How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12-14

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business negotiations to fixing evidence in controversial situations. However, not everyone knows that recording capabilities depend on the version of MIUI, device model and regional restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways – from built-in functions to third-party applications – and also tell you how to get around typical problems, such as the lack of a write button in the interface or alerting the interlocutor to record.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of conversations: according to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording negotiations without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases provided for by law (for example, to protect your rights in court).

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

Starting with MIUI 12 and later, some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11) have a built-in conversation recording feature, but it can be hidden or disabled by default due to regional restrictions.

• 📱 Open the Phone app and go to the Recent tab.
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
• 🎤 Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if no item, see the next section).
• 🔄 Turn on the Automatic Recording Switch or select Record Manually.

If there is no Recording of Conversations in the settings, this may mean:

• ❌ Your model does not support function (relevant for budget devices like Redmi). 9A).
• ❌ Installed outdated version MIUI (Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI).
• ❌ Regional restrictions (e.g. in the EU, the default recording of conversations is disabled due to the GDPR).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the recording function may be blocked by the carrier, in which case, when you try to turn on the recording, a notification will appear: “Talk recording is not available due to network restrictions”, the solution is to change the firmware to MIUI China or use alternative methods (see section 3).

Hidden MIUI settings: how to unlock call recording via engineering menu

If the built-in feature is not in the interface, it can be activated via the Engineering Mode, which works on most Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g. POCO F3, Redmi K40), but requires caution – incorrect actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Call Recording section and turn on the On option.
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

After the reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button (usually red) during the call. If it's not available, check:

• 🔄 Version MIUI: on MIUI 14 Ways May Be Different – Use #847##.
• 📱 Processor model: on devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) The engineering menu may not contain the recording option.

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If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try entering the combination through Google’s Dial (install it from Play Market).

⚠️ Attention: Change of settings in the engineering menu may cause failures in the communication module. If after activation of the recording, the sound is lost or calls stop working, reset the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls: TOP-5 proven solutions

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party applications come to the rescue, and we tested 15 programs and selected the 5 most reliable ones that are:

• 🎧 Record the sound on both sides (your voice) + interlocutor).
• 🔒 No root rights are required (except for one exception).
• 📱 Compatible with MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-13.

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔊 Record quality: Some programs only record your voice (due to Android restrictions) and both require VoIP or root access to record.
• 📲 Compatibility with MIUI: Test apps on free versions – some (like Boldbeast) require manual customization for Xiaomi.

Make sure your phone has enough memory (records take ~1–2 MB/minute)

Check the permissions of the application (access to microphone, contacts, storage)

Disable battery optimization for the application in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Battery Optimization

Make a backup of contacts (in case of failure)

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⚠️ Note: Apps from the Play Market may stop working after Android update or MIUI. For example, after the release of Android 12, many recorders lost the ability to record due to stricter privacy policies, the solution is to use versions of applications from developers’ sites (for example, Boldbeast).

4. Recording calls via Google Drive: an unexpected life hack

Few people know that Google Drive can automatically save conversation records if you sync them through Google’s Phone app, a method that works for all Xiaomis, but requires pre-configuration:

Instructions:

1. Install the phone app from Google from the Play Market (replace the standard one).
2. Open Settings → Record calls and enable Save records in Google Drive.
3. Select a Google account to sync.
4. During the call, press the Record button (will appear after setting up).

Advantages of the method:

• ☁️ Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 🔍 Easy search for records through Google Drive.
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14).

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Does not record VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Viber).
• 📶 Requires a stable internet for synchronization.

5. Recording conversations without applications: through a second phone or voice recorder

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to corporate constraints), you can use hardware solutions:

Method 1: Second phone in hands-free mode

• 📞 Put the second phone next to the main one and turn on speakerphone.
• 🎤 On the second phone, launch a voice recorder (for example, built-in sound recording on Xiaomi).
• 🔊 For better quality, use an external microphone (connected via a USB-C 3.5 mm).

Method 2: Bluetooth headset with recording function

Some headsets (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) support recording conversations via a companion app.

1. Connect the headset to the phone.
2. Install a branded app (such as Mi Earphones).
3. Enable the option of Recording calls in the settings of the headset.

Method 3: External dictaphone

Professional voice recorders (such as Sony ICD-UX570) record sound from up to 5 meters away.

• 🎙️ High quality sound (no noise).
• 🕒 Long-term autonomy (up to 100 hours of recording).
• 🔒 No binding to the phone software (works even with a discharged battery).

⚠️ Note: When using external devices, make sure they do not interfere with the main phone. For example, some Bluetooth headsets can cause echoes in the tube if recording is enabled.

Legal aspects: can conversations be recorded without consent

In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

• Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation: guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations, but allows their fixation with the consent of at least one of the interlocutors (for example, yours).
• Criminal Code (Article 138.1): Illegal distribution of records is punishable by a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles.
• 152.2: the record may be used in court as evidence if it does not violate the rights of others.

Rules in other countries:

• 🇺🇸 Most states require the consent of one party (yours), but California requires both.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): Recording without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, except when it is necessary to protect your rights.
• 🇨🇳 China: Recording conversations without consent is considered a violation of cybersecurity law.

Important: If you plan to use the recording in court, notify the person in advance of the recording (for example, at the beginning of the conversation, say, "I am recording our conversation to record agreements"), which will strengthen the legal force of the evidence.

Example of notification for a business call:

"Good afternoon, I remind you that our conversation is recorded in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 9 of the Federal law № 152-FZ for the documentation of agreements, continuing the conversation, you express your consent."

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you record your calls on Xiaomi, you'll find common mistakes, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📵 Flight mode: Some applications do not work without a network connection.
• 🔕 Privacy settings: in Settings → Confidentiality → Special access → Recording of sound must be allowed using a microphone.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Recording is blocked – a rollback to a stable version is required.

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If you need a record for litigation, use certified applications (e.g. Call Recorder – Legal) or external recorders.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions