How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from preserving important business negotiations to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and the tightening of Google’s privacy policy, standard recording methods have ceased to work on most devices. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways – from built-in features to third-party applications – and also talk about legal nuances and technical limitations.

It is important to understand that the recording capabilities depend on three factors: the MIUI version (since MIUI 12.5, the algorithms have changed), the Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi 10C settings differ), and the firmware region (Chinese, global or European builds).

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

Some Xiaomi Redmi models (mostly on Chinese firmware) retain the built-in recording feature, but it's hidden in the back of the menu.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Call Record section (if there is no item, your firmware does not support the function).
4. Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.

If you don’t have a Record Conversations, your Redmi model is devoid of this option due to regional restrictions, such as the global firmware Redmi Note 11 and later feature removed at the request of Google (Privacy Policy Android 12+).

Where are the records stored? Files are saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec It's in internal memory. It's a format called.amr or.mp3, So you can listen to the tape, depending on the model:

• 📁 Open the Files app. → Internal storage → MIUI → sound_recorder.
• 🔊 Click on the file - the built-in player will open.
• 📤 To send a record, hold the file. → Share.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 14+ The built-in record can automatically turn off after the update.

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

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9A, Redmi Note 10 Pro), call recording can be activated via an engineering menu, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##3646633## (some models run ##4636###).
2. Go to the Audio section → Normal Mode.
3. Find Call Recording (also known as Voice Recording).
4. Select Enable and save the settings.

After that, the Phone app will have a recording button (usually a red circle) on models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and later, this method may not work due to the limitations of the chipset.

Third-party applications for recording: TOP-3 working versions

If the built-in methods don't work, you'll have to use third-party apps, but with Android 10+, Google has banned apps from recording calls through the microphone during a conversation.

• 📱 Cube Call Recorder ACR — The most reliable solution. Uses Accessibility Service to record.
• 🎤 Boldbeast Call Recorder - supports root access to bypass restrictions. Suitable for Redmi with unlocked bootloader.
• ☁️ Call Recorder by Lovekesh - Records calls through the cloud (requires registration). MIUI 13/14.

Instructions for Cube Call Recorder ACR:

Install the app from Google Play|Open Settings → Enable Special Features|Select the recording format (MP3)|Give permission to access files and microphone |Reboot your phone

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How does the recording work? The app creates a virtual audio feed and saves the conversation in the background. The downside is that some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 12) can only record your voice, not the person you're talking to.

• 🔧 Enable Record via Bluetooth in your application settings (if you have a headset).
• 📶 Use VoIP mode (recording via Internet calls).
• 🔄 Switch to Root Mode (requires root rights).

⚠️ Attention: Call recording apps are often blocked by Google Play Protect as "potentially dangerous."This is not a virus, but a precaution.To avoid being deleted, add the app to exceptions in Google Play Protection settings.

4. Recording via a second SIM card or Bluetooth headset

If the software methods are not suitable, you can use hardware solutions:

• 📞 Second SIM card: Insert second SIM to another phone, call it and turn on speakerphone + recording.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headset: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones) support recording conversations via a paired device.
• 🔌 Audio splitter: Connect to Redmi splitter with access to the recorder (works on models with a 3.5 mm connector).

For recording through the headset:

1. Connect Bluetooth headphones to Redmi.
2. Start a call and activate the recording with your voice (e.g., “OK Google, record the sound”).
3. After the conversation, the file will be saved in the Recordings folder.

The downside is the low quality of the sound and the need for an extra device, but it's 100% legal and works on any firmware.

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If you use the second phone to record, turn on Air Mode to avoid interference from incoming calls.

5. Legal aspects: can calls be recorded without consent

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the secrecy of correspondence”) and FZ-152 (“On personal data”).

• 📜 For personal use: It is allowed to record conversations if you are a member (art. 9 FZ-152).
• ⚖️ For litigation: Recording may be evidence, but the court may request confirmation of its authenticity.
• 🚫 Prohibited: Distribute records without the consent of the interlocutor (fine up to 300 000) ₽).

In other countries, the rules differ:

How do you protect yourself? If you're recording a conversation for important purposes (like negotiating with a bank), at the beginning of the conversation, verbally notify the person about the recording, a phrase like, "The conversation is recorded to fix the terms of the transaction. Do you mind?" minimizes legal risks.

6. Alternative ways: cloud services and voice assistants

If none of these methods work, consider cloud solutions:

• ☁️ Google Voice: Free incoming call recording service (only available in the US).
• 🤖 You can turn on the recording with a voice (Alice, record the conversation), but the quality will be low.
• 📱 Skype/Zoom: If the call is through these apps, they offer the recording option themselves.

For Yandex Alice:

1. Activate the voice assistant with a long press on the Home button.
2. Say, "Alice, play the tape."
3. Start the call in speaker mode.
4. After the conversation, say, "Alice, save the record."

The downside is that you record through a microphone, so the quality depends on the acoustics of the room, but you don't need to install any additional applications.

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Cloud services are the most legal way to record, but are only suitable for Internet calls or hands-free conversations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi