How to Enable Conversation Recording on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Voice Recorder and Hidden Features

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that can be useful for recording important conversations, interviews or just saving memorable conversations. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere the recording button disappears from the call interface, somewhere the system requires additional permissions, and on some models the function is not at all in the standard settings. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate recordings, from built-in voice recorder to third-party applications, and also explain how to circumvent the typical limitations of MIUI.

It's important to understand that recording capabilities depend on three factors: MIUI version, smartphone model, and firmware region. For example, on China ROM devices, recording conversations is often locked at the system level, whereas on Global ROMs, it's available by default. We'll look at solutions for all cases, including circumventing restrictions without root rights.

Before you get into settings, make sure that your conversation partner doesn't mind recording a conversation -- in some countries, it may violate privacy laws.

Method 1: Built-in voice recorder in the application "Phone"

On most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the recording of conversations is implemented directly in the standard Phone app.

  1. Open the Phone app and dial the subscriber number (or accept an incoming call).
  2. When you talk, you're going to look at the screen, and you're going to see a record button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. The system will request permission to record audio โ€” confirm it. Then it will start recording the conversation.
  4. When the call is complete, the recording will automatically be saved to the Recordings/Call Recordings folder in the internal memory.

If there is no record button, check the settings:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update of the system in older versions (below) MIUI (11) the function may not be available.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Activate the recording manually: open the phone โ†’ โ‹ฎ (menu) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Record conversations and turn on the slider.
  • ๐ŸŒ Check out the firmware region: in China ROM The solution is often disabled: change of region or installation of Global ROM.

Check the MIUI version (should be at least 12)

Make sure that the phone app has a "Records" tab.

Give all permissions for the application "Phone" in the settings

Backup important data (in case of resetting settings)-->

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the recording button only appears after the first manual activation in the settings. If you donโ€™t see it right away, donโ€™t panic, check the settings menu of the Phone app first.

Method 2: Automatically record all calls

MIUI allows you to set up automatic recording for all incoming and outgoing calls, which is convenient if you need to record every conversation (for example, for work) to activate:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap on three points (โ‹ฎ) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the Conversation Recording section (on some models it may be called Call Recording).
  4. Enable the slider Automatic recording and select the type of calls: ๐Ÿ“ž All calls are recorded incoming and outgoing; ๐Ÿ“ฅ Only incoming; ๐Ÿ“ค Only outgoing.

After activation, all conversations will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. Note: Automatic recordings take up a lot of space โ€“ we recommend periodically cleaning the folder or setting exceptions for certain contacts.

๐Ÿ’ก

To eliminate recording conversations with specific subscribers, add them to the "Exceptions" in the recording settings, which will save space and avoid embarrassing situations.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI for India), automatic recording may not work smoothly due to local laws, in which case changing the device region through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Region (reboot will be required).

Method 3: Recording via Google Disctophone (for MIUI without built-in function)

If your Xiaomi model does not support system-level recording of conversations (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A3 on Android One or devices with China ROM), you can use Google Recorder.

  1. Install Google Recorder from Play Market.
  2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested (microphone, file access).
  3. When you call, turn off the Phone app and open Google Recorder. Click Record.
  4. When completed, save the file and export it to the cloud if necessary.
Why does Google Recorder not record the voice of the interlocutor?
In a normal call, applications are forbidden to capture the audio stream of the system for security reasons. Therefore, Google Recorder only records sound from the microphone, the solution is speakerphone or specialized applications with circumvention of restrictions (for example, Cube Call Recorder, but it requires root rights).

On devices with MIUI 14 and later Google, the recorder may not work due to changes in Android security policy, in which case try alternative applications such as Automatic Call Recorder or Call Recorder โ€“ ACR.

Method 4: Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we've tested some popular solutions and made a table of their capabilities:

AnnexRecord of both intervieweesAutomatic recordingCloud storageDemands a root
Cube Call Recorderโœ… (rustily)โœ…โœ… (Google Drive)โŒ Not necessarily.
Automatic Call Recorderโœ… (loudspeaker)โœ…โŒโŒ
Call Recorder โ€“ ACRโœ… (firmware)โœ…โœ… (Dropbox)โŒ
Boldbeast Call Recorderโœ… (even without a rue)โœ…โŒโŒ

We recommend Boldbeast Call Recorder for Xiaomi, as it can bypass the restrictions of MIUI without root rights.

  1. Download and install Boldbeast from Play Market.
  2. When you first start, select Record calls in high quality.
  3. In the settings (Call Settings โ†’ Fix recording issues) specify the model of your Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
  4. Activate the Auto record option and select the save format (MP3 or WAV).

