How to set up a record of phone conversations on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: all ways

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business negotiations to fixing evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI settings do not always provide this feature out of the box. Depending on the firmware version and regional restrictions, you may need to activate hidden options or install third-party solutions.

This article covers all the current ways to record calls on Mi 8 Pro (codename Equuleus), including built-in MIUI tools, apps from Google Play, as well as technical nuances for users with root rights. We will also examine the legal aspects of recording conversations in Russia and other countries, so that you do not violate the law in order to save important information.

Note: Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro was released in 2018, and its support with official MIUI updates ended.This means that some methods may require manual patch installation or use outdated versions of programs. All the instructions in the article are tested on current custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience) and the original MIUI 14.

1. Checking the built-in capabilities of MIUI

Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi added call recording to the standard Phone app, but with serious limitations: First, the option can be hidden depending on the firmware region; second, it only works for incoming calls and requires manual activation before each conversation.

To check for the presence of the function:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Go to the recent tab (calling history).
  3. Click on the contact or number you want to record the conversation.
  4. In the menu that opens, look for the red dot icon or the inscription Record.

If there is no button, then your version of MIUI does not support out-of-the-box functionality, and one of the alternative methods described below will help.

πŸ“Š You use the call record for?
Personal targets
Works
Legal evidence
The other.

2. Activation of hidden recording function through engineering menu

On some versions of MIUI (especially in China), the call recording function is disabled at the software level, but it can be activated via an engineering menu, which works without root rights, but requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the communication module.

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 Network Settings block.
  4. Find VoLTE settings or Call recording (the name may be different).
  5. Activate the Enable Call Recording option.
  6. Reboot the phone.

After you reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button. If it's not there, try resetting the network settings to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
If ##4636### doesn't work, the manufacturer has blocked access to the engineering menu, in which case only custom firmware installation or use will help. ADB-commands to unlock hidden functions.

3. Applications for recording calls from Google Play

If the built-in methods do not work, the best option is to install a specialized application. For the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, the following programs will work (tested for compatibility with MIUI 12-14):

  • πŸ“± Cube ACR β€” It records high-quality calls, supports cloud storage, and the free version limits the recording time.
  • πŸ”Š Call Recorder -- Automatic -- automatically saves all conversations, has a contact filter, even works on non-rooted devices.
  • πŸ“€ Truecaller – in addition to the number detector, it has a built-in call record (requires registration).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that works on the Internet. MIUI It supports formats.mp3 and wav.

Important: Google has tightened its policy on call recording applications since 2022, and many of the apps are no longer available on Google Play for users in Russia and the EU. APK-Files from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the installation of a third-party recorder

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4. Recording calls with root rights: advanced features

If your Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro has an unlocked bootloader and root rights (like through Magisk), you get access to advanced recording methods, and the main advantage is the ability to keep both conversations high-quality, even if the operator blocks the standard methods.

The best apps for rooted devices:

  • πŸ”§ Call Recorder – ACR (Premium version – supports recording of VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • πŸ“‘ Tasker + AutoTools – allows you to automate recording on a schedule or for specific contacts.
  • πŸ› οΈ Xposed Framework + CallRecorder module – for deep integration into the system (requires Xposed).

For installation:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
  2. Download one of the listed applications (preferably from the official website).
  3. In the application settings, activate the Root Mode option.
  4. Select the record format (MP3 or WAV) and the save path ( /sdcard/CallRecordings/ recommended).

⚠️ Note: Using root rights voids Xiaomi's warranty and may result in blocking some banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger). TWRP.

5. Alternative methods: Bluetooth headset and Google Voice

If software solutions don’t work, consider hardware or cloud alternatives:

MethodAdvantagesDeficienciesCost
Bluetooth recorder (for example, Sony ICD-UX570)High quality, independence from the phoneRequires synchronization, inconvenient for frequent calls3,000 β‚½
Google Voice (for U.S. users)Free recording, cloud storageIt does not work in Russia, requires a VPNFree of charge.
Second SIM + forwardingRecording is on another phone.Additional costs for SIM-map100 β‚½/moss

To use the Bluetooth recorder:

  1. Connect the device to the Mi 8 Pro via Bluetooth.
  2. In the recorder settings, select the Call Recording mode.
  3. Synchronize recordings from your PC via USB or Wi-Fi.

Critical: When using external recorders, sound can only be recorded on one side (your voice) if the headset does not support mixing audio streams. Before buying, check the device specifications for Full Duplex Recording.

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 the Federal Law "On Communications".

  • βš–οΈ The consent of the interlocutor is mandatory if you plan to use the record in court or publish it.
  • πŸ“΅ Without consent, recording is only permissible for personal use (e.g., recording threats).
  • πŸ”‡ Recording conversations at work requires notification of employees (Article 86 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation).

In other countries, the rules vary:

  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Most states have only one-party consent).
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Consent of all participants is required (GDPR).
  • πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China: Recording without consent banned except for law enforcement.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording for a trial, notify the person at the beginning of the conversation with the phrase: "The conversation is recorded to record information." Otherwise, the recording may be considered inadmissible evidence.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro users often face the following difficulties when recording calls:

  • πŸ”‡ No audio on the record: Check if the antivirus is blocking access to the microphone. In the settings of the recorder application, turn on the option to Use an alternative audio source. For root users, install the Audio Compatibility Patch module in Magisk.
  • πŸ“± The application is not running on MIUI: Turn off Battery Optimization for the application in the settings. Enable Auto Start and Secondary Permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits.
  • πŸ”„ Recording ends after 1-2 minutes: This is a restriction on free versions of apps. Buy a premium or use alternatives. Check if the phone is overloaded - close the background processes.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings (Settings). β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset network settings) or flash alternative software (e.g. Havoc-OS) where the write function is more stable.

πŸ’‘

Before an important call, switch your phone to Do Not Disturb mode with an exception for current contact – this will prevent recording failures due to incoming notifications.

Can I record WhatsApp calls on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro?
Yes, but only with root rights or through an external recorder. Standard apps don't capture audio from instant messengers. For rooted devices, ACR with Record VoIP calls enabled will work. Without root, you can use a second phone in hands-free mode.
Where are the default call records stored?
In most applications, files are saved along the path: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ or /sdcard/ACR/. To change the folder, go to the settings of the recorder application and specify a new path (for example, to a memory card).
Why is it not recorded on two SIM-card?
That's a limitation. MIUI: The recording function only works for the main SIM-Cards (Slot 1) Solutions: Change SIM-maps in places in settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Name. SIM-Use a third-party application with Dual support SIM (For example, Boldbeast).
How to recover a accidentally deleted recording?
If the file is not overwritten, try the data recovery software: DiskDigger (for Android), Recuva (if you connect the phone to a PC). Important: do not save new files to the device until recovery! Chances are higher if the phone is connected as a PC. USB-accumulator (MTP).
Will the recording work after the MIUI 15 update?
Officially, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro will not receive MIUI 15, as support for the device is discontinued. However, on custom firmware (for example, ArrowOS 13), the recording function can work more stable. Before upgrading, backup through TWRP - new versions of the software often break compatibility with older modules.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to record on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is to combine the Boldbeast Call Recorder app (without root) or Cube ACR (with root) + disable battery optimization for it.