Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business agreements to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI features are often accompanied by a loud notification of the start of recording, which negates the idea of a hidden process. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to silently enable recording on Xiaomi devices (including models on MIUI 14/15), taking into account the legal nuances and technical limitations of the system.
It's important to understand that the recording capabilities are based on the firmware version, regional settings, and even carrier. For example, some firmware in India or the EU has a kernel-level lock on the recording function. We tested the methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5, which are summarized in a comparison table below. If your model does not support embedded solutions, we will offer workarounds using third-party apps and hidden Android features.
Why Xiaomi is blocking silent recordings of conversations?
The manufacturer intentionally restricts recording capabilities for two key reasons:
- π Legal requirements: In most countries (including Russia, EU, USA) recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is considered a violation of privacy law.
- π‘οΈ Google policy: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened rules for apps that record calls, with many utilities removed from the Play Market, and embedded features limited.
- π Security of data: MIUI Blocks access to the audio stream of calls for third-party applications by default to prevent leaks of personal information.
However, there are legal loopholes: In some regions (such as Taiwan or Hong Kong), for example, Xiaomi firmware allows you to turn off the sound alert via the engineering menu, and on devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can install modified Magisk modules that bypass the system restrictions.
β οΈ In Russia, recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor can be regarded as a violation of Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence"). Use the feature only for legitimate purposes, such as with prior approval or in cases where the interlocutor is notified of the record in advance (for example, in business negotiations).
Method 1: Built-in recording function in MIUI (with audio switching off)
Some MIUI firmware (mainly in Asia) have a hidden option to turn off the recording audible alert, which works on devices with MIUI 12.5-14, but requires activation via an engineering menu.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and go to Settings β Record conversations.
- Activate the recording function (if available).
- Enter the dial code ##6484## (for models on Qualcomm) or #36446337## (for Mediatek).
- From the engineering menu, select Audio β Call Settings β Call Record Tone.
- Change the value from Enabled to Disabled and restart the device.
If the code doesnβt work, try an alternative:
Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate the developer mode)
Return to the basic settings β Additional β For developers β Enable βDebugging by USBβ and βOEM Unlockingβ| Xiaomi model | Support for recording | Is it possible to turn off the sound? | Root is required. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes (MIUI 14) | Yes (via engineering menu) | No. |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Yes (MIUI 15) | Partially (only on global firmware) | No. |
| POCO F5 | Yes. | No (sound only turns off from root) | Yes. |
| Redmi 10A | No (locking at firmware level) | β | β |
β οΈ Attention: Changes to the engineering menu may cause a communication module to malfunction.Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings β Memory. β Backup.
Method 2: Applications for hidden recording (without root)
If the built-in feature is unavailable or gives an audible alert, you can use third-party apps. Importantly, most of the utilities from the Play Market were removed after Google tightened its policies, but some are still working through direct applications. APK-file.
Top.-3 tested applications (2026 year):
- π€ Cube Call Recorder ACR β Records calls via VoIP stream (works on the MIUI 14/15 without root, but requires setting up access to the microphone.
- π Call Recorder by Lovekesh β uses an alternative method of capturing audio, but may conflict with Xiaomiβs energy-saving modes.
- π Boldbeast Call Recorder β supports Xiaomi on a Qualcomm chip, but requires manual settings of recording parameters in Settings β Record Mode.
Instructions for the Cube ACR:
Install APK from the official website (not from the Play Market)
Enable write permission in Settings β Apps β Cube ACR β Permissions
Activate the "Write via VoIP" mode in the application settings
Add the app to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings β Battery β Optimization)
Check the test call.-->
Please note: MIUI 15 Applications may require additional permission to access android.permission.CAPTURE_AUDIO_OUTPUT, which is only given through ADB:
adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.CAPTURE_AUDIO_OUTPUT
adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATEπ‘
If the app doesnβt record incoming calls, try turning on the βUse an alternative recording methodβ option in its settings and restart your phone.