Note: Some apps (such as Cube Call Recorder) may conflict with MIUI and cause phone malfunctions.

Built-in MIUI dictaphone

Google Dictator

Cube Call Recorder

Automatic Call Recorder

Boldbeast Call Recorder

Other/not using-->

Problem Solving: Why is the record not working?

If the recording of conversations refuses to be turned on, the reasons may be as follows:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Firmware restrictions: on China ROM The solution is to reflash the device on Global. ROM or use third-party applications.
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Lack of permissions: check that the Phone app is allowed Microphone and Storage in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Conflict with other utilities: some battery-saving apps (like Security or Battery Saver) block recording.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resetting: If the recording worked before but Suddenly stopped, try resetting the Phone app to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Phone. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Drop it.

On Android 10+ devices, Google has tightened security policies, and many apps have lost the ability to record calls.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi with Android 12/13 For a full recording of both interlocutors without a hands-free connection, you need to unlock the bootloader and install a custom core (for example, Magisk). + CallRecorder module.This voids warranty and may result in the device being locked.Use at your own risk!

If you are not ready for such drastic measures, all that remains is manual recording via speakerphone or using a second device.

Where are the records stored and how to export them?

By default, the call records on Xiaomi are saved in one of the following folders (depending on the MIUI version):

  • /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec โ€” standardization;
  • /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call โ€“ on some firmware
  • /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.android.providers.media/call_recording โ€” automatic.

To export the records:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).
  2. Go to one of these folders and copy the files (usually in.amr or.mp3) format.
  3. To send by mail or messenger, use Share directly from the Xiaomi file manager.

If the entries are not displayed in the gallery, check the file manager settings: open Files โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Show hidden files. Sometimes the file is hidden by the system.

๐Ÿ’ก

Clean your records folder regularly, which takes up a lot of space and can slow down your device. Set up automatic deletion of old files in the Files app (Clean up โ†’ Autoclean up).

Before you activate the entry, please read the laws of your country. Most regions have the following rules:

  • ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia: recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court may require proof of its legality.
  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Ukraine: notification of the recording is required (Article 317 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine); the hidden recording may be considered a violation of the law.
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU: in most countries (e.g. Germany, France) recording without consent is prohibited and punishable by a fine.
  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S.: laws vary by state; California requires consent of all participants; Texas only one.

To avoid problems:

  • ๐ŸŽค Always notify the person about the recording (for example: โ€œLet me turn on the recorder to record important informationยป).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Use the records only for personal purposes โ€“ publishing or distributing without consent may result in legal action.
  • โš–๏ธ In disputable situations (for example, for the court), it is better to obtain written consent to record.

On Xiaomi devices with firmware for China or India, the record can be blocked for legal reasons, in which case, changing the firmware region can help circumvent the restriction.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi

โ“ Can I record calls to Xiaomi without notifying the interlocutor?
Technically yes: the built-in MIUI recorder does not not notify the second subscriber, but from a legal point of view, this may be a violation of the law in your country. For example, in Russia, recording without consent is allowed if you are a participant in a conversation, but in the EU it is prohibited.
โ“ Why my Redmi Note 10 doesnโ€™t have a record button in the Phone appยป?
There are several reasons: you have China installed. ROM โ€” Solution: Reflash to Global. ROM Or use third-party apps. MIUI Below 12. Update the firmware through Settings โ†’ System update. The function is hidden in the settings. Check the phone. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Recording of conversations.
โ“ How to increase recording time? Default limit 2 hours.
The 2-hour limit is set at the system level. To get around it: Use third-party apps (like Boldbeast) where you can set unlimited time. Break up a long conversation into multiple files: stop and resume recording manually. Convert recordings to another format (like.amr to.mp3) with apps like Audio Converter.
โ“ Can I recover a accidentally deleted recording?
Yes, but the odds depend on how long it has been since you deleted: Use file recovery apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (you need a PC connection). Check the cart in Xiaomi's file manager: sometimes files stay there for up to 30 days. If the record synced with Mi Cloud, check the Deleted Files folder in the cloud. Important: don't write new files to the device after you delete - this reduces the chances of recovery.
โ“ Does the record work in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
No, Xiaomi's built-in voice recorder only records standard phone calls. To record voice messages or calls in messengers: Use external recording: turn on speaker and record sound through Google Recorder. Telegram has a built-in voice recording feature (hold the microphone button). WhatsApp will be suitable for specialized applications, such as Call Recorder for WhatsApp (requires access settings).