Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps you capture important details of negotiations, save evidence for legal purposes or simply keep an archive of conversations. However, not all users know that recording capabilities depend on the device model, the MIUI firmware version and regional restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all available methods from built-in tools to third-party applications, as well as talk about legal aspects and typical configuration errors.
It is important to understand that the call recording functionality of the latest MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) has changed due to tighter privacy policies, for example, in some EU and US countries, the default call recording is disabled or hidden. But even in such cases, there are workarounds, which we will talk about too. If your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi does not support embedded recording, do not worry: third-party solutions often work more efficiently.
1. Verification of support for built-in call recording
Before looking for alternative methods, make sure your device does not support out-of-the-box recording. The feature is available on most Xiaomi models, but its availability depends on:
- ๐ฑ Smartphone models โ flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra) are more likely to have advanced options than budget (Redmi) 10A).
- ๐ Firmware region โ in India, China and Russia, the record is usually turned on, and in the EU it can be blocked.
- ๐ Versions MIUI โ into MIUI 14 The recording interface has changed compared to MIUI 11.
To check for support:
- Open the Phone app.
- Press three points (โฎ) top-right โ Settings.
- Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations (or Call Recording) section.
If there is no item, your firmware does not support the function. In this case, go to the section on third-party applications. If there is one, but gray (inactive), try changing the firmware region (more on this below).
2. Enable recording through standard MIUI settings
If your device supports the function, it's easy to activate it. Instructions for MIUI 12-14:
- Launch the Phone app.
- Put it on the icon. โฎ (three-point) โ Settings โ Recording of conversations.
- Activate the Record Switch automatically.
- Choose which calls to record: ๐ All calls - recording incoming and outgoing. ๐ฑ Only incoming or outgoing. ๐ Selectively โ entry only for contacts from the โfavorite".
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When activated during the call, a notification will appear at the top of the screen: Recording is in progress.mp3 (depending on the model in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. Access to records โ via Recorder or any file manager.
Is the function included in the phone settings?|Is there a notice of recording during the call?|Are files saved in the folder? call_rec?|Are recordings heard without distortion?-->
3. Solving problems with embedded recording
Often users are faced with the fact that the record is not running or files are not saved, let's consider the typical reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No "Recording conversations" in the settings | Firmware for the region where the function is blocked (EU, USA) | Change the firmware region to India/Russia via Settings โ Additional โ Region |
| Recording is turned on, but files are empty (0 bytes) | Access rights conflict or codec error | Clear the cache of the phone application and restart the device |
| Recording is interrupted in 1-2 minutes | Time limit in some firmware | Use a third-party application (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) |
| Interviewer hears notice of recording | Requirements of legislation (e.g. in the United States) | Disable alerts in recording settings or use hidden methods |
If changing the region didnโt help, try updating your firmware to the latest version. Go to Settings โ About Phone โ System Update. Sometimes the record appears after upgrading to MIUI 13/14.
How to change the firmware region without losing data?
4. Third-party applications for recording calls
If the built-in feature is not available or is unstable, use third-party apps.The best options for Xiaomi are:
- ๐ค Cube Call Recorder ACR โ It records calls via VoIP (it even works on Android 13), supports cloud storage.
- ๐ฑ Call Recorder by Lovekush โ simple interface, automatic recording of all calls, export to Google Drive.
- ๐ Truecaller โ in addition to the number determinant has a built-in record (does not work on all Xiaomi models).
- ๐ก๏ธ Boldbeast Call Recorder is a paid solution with support for root rights to bypass the restrictions of Android 10+.
For installation:
- Download. APK-file from an official website (e.g. Cube) ACR).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Install unknown applications.
- Launch the application and grant rights to Microphone, Warehouse and Calls.
- In the application settings, select the write format (MP3 or WAV) and the folder to save.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Android 11+ Applications are prohibited from recording calls through standard API. To circumvent restrictions, you will need to enable App Accessibility Mode or use ADB-Command: adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.WRITE_CALL_LOG Without these rights, the recording will only work on the part of your microphone (without the voice of the interlocutor).
5. Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before using the record, please read the laws of your country, and in most cases the following rules apply:
- ๐ Russia โ 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.
- ๐ช๐บ European Union - by GDPR recording without consent is prohibited, except if you explicitly notify the person you are recording (e.g. by voice message).
- ๐บ๐ธ The laws vary by state, California requires the consent of all parties, Texas only one.
- ๐ Other countries โ in India and China, the recording is allowed for personal use but is prohibited from distributing without consent.
In Russia, phone records are often used in litigation (e.g., in debt disputes or traffic accidents), but the court can reject the evidence if the integrity of the file is not confirmed (e.g., through notarization).
- Save original files without editing.
- Record the date and time of the recording (they are automatically written in the metadata of the file).
- If necessary, certify the record with a notary.
6. Optimization of Record Storage and Management
Call recordings take up a lot of space โ an average of 1 minute = 1-2 MB (in MP3 format) โ to avoid clogging the deviceโs memory:
- ๐ Automatic cleaning โ in the Cube app settings ACR or MIUI Recorder set a storage limit (for example, 30 days).
- โ๏ธ Cloud reservations โ set up autoload records in Google Drive, Dropbox or Mi Cloud.
- ๐ Search by records โ use tags or file names (e.g., Contract Ivanov_15.05.2026.mp3).
- ๐๏ธ Removing duplicates โ Apps like Duplicate Files Fixer help you find and delete duplicate records.
For easy listening:
- Use a player with a playback acceleration function (such as VLC or MX Player).
- Convert files to MP3 at 64 kbps to save space (via Audacity or online converters).
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To quickly find the record by phone number, rename the file before saving. For example, in Cube ACR you can configure the name template: {CONTACT} {DATE} {TIME}.mp3.
7. Alternative recording methods (without root)
If neither the built-in feature nor third-party apps work, try workarounds:
- Recording through second line: Use a second phone or tablet to record a conversation through a speaker (please hold the microphone of the second device to the speaker of the first). MIUI) or Easy Voice Recorder.
- Recording Conference Call: Create a conference with +7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX and your second number (for example, via a Telegram bot with a call record).
- Recording via Bluetooth Headset: Some headsets (such as Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds) support recording audio through an accompanying app.
These methods are less convenient, but work on 100% of devices without restrictions on Android or firmware.
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On Xiaomi with Android 13+, the only reliable way to write without root is to use VoIP-enabled apps (like Cube ACR) or external devices.