How to record a call on Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from storing important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI capabilities in this matter often cause confusion. Depending on the firmware version, device model and region of sale, the functionality can be radically different β€” or absent altogether.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to record calls on Xiaomi, including built-in tools, third-party apps and workarounds for models where the function is blocked. We will focus on the legal aspects – in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor can be considered a violation of the law, even if you use it for personal purposes, and you will learn how to save records, automate the process and avoid typical errors.

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

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has integrated call recording into the standard Phone app, but with serious regional restrictions. In Russia, Ukraine and most CIS countries, this feature is disabled by default due to legal requirements.

To check for an integrated recording device:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Dial the combination ##4636## (test menu opens).
  3. Go to the Phone Information tab and find Call Record.

If the item is present but inactive, it means that the function is blocked at the firmware level, in which case only installing a modified MIUI (for example, Xiaomi.eu) or using third-party applications will help.

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model supports built-in call recording?
Yeah, it's out of the box.
It is in the settings, but inactive
There is no such function.
I don't know, I haven't.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 With global firmware, call recording can automatically turn off after updates. MIUI.

Step-by-step: how to record a call through a standard application

If your device supports embedded recording, the algorithm is simple:

  1. Activation of the function: πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Recording calls. πŸ”„ Turn on the Automatic Recording Switch or select Record Manually. πŸ“ Specify the folder for saving (by default β€” MIUI/sound_recorder/calls).

Recording process:

  • πŸ“ž During the call, click on the icon. 🎀 (will appear in the call interface).
  • πŸ”΄ The icon turns red, the recording begins. Pressing it again will stop it.

Make sure your phone has enough memory (1 minute of recording β‰ˆ 1.5 MB)

Disable the power saving mode for the "Phone" application

Check that the microphone is not silenced (for example, dust in the connector)

Synchronize time on the device (important for date/time tags in files)-->

Records are saved in.amr or.mp3 format (depending on the model) and contain labels with subscriber number, date and duration. Files can be listened to through any media player or sent via messenger.

Third-party applications for recording: TOP-5 proven solutions

If the built-in feature is not available, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of apps and selected those that work consistently on Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube Call RecorderRecording both sides of the conversation, cloud storage, speech recognitionPaid subscription for extended functionsGoogle Play
Call Recorder by LovekushFree version without restrictions, MIUI supportAdvertising, sometimes "glut" with the number determinantGoogle Play
Automatic Call RecorderFlexible settings (for example, writing only unfamiliar numbers)Requires permission to access contactsGoogle Play
Boldbeast Call RecorderWorks on root (root) devices, recording in high qualityA complex setup for beginnersOfficial website
Call Recorder - ACRIntegration with Google Drive, filtering spam callsClosed in some regions (use a VPN)Google Play

Before installing, check the app's permissions: it must request access to Microphone, Warehouse, and Phone. Xiaomi may also need to manually enable autorun for the app in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Autorun.

πŸ’‘

If the app does not record the voice of the interlocutor, try to turn on the hands-free mode for 1-2 seconds at the beginning of the conversation - this will often "wake up" the microphone.

In Russia, according to Article 23 of the Constitution and Article 138 of the Criminal Code, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in one case - if you are a participant in the conversation and use the recording exclusively for personal purposes (for example, to fix agreements).

However, there are critical nuances:

  • πŸ“œ Distribution of the record (sending to third parties, publication on the network) without the consent of the interlocutor may be qualified as a violation of the confidentiality of correspondence.
  • βš–οΈ In court, such a record may be considered inadmissible evidence if the second party was not notified of the record keeping.
  • 🌍 In the EU (e.g. Germany or France), recording conversations without consent is strictly prohibited, even for personal use.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices sold in the EU, call recording is blocked at the firmware level.

If you plan to use the recording for legal purposes, notify the person in advance (e.g., "The conversation is recorded to record the arrangements. Do you mind?") and this will save you from potential problems.

