Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to record important information voiced by a person during a phone call, such as confirmation of an order, an appointment or legally relevant details of a transaction. However, since Android 9 and above, Google has implemented strict restrictions on access to audio stream, which led to the disappearance of the regular recording function in many regions.
This has been made worse by the release of MIUI 14 shells and the new Android 14-16 HyperOS, where the standard writing mechanism is often hidden or requires a region change to activate. Users are forced to look for workarounds, install third-party apps or change software settings to regain lost functionality. In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from official settings to the use of specialized applications that work in 2026.
It is important to understand that methods may vary depending on the firmware version and the specific model of your device. If you are the owner of the flagship Xiaomi 15 or the budget Redmi Note 13, the algorithms of the system may have their nuances. We will look at universal solutions that will help you save audio conversation without losing quality and the need to flash the device.
Features of recording calls in MIUI and HyperOS
The main difficulty is that the standard Google caller, which is pre-installed on global firmware versions, blocks access to the microphone during an active connection for third-party applications. The MIUI shell and the HyperOS that replaced it have a built-in writing mechanism, but it is often deactivated software depending on the chosen region of use of the smartphone.
Chinese firmware versions are free of these restrictions because local law requires a different approach to data storage, European and Russian users get βstrippedβ functionality, but the system allows you to activate hidden features by changing the settings of the region or using special codes, if the device model supports this option at the iron level.
β οΈ Note: Before activating the recording function, make sure you are not violating your countryβs laws.In some jurisdictions, recording a conversation without warning the interlocutor may have legal consequences.
It is also worth noting that in the new versions of Android (14, 15, 16), Google has implemented a mandatory voice notification about the beginning of recording ("Talk recording began"), which is heard by both interlocutors, and it is almost impossible to circumvent this restriction with software methods at the modern level of security without root rights, which, in turn, can block the operation of banking applications.
Activation of the staff function through the change of region
The easiest and safest way to enable native recording is to change the region in the system settings, which does not require additional software installation or violate the integrity of the operating system, most often switching to the region of India, Indonesia or Singapore, where the call recording function is standard.
To perform this procedure, you need to go to the settings menu and find the appropriate item. After changing the region, the phone interface may partially change the language or set of preinstalled applications, but the basic functions will remain available in Russian.
βοΈ Algorithm of region change
When you change region, open the Phone app and log in to its settings. If it works, you'll see Call Record, activate it, and set the settings: Automatically record all or only favorite numbers. Files will be saved to a standard voice recorder folder or to a separate directory. MIUI/sound_recorder.
Use of third-party applications for recording
If changing your region doesnβt help or you donβt want to change your system settings, third-party solutions come to the rescue. The mobile app market offers several powerful tools that can bypass Androidβs limitations by recording audio through a speaker or using special accessibility services.
One of the leaders in this niche is the Call Recorder app - Cube ACR. It uses a sophisticated audio capture mechanism that allows you to record not only voice calls over the cellular network, but also conversations through messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber). However, to work correctly on Android 10 and above, you need to provide advanced permissions.
- π± Cube ACR β powerful tool with VoIP support and flexible settings of sound sources.
- ποΈ Automatic Call Recorder from Appliqato β a classic solution with a simple interface and cloud synchronization.
- βοΈ Truecaller is a popular number determinant that also has a built-in recording function (requires subscriptions).
When you install these apps, the system will issue a lot of security alerts, which is the standard Android response to trying to access a microphone and telephony, you'll have to manually allow access to contacts, microphone, phone and, critically, enable a special feature service to work with the recording feature.
π‘
If the app writes silence instead of the voice of the interlocutor, try changing the audio source to Voice Communication or Mic.
Comparison of recording methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your needs and level of technical training.
| Method | Sound quality | Difficulty setting up | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of region | High (native) | Low. | Absent. |
| Third-party annexes | Medium/High | Medium | Low. |
| Speaker + Dictaphone | Low (noisy) | Minimum | Absent. |
| Google Phone (USA) | High. | Low. | Not available (but notified) |
As you can see from the table, changing the region is the most preferred option for Xiaomi owners, as it provides the best quality and stability. Third-party apps are a good fallback option, but they may stop working after another Android security update.
Problems with Android 14, 15 and 16
With the release of new versions of the operating system, Google is strengthening its privacy policy: Android 14, 15 and current for 2026 Android 16 access to the audio stream during a call for third-party applications is completely closed at the kernel level, which means that ordinary applications from Google Play can stop recording the voice of the interlocutor, recording only your speech or silence.
Owners of Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 and newer smartphones may find that even a change of region does not return the write button to the standard caller if the device is certified for the global market with strict restrictions, in which cases users resort to installing modified versions of system applications.
Technical details of the lock
But there is an alternative way that doesn't require root rights, but requires a computer, which is using USB debugging (ADB) to force hidden flags into the system, and it's suitable for advanced users.
Advanced Methods: ADB and System Modifications
For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a way to activate the record through the ADB-This is a way to get deeper into the system than the standard menu allows. You need a computer, a cable. USB and installed drivers ADB.
First, you need to enable USB debugging in the Developer menu. Then, when you connect your phone to your PC, you can run a command to check the connection. If it's successful, you can try to enter a command that activates hidden caller functions, although in recent versions of HyperOS, the number of available flags has decreased.
adb shell settings put global recording_calls_enabled 1This command may not work on all models, as the presence of the flag itself depends on the regional firmware. A more effective but riskier method is to install a patched system application called Phone and Contacts from Chinese firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader, which will lead to a complete data reset and can disrupt the banking applications (SafetyNet/Play Integrity).
Where to look and how to manage records
Once you have successfully set up, it is important to know where the files are stored. Depending on the method chosen, the path to audio recordings may differ. If you use the standard MIUI or HyperOS function, the files are usually stored in the device's memory.
The standard path looks like internal memory./MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. However, in newer versions of the shell, the file manager can hide the folder or transfer the records to the shared voice recorder folder, and you can also find a specific conversation through the call log: open your call history, select the contact you want, and click on the voice recorder or listening icon next to the number.
- π Through the conductor: folder MIUI β sound_recorder.
- π Through the call log: click on the number β recording icon.
- βοΈ Through the cloud: if sync with Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive is enabled.
The file format is most often M4A or MP3, which provides good quality at a small size. These files can be easily sent via messengers or saved to your computer. Remember to periodically clean the folder with records, as they can take up a significant amount of internal memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the call recording disappear after the firmware update?
Does the person hear me recording the conversation?
Can I record calls from WhatsApp and Telegram?
Is it safe to change the region on a smartphone?
π‘
The most stable way to write on Xiaomi 2026 The year is a change of region to India or Singapore in combination with the use of a regular caller. MIUI/HyperOS.