Recording calls to Xiaomi: how to enable, save and not break the law

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business agreements to keeping conversations with relatives. However, not everyone knows that the functionality of recording calls on Redmi, POCO and other brands is not as obvious as it may seem, in some regions this option is hidden due to legal restrictions, and in others it requires additional settings.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to record calls to Xiaomi in 2026, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications with advanced features, focus on the legal aspects of when recording is allowed and when it can lead to problems, and learn how to save records, automate the process and bypass the typical errors that cause the function to stop working.

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

On most Xiaomi smartphones (except for models for the European market), the call recording function is integrated into the standard Phone application. However, its activation depends on the firmware version and regional build of MIUI.

• 📱 Open the Phone app and go to Settings → Recording calls.
• 🔊 If there is no point, try pressing the button • • (three dots) in the upper right corner during the call.
• 🌍 On European firmware (MIUI EU) The function may be disabled due to GDPR. In this case, a change in region or third-party software will help.
• 📁 Records are saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Available through Files or Explorer).

If your MIUI version doesn't have a recording option, don't rush to install third-party apps. Check the firmware version first:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The recording can be blocked by the operator, in which case only root access or alternative methods will help.

2.Why call records may not be saved (and how to fix it)

A common problem with Xiaomi users is that the call record is turned on, but the files are not saved or disappear after the reboot.

On Android 12+ and MIUI 14+ devices, recording may be blocked due to Google’s privacy policy, in which case only installing an alternative firmware or using an external voice recorder will help.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the phone app settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Storage → Clear data

3. Third-party applications for recording: TOP-5 provenance

If the built-in feature doesn’t work or doesn’t work well, use third-party apps. We tested dozens of options and selected the best ones for Xiaomi:

• 🎤 Cube ACR — Records both sides of the conversation (requires root on new Android) Supports cloud storage and automatic decryption.
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – simple interface, works without root on MIUI 13/14. Disadvantage: Advertising in the free version.
• 🔊 Automatic Call Recorder - Flexible settings (contact recording, exceptions) The paid version removes the duration limit.
• 🌐 Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that run Android 13.+ It supports formats.mp3 and wav.
• 🛡️ Truecaller – in addition to the number detector, has a built-in recorder (available in all regions).

Check compatibility with your Xiaomi model before installing, for example, the POCO F5 with MIUI 14 is better for the Cube ACR or Boldbeast, and on older devices (for example, Redmi 9A) Call Recorder by Lovekesh will work.

⚠️ Note: Apps from Google Play may be removed for violating call record policy. APK only from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).

Remove other recording apps | Check Android | Enable installation from unknown sources | Make backup contacts | Check app reviews-->

4.Legal nuances: when recording calls is prohibited

In most countries, recording telephone conversations is regulated by law, for example, in Russia, according to Art. 23 of the Constitution and Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases of:

• 📜 For personal use (without distribution).
• 🛡️ In self-defense (e.g., threats or blackmail).
• 🏛️ Court decision (if the record is evidence).

In the European Union (GDPR) and some US states (e.g. California), notice of the recording is required, and a breach can result in a fine of up to €20,000 (in the EU) or a privacy claim.

To avoid problems:

1. Always warn about the recording (e.g., “The conversation is recorded to record the arrangements”).
2. Do not distribute the recordings without the consent of the participants.
3. Store files in a secure location (e.g., an encrypted archive).

5. Automatic Recording: How to Set Up and Not Miss an Important Conversation

To avoid manual recording every time you call, set up automatic mode. In the built-in Phone app on Xiaomi, it is done like this:

1. Open the phone → Settings → Record the calls.
2. Enable the option of Automatic Recording.
3. Select the type of calls: 📞 All calls are recorded incoming and outgoing. 📥 Only incoming. 📤 Only outgoing. ⭐ Selected contacts – entry only for selected numbers.

.mp3

.amr

For third-party applications (such as Cube ACR), automation settings are more flexible:

• 🔄 You can set a schedule for recording (for example, only during working hours).
• 📌 Exclude certain numbers (banks, support services).
• ☁️ Automatically upload records to Google Drive or Dropbox.

⚠️ Warning: Automatic recording can quickly fill up the device's memory. set up automatic deletion of old files (e.g., older than 30 days) or use cloud storage.

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If the recording suddenly stopped working, check if the power saving mode for the Phone application is turned on. Add it to the exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If neither built-in tools nor third-party apps work, try workarounds:

• 🎧 Recording through headphones with a microphone: Connect wired headphones and use a standard voice recorder (Recording sound in the audio) MIUI). Cons: the quality is worse than with direct recording.
• 📻 High-profile communication + External voice recorder: Turn on speakerphone and record sound with another device (for example, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has voice recording feature).
• 🖥️ PC recording: Connect your smartphone to your computer and use programs like Audacity (you will need an audio cable or Bluetooth adapter).
• 🔄 Firmware change: Install MIUI China or custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where recording restrictions are lifted.

For Android 10+ models with no root access, the only reliable way to do this is to use a second recording device, like putting a second smartphone next to you with the recorder on.

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On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, recording calls through third-party apps without root permissions is almost impossible due to Google’s restrictions, in which case only alternative methods (external recording, changing firmware) remain.

7 How to save and organize call records

By default, Xiaomi records are saved in.amr (low quality) or.mp3 (better quality but larger size) formats to organize files:

1. Rename files by template: Date Time Telephone Number Contact Name.mp3 For example: 20260515_1430_+79123456789_Ivan Petrov.mp3.
2. Use tags to sort (e.g. #work, #family).
3. Transfer old records to Google Drive or Yandex Drive (set up automatic sync via Settings → Memory → Cloud Storage).
4. For important conversations, create an encrypted archive (e.g., through 7-Zip with a password).

To save space on the device:

• 🗑️ Delete records older than 6 months (unless they are needed for court or business purposes).
• 🔄 Convert.amr to.amr.mp3 AudioConverter (quality won’t improve, but files will be more compatible).
• 📁 Use Google Files to automatically clean up the cache of records.

Frequently asked questions