Method 3: Recording via a second phone or external device
If the software doesn't work, you have hardware bypasses, like recording a second phone, a smart watch, or a dedicated voice recorder, which is 100 percent off the limitations of MIUI, but requires additional hardware.
Implementation options:
- π± Second smartphone: Put the second phone next to the main and turn on recording via a voice recorder (for example, the standard Dictaphone app on Xiaomi.
- β Smartwatches: Some models (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 4 or Huawei Watch GT 3) support recording of sound through the built-in microphone. Synchronize recording with the phone over Bluetooth.
- ποΈ Hidden voice recorder: Devices like Sony ICD-UX570 or olimpus WS-853 have voice activated recording mode and can be placed in a pocket or on a desk.
To improve the quality of the recording:
- Use a directional microphone (such as Boya BY-M1).
- Reduce the distance between the devices (optimally - 30-50 cm).
- Turn off noise cancellation in the voice recorder settings (if any).
β οΈ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), recording a conversation without the knowledge of the interlocutor may result in a fine up to β¬10,000.Clarify local legislation before using the method.
Method 4: Root access and modified modules
For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical method: installing Magisk modules that unlock the recording at the system level, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding account Mi and wait 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model (you can download it on twrp.me).
- Sweep through Magisk (download the latest version from GitHub).
- Install Call Recorder for Magisk via Magisk Manager.
- Reboot your phone and set up the entry in the module menu (usually available via Settings β Sound β Call Recording).
After installation, the recording will be done without audible alerts, and the files will be saved in the /sdcard/CallRecordings/ folder in MP3 format with time stamps.
| Magisk module | Support for MIUI | Required version of Android | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Recorder for Magisk | 12β15 | 10β14 | Supports two-way recording, bitrate settings |
| Audio Mod Library | 13β14 | 11β13 | It also improves the quality of the microphone. |
| ViPER4Android | 12β15 | 9β14 | Allows fine tuning of audio streams |
Risks of unlocking bootloader
Method 5: Cloud services and SIP-telephony
An alternative way to record calls is to forward calls through SIP-An account (such as a Zoiper or Linphone) with a server recording feature enabled, suitable for business users and requiring minimal technical skills.
How to set up:
- Register. SIP-Account on a service like VoIP.ms or Callcentric.
- Install the Zoiper app on Xiaomi and log in to your account.
- In the settings SIP-activate the Call Recording option (usually in the Features or Advanced section).
- Set up a redirection of incoming calls from the main number to SIP (via an operator or an application like Google Voice).
Advantages of the method:
- π Recording is done on a server, not on a phone β it is impossible to detect.
- π Available statistics and archive of calls in the personal account.
- π It works on all Xiaomi models, including those where local recording is blocked.
Cons:
- β A stable Internet is required (3G/4G/5G or wifi).
- π° Some services charge a recording fee (from $5/month).
- π Possible sound delay (latency of 1-3 seconds).
Legal aspects of recording conversations in 2026
Before using any recording methods, check your countryβs laws, and here are the key points for popular regions:
| Country. | Is recording allowed without consent? | Is notice required? | Penalties for violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | Yes, but only for personal use. | No (but you can't distribute the recording) | Up to 80,000. β½ orthopedic |
| Ukraine | Yes, if the recording is being conducted by one of the interlocutors. | No. | Fine up to 17,000 β΄ |
| Kazakhstan | Yes, to protect rights. | Preferably. | Up to 200 MCI (β $1 200) |
| EU (France, Germany) | No (all participantsβ consent is required) | Yes. | To β¬10,000 |
| United States (states) | Depends on the state (in California, everyone agrees) | Most states don't. | Up to $2,500 for violation |
In the business environment, it's common to notify you in advance of a recording, for example, at the beginning of a conversation, you can say, "Remind me that our conversation is being recorded to record an agreement. Do you mind?" This will protect you from legal risks.
π‘
Even if the recording is permitted by law, its distribution without the consent of the interlocutor may be considered a violation of the right to privacy (Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).