Upgrading Android to versions 10, 11 and 12 has brought a global change in privacy policy, directly affecting users of Xiaomi smartphones. the feature of recording conversations, which for years was built-in and convenient “caller”, disappeared from the standard interface in many regions due to the strict requirements of Google, which created a serious discomfort for those who are used to fixing important agreements without resorting to third-party solutions.
Owners of MIUI 12 devices have found themselves in a situation where a familiar tool has stopped working or disappeared from the menu. However, the technical ability to archive dialogues has not gone away, it has only been hidden or limited by software methods. There are several proven ways to return the functionality of the recording, from simple settings of the region to more complex manipulation of system files.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of restoring this option in detail, you will learn how to change the settings without losing warranty, which applications really work in the current environment and what risks exist when interfering with the system.
Why the recording of the conversations on MIUI 12 was missing
The main reason for the disappearance of the feature was the new security rules of the Android operating system. Since a certain version, Google has banned applications from accessing the audio stream during a call, which made it impossible to record the sound of the interlocutor with standard means without special system permission. Xiaomi, following these rules, was forced to remove or hide this option in global firmware.
It's important to understand that the absence of a write button in the interface does not mean that it cannot be physically implemented. The writing mechanism remained in the system code, but access to it was blocked software, which is why users who changed region or updated the Phone application faced a problem. System restrictions apply at the software level, not the hardware of the smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to record calls can lead to a conflict with system processes, which sometimes causes unstable operation of the communication module.Before installing any modifications, make sure that you have an up-to-date backup of important data.
There is also a regional restriction: in some countries, recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor is prohibited by law, so manufacturers automatically turn off this feature for devices sold in these regions.
Change of region in smartphone settings
The simplest and most secure method, which does not require additional software installation or superuser rights, is to change the region of the device, which allows you to switch system services to servers in countries where the law allows recording conversations, for example, Singapore, Serbia or Ukraine.
To implement this method, you need to go to the settings menu and find the item responsible for the geographic location of the device. Usually the path is: Settings → Additional settings → Region. In the list that opens, you should select one of the recommended countries. Immediately after selecting, the system may require a reboot or simply update the list of available features in the applications.
☑️ Checklist of region change
It is worth noting that changing the region can affect the performance of some local services and content aggregators, such as news or recommendations in the browser. However, this does not affect the basic functions of the phone, communication and the Internet. If the button does not appear after changing the region, try clearing the cache of the Phone application through the application management menu. Rebooting the device is also a mandatory step for applying changes.
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If the recording button does not appear after changing the region, try clicking on three dots in the corner in the Phone application, selecting Settings and finding Call Record to activate it manually.
Use of third-party applications for recording
If standard methods don't work, specialized applications come to the rescue from the Google Play Store. The market offers many solutions, but because of Android's limitations, they work differently. Some use hands-free mode to record, others try to intercept the audio stream through special accessibility permissions. The most stable programs are those that integrate into the system call process.
One popular solution is the Cube ACR or Automatic Call Recorder app, which requires a wide range of permissions, including microphone, phone and contacts, to be able to access, and it’s important to read reviews carefully and check compatibility with your version of MIUI 12, as system updates often break the utilities.
| Title of the annex | Type of record | I need a Root. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Audio streaming / Microphone | No (preferably) | Recording messengers |
| Call Recorder | Systemic sound | No. | Simple interface |
| TapeACall | Conference liaison | No. | Paid subscription |
| Blackbox | Systemic sound | Yes (for quality) | High quality |
When using third-party software, there is often a problem of quiet or no sound, which is due to the fact that the system blocks direct access to the audio. In such cases, applications may offer to turn on the speakerphone automatically, which is not always convenient, and the quality of recording in such conditions depends on the model of the processor and the version of Android.
Installation of Magisk module for system recording
For advanced users who want to return native call recording without restrictions and with high quality, there is a method using the rights of Root and the Magisk manager. This method allows you to implement a special module into the system that removes Google's software locks, making the recording function available in the standard Phone application.
The process of obtaining superuser rights is complicated and requires unlocking the bootloader, which will lead to the complete removal of all data from the device. Once you unlock and install Magisk, you need to find and install a module, for example, "MiuiCallRecorder" or similar, compatible with your version of the firmware. Modifies system libraries, allowing recording of the audio stream.
adb wait-for-device
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlockIncorrect installation of the module or conflict of versions can lead to a “bootloop” (cyclical reboot) or inoperability of the phone module, and the presence of Root rights can block the work of banking applications and services with a high degree of protection, such as Google Pay (now Wallet), although there are ways to bypass them.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining the Root rights will void the official warranty on the device.All actions to modify the system you perform at your own risk.
What to do if the phone went into a bootloom after installing the module?
Setting up cloud storage for archiving
Once the recording function is restored, it is critical to set up automatic file saving and backup.Talk recordings can take up a significant amount of memory, and in the event of a phone breakdown or reset, they will be lost irrevocably. MIUI 12 offers built-in tools for synchronization with the Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive cloud.
To set up automatic upload, you should go to the settings of the Phone application and find the partition responsible for storing records, you can specify the path to save and enable synchronization, this will free up the internal space of the device and secure the archive. Regularly checking available space in the cloud will help avoid situations where new records will no longer be saved.
Also worth paying attention to is the save format. Some applications allow you to choose between MP3, WAV or AAC formats. To save space, you'd better use compressed formats if the record quality is good, but for legally meaningful conversations, you'd prefer to choose lossless formats, if space allows.
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Automatically synchronizing records with cloud storage is the only reliable way to keep an important conversation going in case of loss or breakdown of a smartphone.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even after completing all the instructions, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties: it is often the case that the record is being recorded, but the file is empty or contains only silence, this may be due to a conflict of applications using the microphone, or the fact that the selected application does not have the necessary permissions in the new version of Android.
Another common problem is the lack of notification of the recording, and in some regions, the law requires that the person be notified of the recording by an audible signal. If you have changed region but no signal has appeared, the selected country may not automatically enable this notification, or additional settings are required in the Call Record menu. → Warning.
If the records are no longer saved after the system update, try to clear the phone and download manager data. Sometimes the system cache may contain erroneous data that blocks the function. In extreme cases, you may need to wait for a firmware update from the manufacturer to fix the compatibility.