Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a popular smartphone with rich functionality, but the issue of recording phone conversations is often confusing for users. Unlike some Samsung or Google Pixel models, where the recording function is built into the standard Phone application, on Xiaomi devices it can be hidden or absent at all, depending on the regional firmware and the version of MIUI. This article will help you understand how to activate the recording of calls on the Redmi Note 10S legally, taking into account legal nuances and technical restrictions.
It is important to understand that recording conversations is not only regulated by your smartphone settings, but also by your countryβs laws. In some regions (e.g. the EU or the United States), recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor may be illegal, so check local regulations before using the feature, as we will discuss in detail in one section.
In this instruction you will find:
- π The official way to enable recording via the standard βPhoneβ application (if available).
- βοΈ Alternative methods using third-party applications and hidden features MIUI.
- βοΈ Legal aspects of recording conversations in different countries.
- β οΈ Limitations and risks associated with recording calls to Xiaomi.
1. Verification of the presence of built-in recording function in MIUI
The first thing to do is to make sure that the conversation recording feature is available in your firmware version. Xiaomi often limits this functionality depending on the region. For example, on global versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 13/14), the recording can be disabled by default, whereas on Chinese or Indian firmware it is present.
To check:
- Open the Phone app** (the phone icon on the home screen).
- Dial a number or select a contact to call.
- During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a βWriteβ button at the bottom or in the top panel (usually indicated by a red circle or microphone icon), the function is active.
If the button is not there, it doesn't mean you can't turn it on. It's probably hidden in the settings.
Settings β Applications β Phone β Call settingsLook for the item "Talk Recording" or "Call Recording" (in English firmware), if it is not, read the next section on alternative methods.
2.How to enable hidden recording of conversations through the engineering menu
Some Xiaomi firmware has a hidden recording feature, but it can be activated through an engineering menu or special codes. This method does not work on all devices, but it is worth trying. Importantly, the wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the phone β follow the instructions carefully.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## This will open the CIT (Customer Engineer Mode) menu.
After you restart, check if the recording button appears during the call. If not, try the alternative code:
##8351##It opens the Voice Call Settings menu, where there may also be a recording option.
β οΈ Warning: If the sound is lost or the microphone stops working after changes to the engineering menu, reset the network settings to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
3.Use of third-party applications to record calls
If the built-in feature is missing or not working, third-party apps will come to the rescue. Google Play has dozens of chat recording software, but not all of them are compatible with the Redmi Note 10S due to MIUI features and Xiaomi policies.
Best options:
- π± Cube Call Recorder ACR β It supports high quality recording and works with most versions. MIUI, But you need to set up access rights.
- π€ Call Recorder β Automatic Call Recorder β Simple interface, automatic recording of all calls, but can conflict with battery optimization.
- π Truecaller β in addition to the number detector, has a built-in recording function (available in all regions).
How to set up Cube Call Recorder ACR:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, give access to the microphone, contacts and storage.
- In the app settings, select Recording via Bluetooth (if you have audio issues).
- Activate Auto Record* and select a save format (e.g. MP3).
Install the app from the official store |Provide all necessary permissions |Disable battery optimization for the app |Confirm the recording of the test call-->
Note that some apps may not record the voice of the interlocutor due to the limitations of Android 10+. In this case, the speaker mode or the connection of headphones will help.
4. Legal aspects of recording telephone conversations
Before you start recording calls, make sure that it is not against the laws of your country, and in most cases, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is considered a violation of the right to privacy.
Country summary:
| Country. | Legality of recording without consent | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Allowed if you are a participant in the conversation | It is forbidden to distribute the recording without consent |
| European Union (GDPR) | Consent of all participants is required | Exception β records for personal use without distribution |
| USA | Depends on the state (unilateral or bilateral consent) | California requires the consent of all participants |
| Ukraine | Allowed for personal purposes | Prohibited from use in court without consent |
If you're recording a conversation for court proceedings or business correspondence, be sure to notify the person at the beginning of the call, for example, "The conversation is recorded to record the arrangements. Do you mind?"
β οΈ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), even storing a record without consent can result in a fine of up to several thousand euros.
5 Where the records of conversations are stored and how to keep them
If you manage to enable a record through a standard application or third-party software, the files are usually saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/or
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/To transfer the recordings to your computer or to the cloud:
- π Connect your phone to your PC through USB and copy the files manually.
- βοΈ Upload recordings to Google Drive or Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled).
- π Use apps like Files by Google to automatically upload to the cloud.
Record formats are usually.amr or.mp3. Players that support these formats (e.g., VLC or Windows Media Player with codecs) may be required to play on a PC.
π‘
If the records take up a lot of space, set up the application to automatically delete old files (for example, older than 30 days) or compress to.amr format to save memory.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after you set up the recording, you can have a problem.
Problem 1: Recording works, but the voice of the interlocutor is not heard.
- π Turn on speakerphone during the call.
- π§ Use wired headphones with a microphone.
- βοΈ In the settings of the recorder application, select the source of VoIP or Bluetooth sound.
Problem 2: The recording application does not start or crash.
- π Reinstall the application and grant all permissions again.
- π‘οΈ Disable Battery Optimization for the Application in Settings β Battery and productivity β Optimizing the battery.
- π± Update. MIUI Up to the latest version β some bugs are fixed in new firmware.
Problem 3: Records are automatically deleted.
- ποΈ Check the settings of the application β it is possible that automatic deletion of old files is enabled.
- π Move the records to another folder (such as Downloads) manually.
- βοΈ Set up automatic upload to the cloud.
Why do some MIUI firmware not have a recording function?
7. Alternative ways to record conversations
If none of the above methods worked, consider alternatives:
Method 1: Using the second phone
Put a second smartphone next to you and record the conversation through its voice recorder, minus the low sound quality and background noise, to improve the result:
- π€ Use a second phone with a good microphone (like an iPhone or Xiaomi flagship).
- π Place it closer to the main phone speaker.
- π§ Connect an external microphone to the recording device.
Method 2: Recording through a computer
If you make a call via VoIP (such as WhatsApp, Skype or Google Meet), you can record the conversation using audio capture software on your PC:
- π» Audacity β free audio editor with microphone recording function.
- π€ OBS Studio β allows you to capture sound from a specific application.
Method 3: Call recording services
Some online services (e.g. CallHippo or JustCall) offer incoming/outgoing calls recorded via virtual numbers, suitable for business users.
π‘
The best way to record conversations on the Redmi Note 10S is to use third-party apps with the right settings.The built-in feature only works on individual firmware and may not be available in your region.