Hidden Call Recording: Risks and Workarounds

Some users are looking for ways to record conversations that the other person doesn't know about, which is technically possible, but has consequences.

  • πŸ”Š External recorder: Hold the second phone or recorder to the speaker, the recording quality will be low, but you will not need to install software.
  • πŸ“‘ Google Voice: The service allows you to record incoming calls after pressing 4 on the keyboard. Minus - only works for US/Canada numbers.
  • πŸ› οΈ Modified firmware: Installation of Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS unlocks hidden features, but voids warranty.

The riskiest option is to use applications that masquerade as system applications (e.g. Call Recorder - Secret), which can:

  • Collect your personal data.
  • Show advertising in the background.
  • Be removed by antivirus as potentially dangerous.
What happens if the interviewer finds a hidden record?
At best, it will ruin your relationship, and at worst, it can be grounds for a claim for privacy violations (Article 152.2 of the Civil Code), and courts often side with the victim if the recording was made without notice and used to harm.

If you do need a hidden record (for example, to record threats), consult a lawyer about the legality of such a step in your situation.

Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, the call records on Xiaomi are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/


or




/storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/

To transfer files to the PC or cloud:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
  2. Copy files with the.amr or.mp3 extension to a safe location.
  3. For automatic sync, use Google Drive or Mi Cloud (in the recording app settings).

If the Suddenly records are missing, check:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Is automatic cleaning not included in the Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Cleanup.
  • πŸ”„ Are your phone app settings reset after updates.
  • πŸ“± Is there enough space on the device (MIUI Can delete old files when memory is scarce).

πŸ’‘

Backing up records once a month will save you from losing important conversations when you drop your phone or break down.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users encounter common errors when recording calls.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Recording ends in 30 seconds.Limit MIUI to save batteryDisable optimization for the Phone app in the battery settings
The voice of the interlocutor is not recorded.Locking the microphone at the OS levelUse a VoIP-enabled app (such as Cube Call Recorder)
Record files damaged.Conflict with other audio applicationsClose all programs that use the microphone (e.g. Shazam or Google Assistant)
The recording icon doesn't appearMisinterface failure MIUIRestart your phone or clear the phone app cache

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Phone application:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Storage.
  2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
  3. Reset the device.

After resetting, all previous records will be deleted, but the function should work correctly.

Can I record calls to Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, most apps (like Cube Call Recorder or ACR) don’t need root rights. They use the Android API to access the audio stream. However, some models (like Xiaomi 12T) may need to enable VoIP Recording in the app settings.
Why is my Redmi Note 9 not using call recording?
This is due to regional firmware restrictions: Global MIUI versions for Europe and the US have the recording disabled for legal reasons. Solutions: Install Xiaomi.eu (unofficial firmware with unlocked features). Use third-party apps from our rankings.
How to record a call to WhatsApp or Telegram?
In messengers, call recording is blocked at the protocol level: πŸ“± Use a second phone with the recorder on. πŸ’» Record the sound from your computer (if you call via the web version). πŸ”Š Turn on speakerphone and record through an external recorder. ⚠️ Note: Recording calls in messengers without notifying the interlocutor may violate the service’s user agreement (for example, paragraph 5.2 of the WhatsApp Rules).
Can I recover deleted call records?
If your files have been deleted recently, try: πŸ” Data recovery programs (DiskDigger, Recuva). πŸ—‘οΈ Check the Recycle Bin in the Files app (folder.trash). ☁️ If you have synced with Mi Cloud enabled, check the cloud. The chances of recovery depend on how long it has been and whether new data has been written to the device.
Is it legal to use phone records in court?
In Russian courts, the recordings of calls are accepted as evidence if: 🎀 You are a participant in the conversation. πŸ“„ Record not edited (original time stamped file). βš–οΈ The interviewee was notified of the recording before the conversation (orally or in the SMS). Without notice, the recording may be recognized as inadmissible evidence (resolution of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation) β„–17 from 2016).