Recording conversations on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure on any smartphone

Why Xiaomi doesn’t 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 – 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.

  1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ select Settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if there is no item, see Method 3).
  4. Activate the switch to record conversations.
  5. Select the recording mode: πŸ”Ή Manually – the button will appear during the call. πŸ”Ή Automatically for all – all incoming/outgoing are recorded. πŸ”Ή Only for selected contacts – 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 don’t have a β€œEuropean” 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 – sometimes the record is activated only after the first call

Check if the function is disabled in Settings β†’ Permissions β†’ Microphone for the β€œPhone” 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:

  1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (this is the code to access EngineerMode).
  2. In the menu, select Audio β†’ Normal Mode.
  3. Scroll to the Voice Call section and find the Voice Record option.
  4. Set the Enabled value (or 1).
  5. 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?
On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro) instead of ##36446337###, try entering ##4636## In the menu that opens, select Phone Information β†’ scroll down to Set voice record and turn on the option. If that doesn't work, your firmware blocks access to the engineering menu - go to method 3 or 4.

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 13–15.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
  2. On your phone, activate USB Debugging: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message β€œYou’re a developer” appears) β†’ go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging by USB.
  3. 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).
  4. Execute the command to unlock the record: adb shell settings put global force_allow_call_recording 1
  5. Reboot the phone.

We recommend Cube Call Recorder ACR, which is free, supports Xiaomi and can record calls even on locked firmware.

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (microphone, call access, notifications).
  3. In the application settings, select: πŸ”§ Recording format: MP3 or WAV (better). πŸ“ Save folder: Select Internal Memory β†’ CallRecordings. πŸ”„ 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).

πŸ’‘

Third-party applications are the only reliable way to write on Xiaomi’s β€œEuropean” firmware, where the function is locked at the system level.

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):

ModelProcessorStandard Recording (MIUI Global)ADB/app is requiredNotes
Xiaomi 13/13 ProSnapdragon 8 Gen 2❌ No.βœ… Yes (ADB Cube ACR)In Chinese firmware, the recording works by default.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+MediaTek Dimensity 1080βœ… Yes (by hand)❌ No.Automatic recording only for selected contacts.
POCO X5 ProSnapdragon 778G❌ No, EU)βœ… Yes (ADB)On Indian firmware, the record is turned on by default.
Xiaomi 12TMediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultraβœ… Yes (auto/manual)❌ No.The function is available on all regional firmware.
Redmi 10CSnapdragon 680❌ No.βœ… 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.

Before you turn on the record, you should know if you are breaking the law.

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 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).
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ 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.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: by GDPR Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality (fiscal fine of up to 20 million) €).
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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:

  • πŸ“’ Always notify the person about the recording (for example: β€œI’ll turn on the record for the record, you will be satisfied with this?").
  • πŸ”’ Keep records in a secure place and do not distribute them unnecessarily.
  • βš–οΈ In court or in dispute situations, it is best to use recordings made with the consent of both parties.

πŸ’‘

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:

⚠️ 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 causeDecision
There is a recording button, but the recording is not saved.Lack of disk space or permission blockingClear the memory and check the permissions for the Phone application (Settings β†’ Permissions β†’ Storage)
Recording ends in 1-2 minutesFirmware restriction or energy savingTurn 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 codecTry another app (like Cube ACR) or switch to speaker while calling.
The recording works only on speakerphone.Restriction of firmware for some modelsUse 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.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn on the call record on Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, 90 percent of the time, root is not necessary, ADB-commands or third-party applications (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) ACR). Root can only be used for deep modification of system files on "locked" firmware (for example, European ones).
Where are the recordings of conversations on Xiaomi stored?
Standard records are saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (for MIUI 12–14) or Recordings/Call (for MIUI 15). In third-party applications, the path can be selected manually (usually Internal). Storage/CallRecordings). To find a folder, use a file manager (like Files by Google) or connect your phone to your PC.
Why is my Xiaomi not recording calls when a friend has one?
The reasons may be as follows: 🌍 Different regional firmware (for example, you have Global, and a friend has a Chinese or Indian version) MIUI). πŸ“± Different versions of the Phone app (update it via Google Play). πŸ”„ Different versions MIUI (In some updates, the function is removed, in others it is returned). πŸ“‹ Different privacy settings (check the permissions for the microphone) Try resetting the phone app or using the phone app ADB-method 3.
Can I automatically record only incoming calls?
Yes, but not in all firmware. In the standard Phone app (if available), you can select: πŸ“ž Record all calls (incoming) + outgoing). πŸ“₯ Only inbound (not available on all models). πŸ‘€ Only for selected contacts (configured in the contact card) in third-party applications (e.g. Cube) ACR) flexibility of settings above – you can record only incoming, only outgoing or selectively.
How to disable the notification of the record for the interlocutor?
In most countries (including Russia), the law requires that the interlocutor be notified of the recording. MIUI Notification can be turned off: Open Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Notifications. Find the category Record conversations and turn off the notifications display. ⚠️ Note: Disabling a notice may be considered a violation of the law in your country, and use this option only if you are confident of its legality for your case.