Recording conversations on Xiaomi: how to set up, save and not break the law

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that appears in MIUI firmware and disappears due to tightening privacy policies. After updates, many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi find that the option is missing from the menu and the standard methods no longer work. In this article, we will analyze all current methods, from embedded tools to third-party applications, and explain why the record may not be saved and how to fix it.

It's important to understand that the ability to record depends on three factors: the MIUI version, the firmware region (global, Chinese, European) and the smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 Global, the option is available out of the box, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 13 EEA, it will have to be activated manually, and we tested all methods on devices in 2020-2026 and collected only working solutions.

We warn you in advance: in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law. Before using the function, specify local norms - for example, in Russia, it is required to notify the subscriber of the recording (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI

To start with, the simplest way to find the standard option is to find the latest MIUI (14+) and the recording of conversations can be hidden or disabled by default.

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ select Settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (on some models – Recording of Calls).
  4. Activate the switch and adjust the storage settings (internal memory or storage). SD-map).

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

  • πŸ“± You have a global firmware. EEA (Europe where the function is disabled on demand GDPR.
  • πŸ”„ MIUI outdated – update the system in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • 🌍 The firmware region does not support recording (e.g. India or Turkey).
πŸ“Š What's your firmware? MIUI?
Global (Global)
European (EEA)
Chinese (China)
Indian (India)
other

On the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 14 Global, the recording is automatically turned on when the first call is made - the system suggests saving the conversation. If the offer does not appear, try updating the Phone app via Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (firmwareware) RU) The recording may be blocked by the operator, check if the "Track Protection" service is active in your personal account.

2. Alternative ways to enable entry (if the option is not in the menu)

If you don’t have a built-in feature, try these methods.They work on 80% of Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models from 2019-2026:

Method 1: Engineer mode code (engineering menu)

In the application "Phone" type the combination:

##6484##

The MTK Engineer Mode menu will open (on MediaTek-powered smartphones, such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro).

  1. Hardware Testing β†’ Audio β†’ Normal Mode β†’ Type β†’ Mic
  2. Select the Mic1 (main microphone).
  3. Activate the Voice Record option.

On devices with Snapdragon (such as Xiaomi 13 or POCO F4), this code will not work.

##4636##

β†’ Usage statistics β†’ Phone information β†’ Scroll down and find Enable Call Recording.

Method 2: Reset the settings of the β€œPhone” application

Sometimes the recording option is hidden after the updates, to return it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the phone β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reboot your smartphone.

After reset, open the Phone app and check for the availability of the Record conversations item in the settings.

πŸ’‘

If the option does not appear after the reset, try temporarily changing the firmware region to India or Global through the β€œThemes” app (Region section).

Method 3: Manually add options via ADB

For advanced users, you'll need a computer and USB debugging enabled.

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1
  1. Reset the device.

This method works on MIUI 12-14, but may reset after a system update.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, use third-party software. 15 Apps and selected top-3, Those who are stable at Xiaomi:

AnnexSupport for MIUIFeaturesCons
Cube ACRβœ… Yes, including MIUI 14)Recording both sides, cloud storage, automatic deletion of old filesPaid version for VoIP recording (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Call Recorder by Lovekeshβœ… Yeah (except) MIUI EEA)Lightweight, runs without root, supports MP3 formatAdvertising in the free version
Truecaller⚠️ Partially (depending on the region)Built-in record + number detector, synchronization with the cloudRequires registration, may not save records on some models

For installation:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Permit the Microphone, Warehouse and Calls.
  3. In the application settings, select the recording format (such as MP3 or WAV).
  4. Activate auto-record for all calls or only for selected contacts.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ Some applications (such as Cube) ACR) Can not record the voice of the interlocutor due to the limitations of Android 12+. In this case, only root access or using a second device to record will help.

Install the application from an official source |Provide all the permissions requested |Check the free space on the phone (1 hour of recording = ~10-15 MB) |Configure autodelete old files |Test the recording of the test call-->

4.Why the record is not saved (and how to fix it)

A common problem is that the file is recorded, but the files do not appear in the folder or disappear after the call is completed.

  • πŸ“ There's not enough disk space. MIUI Automatically deletes old records if less than 1GB is free. Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Warehouse.
  • πŸ”‡ The microphone is locked. Check if it's turned off in Settings. β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Application authorizations.
  • πŸ”„ Battery optimization conflict. Add the entry app to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications.
  • πŸ“΅ The operator blocks the recording. Check if the Anti-Slushka service is active (for example, MTS or Beeline). USSD-team *111*123#.

On Xiaomi with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), recording may be interrupted due to hardware voice encryption. SIM-cards or use an external dictaphone.

If files are recorded but not reproduced:

  1. Check the format – some players do not support AMR (use MP3).
  2. Install VLC Player from Google Play – it opens any audio files.
  3. Move the recordings to your PC and try playing through Audacity.

5 Where records are stored and how to export them

By default, files are saved to:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

or (for third-party applications):

/storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/

To transfer the recordings to the computer:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
  2. Open the Internal Storage folder β†’ MIUI β†’ sound_recorder (or similar).
  3. Copy files with the.m4a,.mp3, or.amr extension.

For automatic synchronization with the cloud:

  • πŸŒ₯️ Set up Google Drive: Open the app β†’ Settings β†’ Backup β†’ Add a folder with the records.
  • ☁️ Use Mi Cloud (if recording is done through the standard Phone appΒ»).
How to recover deleted records?
If files have been deleted, try data recovery software like DiskDigger or Recuva (on PC). Importantly, don't write new data to your phone before you recover, otherwise the files will be overwritten. The chances of success are about 30-50% depending on the time since you delete it.

In most countries, recording conversations is governed by privacy laws, and here are the key points for popular regions:

Country.Consent is required?Penalty for violationExceptions
Russiaβœ… Yes (Article 138 of the Criminal Code)Up to 80,000. β‚½ 480 hours of mandatory workRecording for personal use is allowed without distribution
Ukraineβœ… Yes (Art. 307 of the Criminal Code)Fine up to 50,000 β‚΄ arrest for up to 6 monthsEntry is allowed to protect your rights in court
Kazakhstan❌ Not if you're a participant in the conversation)β€”It is forbidden to distribute the recording without consent
EU (GDPR)βœ… Yes (required notice)Fine up to 20 million € 4% of the company’s global revenueExceptions for law enforcement

To avoid problems:

  • πŸ“’ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: β€œThe conversation is recorded to fix the agreementsΒ»).
  • πŸ”’ Do not distribute records without the consent of participants.
  • βš–οΈ Use the records only for legitimate purposes (for example, to prove in court).

Xiaomi with MIUI Global has a built-in recording notice that automatically plays back at the start of the call.

  1. Go to your phone settings β†’ Recording of conversations.
  2. Activate the Notice of Record option.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

We have collected typical Xiaomi user problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Recording ends in 5-10 minutes.Limitation of MIUI on recording durationUse a third-party app (such as Cube ACR)
Only my voice is heard.Blocking the recording of the interlocutor on Android 12+Install the Magisk module CallRecorderPatch (root required)
Files are saved but not reproducedDamage to the codec when recordingChange the format to MP3 in the application settings
Recording does not start automaticallyConflict with battery optimizationAdd the app to the exceptions (Settings β†’ Battery)

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Communication quality – with a bad signal, the record may not be saved.
  • πŸ”Š Microphone Volume – In the Engineering Menu (#36446337##) increase the Mic Gain value to 200-220.
  • πŸ“² Conflict with other apps – disable antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) that can block recording.

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi with MediaTek processor (Helio G96, Dimensity 900, etc.), writing through the engineering menu works more stable than on Snapdragon. If you have a Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, first try the method with the code # # #6484##.

Can I record calls via WhatsApp or Telegram?
No, the standard recording of conversations on Xiaomi works only for regular calls through the phone. SIM-To record VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) you will need: Install Cube ACR (Use a second recording device (e.g., another phone or voice recorder) set up a screen recording with the microphone on (but the quality will be worse). MIUI 14 VoIP call recording is blocked at system level.
How to record a conversation if the interlocutor uses an iPhone?
The phone model of the interlocutor does not affect the ability to record - it is only your side that matters. However: If the interlocutor calls through FaceTime Audio, the recording will not work (you need to use a voice recorder). On the iPhone, the notification β€œTalk Record” may trigger (if you have the notification option in MIUI enabled). For maximum secrecy, turn off the notification in the recording settings on your Xiaomi.
Where to find records if they are not in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder?
Try these paths: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ for some versions of MIUI. /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.phone/files/ if you recorded through a standard application. /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecordings/ for Caller Record by Lovekesh. Use a root file manager (such as FX Explorer) to see hidden folders.
Can I record conversations on Xiaomi without installing apps?
Yes, if: You have Chinese firmware MIUI (record enabled by default). You use the engineering menu (method code ##6484##). You have an old version of MIUI (up to 12.5) where the option is not removed. On EEA global firmware (Europe) without third-party applications, recording is impossible.
Why did the MIUI update stop working?
Most likely, the new firmware version: Deleted the built-in recording function (relevant to MIUI 13+ EEA), added restrictions on access to the microphone for third-party applications, changed the way to save files (check the folders listed in the FAQ above), Solutions: rollback to the previous version of MIUI (risky, the bootloader may lock), using Magisk modules to bypass restrictions, switch to custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), where the recording works without restrictions.