Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure

Why you need to record calls and what you need to know before you start

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps capture important details of business negotiations, preserve evidence for legal purposes or simply keep an archive of personal conversations. However, not all Redmi, POCO or Mi models support this option out of the box, and in some regions it can be hidden due to legal restrictions.

Before you start setting up, consider three key points: First, the legality of the record depends on your country: in Russia, for example, you need to notify the interlocutor about the recording (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation); Second, the built-in feature in MIUI may not be available on devices sold in the EU or the United States, due to local regulations; Third, third-party recording applications often conflict with Google Play policies, so they will have to be installed manually.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from standard settings to workarounds for models without built-in options. If your Xiaomi is released after 2020, the probability of having a feature is higher, but even for older devices there will be a way out.

Method 1: Built-in call recording in MIUI (official method)

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T, POCO X5), the recording function is integrated into the standard Phone app.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section Record conversations (on some firmware it may be called Auto Record).
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.

If the Record of Conversations section is not on the menu, it may mean:

• 📱 Your model does not support the function (e.g. Redmi). 9A European market).
• 🌍 Device is intended for a region where recording is prohibited (EU, USA).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI outdated (update the firmware through Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

Where are the records stored? Files are saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec They can be listened to through the standard Records app or any file manager —.m4a (AAC-coding).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro for India) only record incoming calls. Outgoing conversations may not be recorded due to operator restrictions.

Method 2: Hidden entry through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If the phone doesn’t have a recording option, you can try activating it via an engineering menu, which works on devices with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4) and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (could be called Voice Record).
4. Activate the option on and save the changes.

If the combination doesn’t work, try the alternative code:

#847### – for models running MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 10C)
#36446337## - universal code for MIUI

⚠️ Note: Changes to the engineering menu may cause the communication module to malfunction. If the sound is lost or calls stop working after activation, reset the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

Method 3: Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, you'll have to use third-party software, and the best options for Xiaomi in 2026 are:

• 📲 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports automatic recording, cloud storage and transcription (translation of speech into text) and works even on Android. 13/14.
• 🔊 Call Recorder by Lovekesh is a lightweight application with a minimalist interface, suitable for weak devices (for example, Redmi). 8A).
• ☁️ OTT Call Recorder – specializes in recording calls via WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.

How to install and configure:

1. Download. APK-file from the official website of the developer (for example, Cube) ACR).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Launch the app and give access to the microphone, contacts and storage.
4. In the settings, select the write format (.mp3 or.m4a) and the folder to save files.

Important: from 2023, Google blocks third-party apps from accessing the audio stream of calls on Android 10+. Therefore, to fully work, you may need root access or the use of workarounds (for example, recording through a speaker).

💡

If the app doesn't record the voice of the person you're talking to, turn on Speaker Mode in the settings, which will lower the sound quality, but both sides of the conversation will be heard.

Method 4: Write via Google Drive (alternative method)

Little-known life hack: If your Xiaomi has Google Drive installed, it can be used to automatically record calls. The feature works through integration with Google services and does not require root rights.

Instructions:

1. Open Google Drive and click on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
2. Go to Settings → Backup.
3. Activate Call Backup (could be called Call History Backup).
4. Enable the recording of conversations in additional parameters.

Advantages of the method:

• ☁️ Automatic synchronization of records with the cloud (access from any device).
• 🔒 Encryption of data (records are stored in a secure form).
• 📅 Ability to link records to events in Google Calendar.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ It doesn’t work on all models (tested on Xiaomi) 12T and POCO F5).
• 📶 Requires a stable Internet connection for synchronization.
• 🎤 Only your voice is recorded (the voice of the interlocutor may be quiet).

💡

The Google Drive method is suitable for those who already use the Google ecosystem and do not want to install additional applications, but the quality of recording is inferior to specialized programs.

Solving the problem: Why the record doesn’t work

If you have turned on the recording, but the conversations are not recorded, check the following points:

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and press Warehouse.
3. Choose Clear Data and Reset Settings.

For root-access models: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), install the Magisk module with the CallRecorderPatch patch, which will circumvent Android's restrictions on recording calls.

Legal aspects: what the law says

In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

• 📜 Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – violation of the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or correctional labor.
• ⚖️ Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees the right to secrecy of correspondence, but allows recordings with the consent of the interlocutor.
• 📄 CC (Article 152.2) – a record may be used in court as evidence if it is obtained by lawful means.

Rules of registration in different countries:

• 🇺🇸 Most states require consent from all participants in a conversation (two-party consent).
• 🇪🇺 EU – Recording is allowed for personal use only, distribution is prohibited (GDPR).
• 🇨🇳 China – Recording is allowed without notice, but data storage is regulated by cybersecurity law.

To avoid problems:

• 🎤 Always notify the person about the recording (for example: “The conversation is recorded to fix the agreements»).
• 📝 Keep records for no longer than necessary (e.g. until the trial is completed).
• 🔒 Do not distribute the records to third parties without the consent of the participants in the conversation.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording for a job (e.g. as a sales manager), make sure that your employment contract includes a right to record negotiations, otherwise the employer may hold you liable for disciplinary action.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi