Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi is a useful feature for capturing important details, evidence, or simply saving memorable conversations. However, many users face problems: they can’t find saved files, encounter recording errors, or don’t know how to recover accidentally deleted audio. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of working with call recordings on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from standard MIUI capabilities to third-party applications.
It’s important to understand that recording functionality depends on the firmware version, smartphone model, and regional restrictions. For example, in some countries, automatic recording of conversations is prohibited by law, and Xiaomi blocks this option. We’ll look at the legal ways that work on most devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, and Mi 11.
If you've never turned on a record before, check if your model supports it first, and if you go to the Phone app and see if there's a recording button when you call, don't despair, there are workarounds.
Where to store phone records on Xiaomi: standard ways
By default, conversation records on Xiaomi are saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec The path may vary depending on the version. MIUI:
- 📁 MIUI 12/13/14: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
- 📁 Old versions (MIUI 10-11): /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/
- 📁 For some models POCO: /storage/emulated/0/POCO/Recorder/
To find the folder quickly:
- Open the File Manager app.
- Go to the tab "Category» → «Audio».
- Look for files with a name CallRecord_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr or rec_*.mp3.
If you don't have a folder, maybe the records are disabled in the settings or saved to the cloud. Check the Recorder app, where sometimes the files are duplicated.
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If you use a memory card, the records can be saved to it. /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/, where XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-map.
How to turn on call recording: step-by-step instructions
On most Xiaomi smartphones, recording conversations is enabled directly during a call, but in some regions (e.g. the EU), this feature is hidden due to legal restrictions.
- During the call: Press the Record button on the call screen. If the call button is not available, proceed to the next step.
- Through settings: Open the "phone» → «⋮» (three-point) → «Settings. Select Call recording. Activate Auto Record switch or select Record all calls».
For the hidden function (if there is no item in the menu):
How to Enable Recording through Engineering Menu
- In the phone app, type ##6484##.
- In the menu that opens, find the “Call Recording” item and activate it.
- Reboot your smartphone.
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Once activated, all incoming and outgoing calls will be recorded automatically.
In some countries (for example, in Russia) for a legal record requires notification of the interlocutor about the record.
Make sure your phone has enough memory | Check permissions for the Phone app | Activate the recording in the settings | Notify the interlocutor (if required by law)
Why Calls Are Not Recorded: 5 Common Reasons
If the recording function doesn't work, the problem may be in settings, firmware, or hardware constraints, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No button on the record. | Function disabled in the region | Use an engineering menu or third-party apps |
| The record is cut off. | Lack of memory | Clear the cache or transfer the files to SD-map |
| Files are not saved. | No permits. | Check the rights for the Phone application in Settings → Applications → Permissions |
| Poor sound quality | Compression of audio in.amr format | Convert files to.mp3 through applications like Audio Converter |
| The recording works only on speakerphone. | Limitation MIUI for some | Update your firmware or use headphones with a microphone |
On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the recording may not work due to Qualcomm’s hardware limitations.
Yes, no problem |Works but with errors |Not working at all |I haven't tried(a)|I'm using third-party apps-->
Third-party applications for recording: TOP-3 alternatives
If Xiaomi's standard feature doesn't work, you can use third-party solutions that offer advanced features like cloud storage, speech-to-text transcription, and recording format choices.
- 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR: It records calls even on devices without native support, supports cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox), and has a blacklist to eliminate unnecessary contacts.
- 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh: Simple interface with automatic saving.mp3. Works on MIUI 14 without root rights. Free version with ads.
- ☁️ OTT Call Recorder (VoIP): Specializes in recording calls over WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Google Drive integration for automatic download, requires additional permissions to access notifications.
Before installing, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model.Some apps may not work on Android 13+ devices due to tighter privacy policies.
⚠️ Note: Call recording applications may conflict with the standard Phone app on the Internet MIUI. After installation, restart your smartphone and check permission priorities in Settings → Annexes → Rights of annexes → Auto-start.
How to Recover Deleted Call Records
If you accidentally delete an important record, don't despair, it can be restored. The main rule is: don't write new files to your device so you don't overwrite deleted data.
- Through the Files Recycle Bin: Open Files → Recycle Bin. Find a deleted audio file (usually with the.amr or.mp3) extension. Select the file and click Recover.
- With the help of specialized programs: DiskDigger - scans internal memory for deleted files. Recuva (for PC) - connect your smartphone to your computer in MTP mode. EaseUS MobiSaver - supports recovery with Xiaomi without root.
Through MIUI backup:
- If you have cloud backup enabled, check “Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud → Backups.”
- Restore the date the record was still in existence.
The chances of a successful recovery depend on the time since the deletion, and if a file was deleted more than a month ago, the probability of its return is minimal.
⚠️ Note: Data recovery software may contain malicious code, download it only from official sources (Google Play, developer site) and check reviews.
Convert and edit records
Call records on Xiaomi are often saved in.amr format, which is not always easy to listen to or send. To convert them to.mp3 or crop unnecessary snippets, use the following tools:
- 🔄 Format conversion: Audio Converter (Android) supports batch processing; Audacity (PC) for professional editing; Online services like Online-Convert.
- ✂️ Cutting and improving sound: Lexis Audio Editor – allows you to cut pauses and noise. WaveEditor is a simple editor for Android.
- 📤 Export and: Use Google Drive or Telegram to send large files. MP3 Compressor.
If the recording is too quiet, turn up the volume via Normalization in Audacity or use the Sound Amplifier in Lexis Audio Editor.
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The.amr format takes up 5-10 times less space than.mp3, but is of poorer quality. For long-term storage, it is better to convert files.
Legal aspects: can you record calls legally?
In Russia, according to article 23 of the Constitution and article 138 of the Criminal Code, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited if it is used for distribution or blackmail.
- ⚖️ You have notified the interlocutor about the recording (orally or through an autoinformer).
- 📞 The recording is not used for commercial or public purposes.
- 🔒 The file is kept secure and not shared with third parties.
In EU countries (e.g. Germany or France), the requirements are stricter: recording a conversation without the consent of both parties can result in a fine.
You can set up an automatic recording alert on Xiaomi.
- Go to “Phone” → “Settings” → “Recording conversations”.
- Activate the option “Announce Recording”.
- Select the text of the notification (for example, “Conversation is recorded”).
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. California, USA) recording a conversation without the consent of both parties is a criminal offense.