Smartphone owners in China often face the need to maintain an important audio dialogue, whether it’s a confirmation order, a customer agreement, or just an emotional conversation with a loved one. However, the standard MIUI or the new HyperOS interface doesn’t always offer an obvious button to start recording during a call, which has been exacerbated by the switch to a standard Google Dialer, which blocks the feature by default for privacy reasons.
However, the technical ability to capture the conversation remains, and it can be implemented in several ways: You don't need to be a mobile technology expert to set up this option, just carefully examine your device's settings, as the location of the desired switches can vary depending on the firmware version and region.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from simple settings in the menu to the use of special codes and third-party applications. We will also look at why the write button can disappear and how to return functionality if it was lost after the system update. Understanding these nuances will allow you to always stay prepared for important calls.
Standard Call Settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The first thing you need to do is check the built-in capabilities of your smartphone. In most cases, especially in global firmware versions for CIS countries, the recording function is already built into the system call. To access it, open the Phone app and find the settings menu, which is usually hidden behind three dots or a gear in the corner of the screen, and this hides the management of all the parameters of incoming and outgoing calls.
You can find the "Call Record" item in the menu that opens, and you can click on it and take it to the submenu where you can activate automatic recording for all numbers or only for selected contacts. Automatic recording is a convenient feature that eliminates the need to manually press the button every time you call, but it quickly fills the device's memory.
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Use the “Write Only Selected Numbers” feature to avoid having thousands of unnecessary conversations with advertisers and service providers.
Importantly, the interface may be different. With the new Android 13 and 14 shells, the path may look different. If you don't see the record, maybe your region in the phone settings is defined as a country with strict privacy laws, and then you won't be able to activate the feature using standard methods, and you'll have to change the region or use codes.
⚠️ Note: In some firmware versions, when a recording is turned on, the interlocutor may hear an audible notification that the conversation is being recorded, a system limitation that cannot be circumvented software without deep modification of the system.
Google Dialer and the change of region
That changed dramatically when Xiaomi started to transfer users to Google Phone, and unlike its native MIUI call, Google’s app strictly follows the search giant’s security policies, and in the European Union and many other regions, recording a conversation through a standard app is prohibited by law, so the button simply disappears from the interface, regardless of your desires.
But there's a proven method to get this back without having to install any extra software, and the idea is to temporarily change the region of your smartphone. You need to go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Region and select a country where you can record calls, like India, Singapore or Malaysia. Once you change region, the phone book and the call interface can adapt by returning the missing button.
Once the call settings record function is activated, the region can be returned, and often the setting is saved and continues to work even after the original setting is returned, because the system configuration file is updated when the location changes and does not always roll back completely.
Keep in mind that this method doesn't work on all models, and owners of flagship devices with the latest security updates may find that changing the region no longer helps. SIM-map or Google account.
Use of engineering codes for activation
For advanced users who don't want to change the region or don't see the results of this procedure, there are special engineering codes that allow you to penetrate the deep settings of the telephony and force the recording function to be activated, and you enter the codes through a standard dialing room, as if you were going to call.
One of the most common codes for Xiaomi devices is ##86583#. Once you enter this combination, a pop-up notification should appear on the screen “Voice recorder was enabled.” If you see the message “Voice recorder was disabled”, then the function is already active or, conversely, the code did not work in your direction.
##86583##
##232338##Another code that sometimes helps activate additional WiFi and telephony capabilities is ##232338#.However, its effectiveness for specifically recording conversations is lower and it is more often used to verify the data. MAC-Once you've entered the code, be sure to restart the device and check the call settings again.
What if the code doesn't work?
Third-party applications for recording calls
When systems are exhausted, third-party applications come to the rescue. Because of the limitations of Android on accessing the microphone during a call, these programs work differently: Some use the phone's speaker to record sound, others try to intercept the audio stream by system means.
The leader in this niche has long been the Call Recorder app - SKVALEX. It is paid, but offers the most stable work and support for a large number of devices. Another popular option is TapeACall or Automatic Call Recorder. When choosing an application, pay attention to the reviews of the last month, as Android updates often "break" the work of such utilities.
- 📱 Call Recorder - SKVALEX: Better compatibility, requires customization of the sound source, there is a paid version.
- 🎙️ TapeACall: Records via conference call (may require minutes), works on most devices.
- 🤖 Automatic Call Recorder: Simple interface, automatic upload to the cloud, but often contains ads.
When you install these apps, Android 12, 13 and 14 will issue a lot of security alerts, you'll have to manually allow access to your microphone, phone, and possibly special features, and without all the permissions you're asking for, it won't be able to function properly.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications may consume extra battery power and sometimes conflict with the system call, causing delays in answering the call.
Alternative methods and calls
If none of the above methods worked, you can go a more radical way - replacing the system application "Phone" users install modified versions of Google Dialer or return an old call. MIUI Dialer through installation APK-file.
The most popular solution is to search for and install a modified version of Google Phone (com Google Dialer), which removes regional restrictions. 4PDA or XDA Developers, after installing such a system APK-The file button appears natively, as in the good old days.
However, this method carries risks: Installing applications from unknown sources requires disabling Play Protect protection or ignoring system warnings, and when you upgrade your system via Recovery or Fastboot, the modified call can be replaced with a stock call, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
☑️ Checking before installing mods
There is also a method of recording via speakerphone and voice recorder, but the quality of such audio will be low, especially in noisy rooms, which is an extreme measure when other options are not available, and recording a conversation is vital.
Where records are stored and how to manage them
Once you have set up a record, it is important to know where to look for the files you receive. By default, all audio recordings are stored in the device's internal memory. → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec. In the new versions of HyperOS, the path may change to Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files/Record.
For easy listening and recording management, it is better to use the built-in Dictophone or Sound Recording app, where files are automatically sorted by date, and can be renamed, deleted or sent via instant messengers. Direct file access via file manager is also possible, but less convenient for navigating dates.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File format | Usually.mp3 or.m4a | M4A delivers better quality with smaller size |
| Sound quality | Depends on the codec. | Choose high quality in the settings of the recorder |
| Storage | Locally on the device. | Regularly copy important files to the cloud |
| Duration | No restrictions (until the end of memory) | Keep an eye on the free space on the disk. |
Remember to clean up your records folder regularly. Long conversations in high quality can take up a significant amount of memory. Auto sync with Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud (if available in your area) will help save data in the event of a phone loss.
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Regular cleaning of the folder with call records will prevent memory overflow and slow down the smartphone.