Recording conversations on Xiaomi: how to enable the built-in feature and what apps to use

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that can be useful in a variety of situations, from storing important business information to recording evidence in controversial conversations. However, not all users know that MIUI has hidden capabilities for recording calls, and in some regions this option is completely disabled for legal reasons. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also talk about the legal nuances that are important to consider before recording.

Xiaomi’s feature is that recording conversations is implemented differently depending on the model and version of MIUI. For example, on smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM), the function is available out of the box, whereas in global versions (Global ROM) it often has to be activated through hidden settings or install additional software. We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and collected only working solutions.

Built-in conversation recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has introduced native call recording, but its location and availability depend on the regional version of the software. On global firmware (Global/EEA ROM), the option is most often hidden, and on Chinese ROM, it is available by default.

If you have a Global ROM, try this route:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select a Conversation Record (if there is no item, read the next section).
4. Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.

On China ROM, the path is shorter: the call immediately shows the recording button during the call (mic icon). If the function is not available, check the MIUI version: on old firmware (below MIUI 12.5), the recording is implemented through the Security application.

Hidden settings: how to activate a record on Global ROM

If the call settings don't have a call record, it doesn't mean the function is permanently disabled. MIUI There are hidden options that you can turn on through the codes of the engineering menu or edit configuration files. USSD-code:

##6484##

Once you enter this code, you will see the MTK Engineer Mode menu (on MediaTek-based devices).

• 📱 Hardware Testing → Audio → Normal Mode
• 🔊 Find the Voice Call Record setting and set the Enabled value.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

If the code didn’t work (on Snapdragon devices), try an alternative method using ADB:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1

This command unlocks the recording at the system level, and when it is executed, the recording button (the cassette icon) will appear in the call. Importantly, on some models (for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method only works until the first reboot, after which the settings are reset.

Best Call Recording Apps for Xiaomi

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue. 10 popular solutions and selected the top-3, which work well with Xiaomi, including models 2026 All of them support:

• 🎤 Recording of incoming and outgoing calls.
• 📁 Automatic file storage in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔍 Search by entries (by number, date, keywords).
• 🔒 Encrypting files (for privacy).

When choosing an app, pay attention to compatibility with your model. For example, Boldbeast requires manual codec configuration for Xiaomi 12T, and Cube ACR may not record calls to POCO F5 without additional permissions.

Check out the Android version (not lower than 9.0).

Turn off battery optimization for the application.

Allow access to microphone and contacts.

Make a test call to check the quality of the recording.-->

Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal

Before you turn on the record, make sure you do not violate local laws. Most countries have the following rules:

⚠️ Note: In Russia, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases where you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

In EU countries (e.g. Germany, France), recording without notice is considered a violation of the right to privacy and can incur a fine of up to €250,000. In the United States, laws vary by state: California requires the consent of all participants, and Texas only one.

To avoid problems:

• 📢 Notify the person about the recording (for example: “Conversation is recorded to record information").
• 📝 Keep the records no longer than necessary.
• 🚫 Do not distribute records to third parties without consent.

If you are recording a conversation for legal purposes, consult a lawyer – in some cases, even your own record may be found to be inadmissible evidence.

Where records are stored and how to export them

Recorded conversation files are stored by default in the smartphone's internal memory, depending on how you record:

• 📁 Built-in function MIUI: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
• 📁 Cube ACR: /storage/emulated/0/CubeCallRecorder/
• 📁 Boldbeast: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/

To export the records:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Go to the folder with the records (see the paths above).
3. Copy files (usually in.mp3 or.amr) to your computer.

To automatically sync to the cloud, set up integration with Google Drive or Mi Cloud in the record app, for example, in Cube ACR it is done as follows:

1. Open the app → Settings → Cloud.
2. Select Google Drive and log in.
3. Set the backup frequency (daily/weekly).

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If the records take up a lot of space, enable file compression in the application settings to.amr format – this will reduce the weight by 5-10 times without significant loss of quality.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, the recording may not work, and here are the typical errors and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ (For example, Xiaomi 14) Google has tightened the restrictions on recording calls. If none of the methods work, try to roll back on the phone. MIUI 13 or use a second phone to record via speakerphone.

Alternative ways to record conversations

If software methods don’t work, consider hardware solutions:

• 🎧 Bluetooth headset with recording: Some models (e.g. Sony) DR-BT101) They have a built-in voice recorder. Connect the headset to Xiaomi and activate the recording on it.
• 📱 Second phone: Put the second smartphone next to you and turn on the recorder (for example, the standard application Recording sound in the phone). MIUI).
• 🖥️ PC + AUX-Connect Xiaomi to your computer via cable AUX (3.5 mm) and record the sound through Audacity or OBS Studio.
• 🌐 VoIP services: If you call via WhatsApp or Telegram, use screen recording (in the app). MIUI: Quick setups → Screen recording).

Hardware methods are less convenient, but they work on any firmware and are not subject to Android restrictions, such as recording via a second phone is suitable for interviews or important negotiations where you can not risk a software failure.

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The most reliable way to record on Xiaomi with Android 13+ is to use a Bluetooth headset with a voice recorder or a second device, and software methods may stop working after security updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions