not distribute them unnecessarily.
- βοΈ In court or in dispute situations, it is best to use recordings made with the consent of both parties.
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If you record a conversation for work (such as interviews or conversations), send the interviewer an agreement to record it in advance, which will protect you from legal risks.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful setup, recording calls on Xiaomi can malfunction. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:
β οΈ Note: If after the update MIUI the record stopped working, reset the settings of the application "Phone" (Settings) β Annexes β Phone. β Warehouse β Reset. This often helps to return the function.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is a recording button, but the recording is not saved. | Lack of disk space or permission blocking | Clear the memory and check the permissions for the Phone application (Settings β Permissions β Storage) |
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes | Firmware restriction or energy saving | Turn off battery optimization for Phone (Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization) |
| The interviewee is not heard in the recording (only your voice) | Mistake of microphone or codec | Try another app (like Cube ACR) or switch to speaker while calling. |
| The recording works only on speakerphone. | Restriction of firmware for some models | Use the headset or turn on the Hearing Aid Mode in special features settings |
If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to flash it to a custom version of MIUI (e.g. xiaomi.eu), which typically works without restrictions, but only for advanced users, requiring unlocking the bootloader and risking voiding the warranty.