Recording calls to Xiaomi 10S: 3 working methods with settings and warnings

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Mi 10S may be necessary to record important business conversations, save evidence in controversial situations, or just for convenience, so as not to take notes during a call. However, the built-in capabilities of MIUI are not always obvious, and in some regions the function of recordings is hidden due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from standard settings to third-party applications, and also discuss legal aspects that are important to consider before activating a record.

The Mi 10S (codename thyme) is based on MIUI 12-14 (depending on the firmware version), and the recording algorithm may differ from other Xiaomi devices. For example, some firmware for the European Region (EEA) has been blocked by default. We tested all methods on current versions of the software and collected instructions that are guaranteed to work, provided that technical requirements are met.

1. Built-in call recording: where to look and how to turn on

Standard recording function in MIUI It's hidden in the phone's settings, but it depends on the firmware version and the region. 10S with global or Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The option is available by default, but in EEA-The version (for Europe) is often removed due to privacy laws.

To check for the presence of an embedded record:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Settings».
3. Go to the "Talk Record" section (if not, see the next section).
4. Activate the “Write Automatically” switch or select “Write Manually”.

If the item "Recording conversations" in the menu is not, it means:

• 📱 You. EEA-Firmware (for Europe) – Removed function.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI outdated - an update is required.
• 🛠️ The firmware is modified (for example, custom LineageOS).

In global and Chinese firmware, after activating the entry in the phone menu, an icon will appear 🎤 — Click on it during a conversation to start or stop recording. Files are saved in.amr or.mp3 file:

/sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

2. How to unlock the record on EEA-firmware (Europe)

The European Economic Area (EEA) versions of MIUI are devoid of call recording due to strict data protection laws (GDPR), but can be returned in two ways: through hidden settings or by changing the firmware region.

Method 1: Activate through the Engineering Menu (without root)

1. Open the Phone app and dial the code: ##4636###
2. In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information”.
3. Scroll down and find the “Set preferred network type” option (not to be confused with network settings!).
4. Click on the input field and type: com.android.incallui Then click "OK".
5. Go back to your phone settings and check for the “Recording conversations” section.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI 12-14 If nothing changes after you enter the code, try the second method or use third-party applications.

Method 2: Change the firmware region (requires unlocking the bootloader)

A more reliable, but more complex method is to reflash the device on Global ROM or China ROM.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.
• 📥 Download the firmware for your region from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool to install a new firmware.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in feature is not available or does not suit the quality of records, you can use third-party programs. 10S:

Before installing, check the application permissions:

• 📞 Access to the microphone.
• 📁 Reading/recording device memory.
• 📱 Permission to overlay windows (to display recording notifications).

Check the space available (minimum 500 MB)

Disable battery optimization for the app

Allow auto-start in MIUI settings

Set up an exception for the application in "Protect Privacy"-->

Important: Apps from Google Play may stop working after Android updates due to tighter privacy policies, for example, with the release of Android 12, many recorders lost access to system calls.

4. Customization of the quality and storage of records

By default, records are saved in.amr (low quality, small size) or.mp3 (better quality, but more space) to change settings:

For embedded recording:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Record conversations.
2. Select "File Format" (MP3 or AMR).
3. Specify “Quality” (e.g. 128 kbps for MP3).
4. In the "Save folder" section, select Internal Memory or SD-map.

For third-party applications:

Quality settings are usually found under Audio Settings or Recording Quality, such as Cube ACR:

• 🎵 Bitrate: 64 kbps (space saving) to 256 kbps (high quality).
• 🔊 Sound source: Microphone, VoIP or System sound (requires root).
• 📁 Autocleaning: Delete old records through 7/30/90 days.

The best settings for Xiaomi Mi 10S:

• 🔊 Format: MP3 (Compatibility with most players).
• 🎵 Bitrate: 128 kbps (balance between quality and size).
• 📁 folder: SD-Map (if any) or cloud (Google Drive).

💡

To keep the recordings from taking up space on your phone, set up an automatic upload to the cloud (like Google Drive or Dropbox). In Cube ACR, this is done in the Cloud Backup section.

5 Legal nuances: can you record calls without consent

Telephone recording is regulated by the laws of your country, and in most cases, one-way recording (where you record a conversation without notifying the other person) is permitted, but there are important exceptions:

Recommendations for the legitimate use of records:

• 📢 Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: “The conversation is recorded to record information»).
• 📝 Keep records confidential – do not distribute them without the consent of participants.
• ⚖️ Do not use the recordings in court without the consent of the second party (in Russia and most CIS countries it is prohibited).

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi Mi 10S firmware EEA Call recording can automatically be disabled when you update the system. GDPR, and bypass the restriction can only be flashed or third-party applications.

6 Problem Solving: Why the Recording Is Not Working

If the call record is not started or files are not saved, check the following points:

If the problem is not resolved:

1. Check the permissions for the application record in Settings → Apps → Permissions.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (new firmware often fixes recording bugs).
3. Reset the settings of the Phone application in Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset.

💡

If recording only works through the speaker (not the handset), turn on the option “Write via Bluetooth” in the application settings – this often solves the problem with one-way sound.

7.Alternative methods: recording via second phone or PC

If the software methods are not suitable, you can record the conversation using external devices:

Method 1: Use of the second telephone

• 📱 Put the second phone next to the Mi handset 10S and turn on the recording of voice (for example, through a voice recorder).
• 🔊 Use the hands-free mode on the Mi 10S, So both voices are recorded clearly.
• 🎧 For better quality, connect an external microphone to the second phone.

Method 2: Recording via PC (for VoIP calls)

If the call is made via WhatsApp, Skype or Zoom, you can record it on your computer:

1. Connect the Mi 10S to your PC and start a call through the desktop version of the messenger.
2. Use programs to record a screen with sound, for example: 🎥 OBS Studio (free of charge). 🎤 Audacity (for recording only sound).

"Stereomician."

Audacity

⚠️ Note: When recording via PC, make sure that the Mi microphone is 10S It doesn't echo. To do that, turn off the microphone on your computer or use headphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Xiaomi 10S