Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone implies a lot of useful features, but with the release of new versions of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell (now HyperOS), the standard functionality is often changed. One of the most frequently asked questions users are the lack of the ability to automatically or manually record phone conversations, which was previously available out of the box.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to record dialogs on devices of different generations, how to activate hidden menus, what recorder apps should be installed if standard methods do not work, and why this feature is blocked at the firmware level in some regions, and we will look at both software and hardware nuances.
Before you go to complex manipulations, it is worth checking the basic settings of your device, since in some cases the function is simply hidden in the interface. For users looking for a quick solution, it is important to understand that the activation method depends on the version of the operating system installed and the region for which the smartphone is released.
Why the recording of calls to the new Xiaomi was missing
The main reason for the disappearance of the built-in conversation recording feature in Xiaomi smartphones was a change in Google’s security policy: Starting with Android 9 and especially in Android versions 11, 12, 13 and 14, third-party applications’ access to the microphone during a phone conversation was severely limited, and this was done to protect users’ personal data from potential espionage.
Xiaomi, following the rules of Google Play Services, was forced to remove native call recording from global firmware versions, but in the Chinese versions of MIUI and HyperOS shells, this feature is preserved in full, which is why users who refashion the device or buy a global version often face the lack of a familiar button.
There is also a regional limitation: If your smartphone was released for the European or Indian market, the probability of having an integrated recorder there is minimal, while devices designed for the markets of Russia, China or CIS countries often retain this functionality, even if it is hidden in deep settings of the system.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps to record conversations on new versions of Android may result in a lack of voice in the recording due to security locks.
Check the built-in function in the Phone application
The first step that any Xiaomi owner needs to do is to thoroughly check the standard call app. Often users look for settings in the system's shared menu, forgetting that recording management is directly in the dialing interface. Current versions of MIUI may have different paths.
Open the Phone app (green handset icon). In the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see a three-dot icon or a gear, which is the settings menu. Click on it and look carefully at the list of options available. If you're lucky and your version of the software allows recording, you'll find a Call Record item there.
Within this menu, you can usually have flexible settings: you can automatically record all incoming and outgoing calls, or you can only write numbers from a certain contact list, and you can also customize the file retention format and the duration of the archive.
If the phone is in the settings menu
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If you have a two-sim smartphone, the recording settings can be applied separately for each. SIM-Check this in the extended parameters.
Activation through Region Change (Secret Method)
One of the most effective and safest ways to return native call recordings without installing third-party software is to temporarily change the region of the device, the logic is simple: in some countries (for example, Indonesia, Vietnam, India), local laws require or allow operators and manufacturers to keep this feature by default.
To implement this method, you do not need superuser rights (Root). Just go to the Settings menu → Additional settings → Region. In the list that opens, select a country other than your current one. It is recommended to try Indonesia, Vietnam or India.
After changing the region, the smartphone interface may change a little (local widgets or news will appear), but most importantly, the phone application often magically appears the necessary switch. Once you activate the recording function, you can return the region back, and the setting is usually saved.
☑️ Changing the region to activate the recording
It should be noted that this method does not work on 100% of devices, and if after changing the region and restarting the smartphone option did not appear, then your version of MIUI or HyperOS locks at a deeper level, and other solutions are required.
Use of third-party recorder applications
When standard methods are powerless, specialized apps come to the rescue from the Google Play Store. However, as mentioned earlier, newer versions of Android pose serious obstacles to their operation.
One of the most popular and proven solutions is Call Recorder's Cube ACR app, which can bypass system constraints by recording sound via VoIP channels or using special drivers, and once installed, the app will request a variety of permissions, including access to contacts, microphone and phone - all of which must be provided.
The important thing is to activate the Cube ACR App Connector in the special features section, without which the program will not be able to "hear" the interlocutor during a conversation, and in the settings of the recorder itself, you need to choose the source of VoIP sound or Microphone, experimenting with options to achieve better quality.
| Annex | Working on Android 13/14 | Record of the interlocutor | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Stable (with settings) | Yes (via speakerphone or driver) | Got it in |
| TapeACall | Requires subscriptions | Yes (conference call) | Paid basis |
| Blackbox | Partial | Depends on the model. | Absent. |
| MIUI Dialer (mode) | Complete (native) | Yes (systemic) | No. |
Other popular applications, such as TapeACall, use conferencing, and when you call, they suggest adding a second number (record server) to a conference, which works reliably, but can be paid or charged by the operator as an outgoing call.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party recorders, carefully read permissions. Some unscrupulous programs may transmit your conversations to remote servers.
Installation of the Chinese version of the Phone application
The most radical, but also the most effective way for power users is to replace the Phone system app with the Chinese version, which is the most complete and unconstrained Chinese firmware, and requires preparation and caution.
The method is to remove or freeze the current global dialer and install it. APK-You can find such files on specialized forums (for example, on the Chinese dialer file from Xiaomi, 4PDA or XDA It is important to look for a version that is compatible with your version of Android.
Risks of System Application Replacement
The installation process is usually like this: download the APK, allow installation from unknown sources in your browser or file manager, and run the installer. The system can warn you of danger — ignore this if you are sure of the source of the file. Once you install the new application, a full-fledged recording section will appear in the settings.
It is worth considering that after updating the system through OTA (over the air), the Chinese dialer can be automatically replaced back to the global one, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated, and there may be problems with determining the name of the caller if the number databases are not synchronized correctly.
Set up automatic recording and storage of files
After successfully activating the recording function, whether native or via the app, it is critical to properly configure the storage settings. Recorded conversations can take up a significant amount of memory, especially if you communicate often and often.
In the standard Xiaomi application, files are saved to a hidden folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec You can find them in the internal storage, you can find them through the file manager, and for ease of listening, you can use the built-in voice recorder or a third-party audio player with support for formats. MP3 or AAC.
You should set up automatic cleaning of old records. In the recording settings menu, select the option to delete files older than 30 days or when filling a certain amount of memory, which will save your device from overflowing and slowing down.
Also, pay attention to the format of the recording. If sound quality is more important than size, choose a high bitrate. If you record conversations to fix agreements and save space, choose a format with a stronger compression.
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Regular backup of conversation records to the cloud storage or computer is the only guarantee of the safety of important information in the event of loss or breakage of a smartphone.