Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones offer users extensive communication management functionality, but the standard call recording feature in the latest versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS often works incorrectly or does not work at all. This is due to the tightening of the security policy of the Android operating system, which blocks applications from accessing the microphone during a phone conversation.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to activate this feature, from the hidden settings of the system caller to installing specialized software. You will learn how to circumvent the regional restrictions that hide the write button, and which applications best cope with the task on modern versions of Android.
To make matters worse, Googleโs algorithms are constantly changing the rules for accessing the audio stream, making some methods unworkable after another security update, so itโs important to understand the difference between system recording that is integrated into the call interface and third-party solutions that require additional permissions. Weโll look at both options so you can choose the most stable one for your model.
Why the recording of conversations on the new Xiaomi was missing
The main reason for the disappearance of the usual record button was the policy of Google, which owns the Android operating system. Since Android 9 and especially Android 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, strict restrictions on access to the microphone for background applications have been introduced. The system caller can no longer automatically capture the audio stream of the interlocutor without the explicit permission of the user or the use of special devices. API, Which Google does not provide to third-party developers.
Xiaomi, following these rules, has been forced to remove the recording function or hide it in global firmware versions. In Chinese versions of MIUI and HyperOS shells, this option is often present by default, because local law requires different approaches to data storage, users of global versions face a situation where there is simply no appropriate switch in the call settings menu.
In addition, in some regions, recording conversations may be legally restricted or require voice notification to begin recording. Global firmware takes these legal nuances into account, automatically disabling functionality for the respective regions, which is why changing the region in the phone settings sometimes helps to return a missing button.
โ ๏ธ Note: Forced activation of hidden features through region change may affect some system applications, such as browsers or themes. Always back up data before making deep changes to system files.
Checking system settings of the call
Before you resort to complex methods, you need to make sure that the function is really missing or simply disabled in the settings. In some cases, after updating the firmware, the settings are reset and the function needs to be activated again. Open the standard Phone application (pipe icon) and go to the menu by clicking on three dots in the corner of the screen or the settings button.
In the menu that opens, find Settings or Call Record. If you have Call Record, go to that section. Here you will see the Auto Record switch. Once you activate it, you can set the rules to record all calls, just outgoing, only incoming or selective contacts. Automated mode is most convenient because it eliminates human error.
โ๏ธ Checking the call settings
If the settings menu doesn't even mention recording, it means that your version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS has locked it at the code level for your region, in which case standard methods won't help, and you'll have to use alternative solutions, and it's worth checking if Do Not Disturb mode or other profiles that can block the microphone are enabled.
Changing the region as a way to activate the function
One of the easiest and safest ways to return the record button is to change the region in your smartphone settings, and as mentioned earlier, in some countries (e.g. India, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan) this feature is allowed and embedded in the system, whereas in the EU it is often blocked due to strict privacy laws (GDPR).
To do this, go to Settings โ Additional Settings โ Region. From the list of countries, select, for example, โIndiaโ or โRussia.โ After changing the region, the smartphone interface may change slightly (date format, currency), but system applications will receive new configuration files. Restart the device and check the settings of the calls again.
Often, after this manipulation, the necessary switch appears in the call settings menu, but this method does not work on all Android models and versions. If the change of region did not help, then the lock is done at a deeper level or your phone model does not support this feature in the global firmware initially.
What if the change in the region did not help?
Use of third-party applications for recording
When system capabilities are exhausted, specialized applications from Google Play come to the rescue. However, due to the limitations of Android, they work differently: some record sound through a speaker (which requires good communication and no noise), others use special accessibility services to capture the audio stream.
One of the most effective solutions at the moment is the Cube ACR app. It can bypass Androidโs limitations using special features. Once installed, youโll need to give the app a wide range of permissions, including access to a microphone, phone and overlays. In the app settings, be sure to turn on the โCube ACR App Connectorโ in the special features section.
- ๐ฑ Cube ACR โ powerful application with support for VoIP (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram) and ordinary calls, requires careful configuration of sound sources.
- ๐๏ธ Automatic Call Recorder is a simple solution from Appliqato, works on many older models, but on Android 11.+ You can only record one side of the conversation.
- ๐ TapeACall is a popular solution that uses conferencing to record (paid, requires connecting lines), suitable if other methods do not work.
- ๐ผ Call Recorder - SKVALEX โ High-rated paid app, frequently updated to support new versions of Android and has root modes for better quality.
Itโs important to understand that no third-party app gives 100% guarantee of work on all devices. Recording quality can vary depending on the CPU model and Android version. Testing multiple options is the only way to find a working solution for your particular smartphone.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Third-party recorder apps require extensive permissions.Install them only from trusted sources (official Google Play) and read reviews carefully to avoid personal data leakage.
Cube ACR setup on Android 12, 13, 14
Cube ACR is considered one of the leaders in its niche due to the constant support for new versions of Android. After installing and initially configuring access rights, go to the settings of the application itself (the gear icon).
You have to experiment with the source, and the default is "Mic," which means recording audio from the speaker, and if you can't hear it, or if you can't hear it very quietly, try switching to "Voice call" or "Voice communication." On some devices, it helps to enable the option of "Force VoIP audio" for instant messengers.
There's also a section called Other Sound Sources in Cube ACR settings where you can turn on the speaker or use the Android API, and the combination of settings is customized: one phone will run "Mic" and the other phone will run "Voice Call," and make sure to make a test call to a friend after each parameter change to check the result.
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For better audibility, when recording via microphone, turn on speaker while talking, which allows the app to record both sides of the dialogue without distortion.
Comparison of methods of recording conversations
To make it easier for you to navigate your methods, we have prepared a comparative table that will help you quickly assess the pros and cons of each method, depending on your quality and convenience requirements.
| Method | Sound quality | Stability | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| System function (MIUI) | High (digital) | 100% | Low. |
| Change of region | High (digital) | High (depending on the model) | Low. |
| Cube ACR (App Connector) | Medium/High | Medium (requires permits) | Medium |
| Recording through a speaker | Low (noise, echo) | Tall. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, embedded functionality or activation through a change of region is the best thing to do. Third-party apps are a trade-off that new smartphone owners have to make, but even they allow important information to be stored, albeit with less quality.
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The best result is always the native feature of the system. If it is not available, use Cube ACR with availability service enabled for maximum quality on Android 12+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it that only I can be heard while the interviewer is not?
Is the interviewee notified of the start of the recording?
Where are the recordings of conversations on Xiaomi stored?
Can I record calls from WhatsApp and Viber?
To sum up, despite Google's limitations, the ability to record conversations on Xiaomi and Redmi remains available. Start by checking system settings and relocating, as these are the cleanest methods. If they don't work, tweaking third-party software correctly will be a reliable alternative for saving important audio files.