How to record a conversation on a Xiaomi phone: official and hidden methods

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, not everyone knows that recording capabilities depend on the device model, MIUI version, and even regional restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways – from built-in features to third-party applications – and also talk about the legal nuances that are important to consider before starting recording.

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) have historically had mixed support for recording conversations. In some versions of MIUI, this feature was available out of the box, but the nolater was removed due to tightening Google policies and local laws. Today, recording conversations can be hidden in the depths of settings or require additional manipulation. Below you will find current methods tested on devices from 2023-2026.

Before you go into the instructions, make sure your smartphone meets two key conditions:

• 📱 Version. MIUI at least 12.5 (on older firmware, some methods do not work).
• 🌍 Firmware region: recording functions may not be available in European countries (EEA) Indian (IN) build-up.

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

On some Xiaomi models, the conversation recording feature is hidden in the standard Phone app, but its visibility depends on the MIUI version and region.

Open the Phone app and dial the number to call. After you start the conversation, pay attention to the screen — if the feature is active, you'll see the Record button (an icon of a microphone or circle). POCO X5 It can only appear after the first pressing of three points (⋮) top-right.

If there is no button, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions.
2. Make sure the app has access to the microphone and storage.
3. Return to the phone, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings → Recording of conversations.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for EEA (Europe) built-in conversation recording is locked at the firmware level. Attempt bypasses this restriction through region change can lead to unstable phone operation.

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If the built-in recording is not available, check for MIUI updates: sometimes the feature returns in new versions. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

2. Hidden recording function via engineering menu (for advanced)

On some Xiaomi models, recording conversations can be activated via the engineering menu (#4636##), but this method requires caution and does not work on all devices.

Enter the phone app as ##4636##. Testing will open. Go to the Phone Information tab and scroll down to Turn on VoLTE (if any). Call Recording option may be nearby, turn it on.

Enter the code ##4636## in the phone app

Go to the Phone Information section

Find the Call Recording item (if any)

Activate the function and restart the phone

Check the appearance of the recording button in the call-->

Important: This method only works on Qualcomm-powered devices (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro or POCO X4 Pro). On MediaTek-powered smartphones (like the Redmi 10C), the engineering menu does not include any options for recording.

⚠️ Note: Changes to the settings in the engineering menu may cause network failures or calls. If the mobile signal disappears after activation of the recording, reset the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

3. applications for recording conversations: TOP-5 proven options

If the built-in methods don't work, we've only used third-party applications. We've tested 15 programs and selected those that work consistently on Xiaomi without root rights. An important caveat: since 2022, Google Play has been blocking applications to record conversations in the background, so some solutions require manual installation (APK).

The best apps for Xiaomi in 2026:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Records both sides of the conversation (requires audio source setting: VoIP for the MIUI).
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – a simple interface, runs on Redmi Note 11 and newer.
• 🔊 Automatic Call Recorder – supports cloud storage (but may not record voice on some models).
• 🛠️ Blackbox Call Recorder is a paid solution with advanced settings (suitable for business users).
• 🌐 Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that bypasses restrictions. MIUI 14.

Installation and configuration (as in Cube Call Recorder ACR):

1. Download APK from the official website (in Google Play version is trimmed).
2. Enable permission to overlay over other windows in Settings → Special Options → Overlay.
3. In the application settings, select the sound source: Voice Call + Mic (for MIUI).
4. Add the app to battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → Cube ACR → No restrictions.

Cube Call Recorder ACR|Automatic Call Recorder|Boldbeast|Other|Not using.-->

⚠️ Note: Applications for recording conversations may conflict with the function "Personal Data Protection" in the MIUI. If the recording does not start after installation, disable this option in Settings. → Confidentiality → Special access → Protection of personal data.

4. Record conversations via second phone or headset

If the software methods don't work, the analog method is to record through a second phone or headset with a microphone, which is universal and works on any device, including Xiaomi with any version of MIUI.

You'll need:

• 📱 Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with voice recording enabled.
• 🎧 Headset with microphone (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Neckband) connected to the main phone.
• 🔇 Quiet room (to minimize noise).

How to write:

1. Connect the headset to Xiaomi and make sure the sound is coming through it.
2. Put a second phone (or voice recorder) next to the headset microphone.
3. Start recording on the second device before the call starts.
4. During a conversation, speak to the microphone of the headset - so the voice of the interlocutor will be recorded more clearly.

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This method is guaranteed to record both sides of the conversation, but the sound quality depends on the acoustics of the room and the quality of the microphone of the second device.

To improve the quality of the recording:

• Use a noise-canceling headset (e.g., Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2).
• Close the windows and doors to reduce echo.
• Place the second phone 10-15 cm from the headset microphone.

5. Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal

Before recording conversations, it is important to understand the legal implications: in most countries, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited unless you are a participant.

In Russia (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), recording of a conversation is allowed if:

• 📞 You are a participant in the conversation (no need to notify the interlocutor).
• 📝 The purpose of recording is to protect your rights (for example, to record threats or agreements).
• 🚨 The recording shall not be distributed publicly without the consent of the second participant.

In the EU (GDPR) and the US, the rules are stricter:

• 🇪🇺 In Europe, explicit consent of all participants in the conversation is required (except for personal use records).
• 🇺🇸 Most states have a one-party rule (only your consent is enough), but California and Washington need everyone’s consent.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the recording in court or to resolve a dispute, please check the current laws in your country. For example, in Germany, recording a conversation without consent can be considered a violation of the right to privacy (§ 201 StGB).

Critical point: even if the record is allowed, its publication in social networks or transfer to third parties without the consent of the interlocutor can become the basis for a claim for violation of confidentiality.

6 Where records are stored and how to keep them

If you used the built-in MIUI write feature, the files are automatically saved to the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

To access them:

1. Open the Files app (or any file manager).
2. Go to the Internal Memory section → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
3. The files are.amr or.mp3 with a template title: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.

For records from third-party applications (such as Cube ACR):

• 📁 default folder: /storage/emulated/0/CubeCallRecorder/.
• 🔄 To change the save location, open the application settings and select the Record folder.
• ☁️ Some apps (such as Automatic Call Recorder) support automatic downloading to Google Drive or Dropbox.

Tips for keeping records:

• 🔄 Regularly transfer important records to your PC or cloud (files take up space and may be deleted when you clear the cache).
• 📌 Rename files for convenience (for example, the Agreement with Ivanov_20260515.amr).
• 🔒 If the records contain confidential information, encrypt them with the help of 7-Zip or VeraCrypt.

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To quickly find entries, use a search in the file manager for keywords: type in "call_rec" or "Recording_".

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the conversations on Xiaomi correctly, it can malfunction. Let’s look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

If none of these methods work, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes the record returns after the update).
2. Reset the settings of the Phone application in Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset.
3. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) where the recording function is unlocked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions