Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi: official and hidden ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones may be needed to capture important conversations, evidence in controversial situations, or simply to preserve valuable information. However, with the release of new versions of Android (especially after Android 10) and the tightening of Google’s privacy policy, standard recording methods have ceased to work. In this article, we will examine all the current ways – from built-in features to third-party applications, including bypassing restrictions without root rights.

It is important to understand that the laws of many countries (including Russia) require that the interlocutor be notified of the recording of the conversation, otherwise the recording cannot be used as evidence in court. We will consider both legal methods with notification and technical bypasses for personal use - but the responsibility for compliance with the laws lies with you.

1. built-in call recording feature on Xiaomi: where to look and how to turn on

Some Xiaomi models (mainly in the Chinese market or based on MIUI 12.5+) have a built-in recording function, but it is often disabled in global firmware.

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Dial the number and start the call.
3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen – if there is a Record button (usually next to the hands-free and hold keys), the function is active.

If there is no button, try to turn it on through the engineering menu:

#4636## → “Phone Information” → “Call Recording”

⚠️ Note: Most of the global versions MIUI (Especially after Android 11, this method doesn't work. If you don't have a write button, go to the following ways.

List of Xiaomi models where the built-in record is exactly there (checked in 2026):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13T Pro (Chinese firmware)
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Indian)
• 📱 POCO F5 Pro (c) MIUI 14)

2. applications for recording calls: TOP-5 proven solutions

If there is no built-in feature, you can use third-party apps, but after Android 10, Google blocked the apps from accessing the audio call stream through the standard APIs, which means that most of the Google Play apps no longer work, and the solutions fall into two categories:

1. Root-access applications – record directly from the microphone and line, but require unlocking the bootloader.
2. Rootless applications use workarounds (such as recording via a speaker), but with poorer quality.

The best work options for 2026:

Important: Apps without root rights to Xiaomi with Android 12+ can only record your voice or audio through a speaker. To record both interlocutors with good quality, you need root or special firmware.

Make sure you have Android 10 or later | Check the space available (minimum 500MB)| Turn off battery optimization for the app | Set up auto-run exceptions in MIUI-->

3. Hidden recording of calls without notifying the interlocutor: risks and bypasses

Many users are looking for a way to record conversations without alerting the second caller, which is technically possible, but involves legal risks and limitations of MIUI.

• 🔊 Recording through line two: Use the second phone in hands-free near the main one.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headset with recording: Some headsets (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM5) They can record audio through pairing.
• 📱 “Speaking out” mode + Recorder": Turn on speakerphone and start standard Xiaomi voice recorder (Tools) → Dictaphone).

For a hidden record with good quality, you will need:

1. Install Magisk and Call Recorder Patch module.
2. Use Boldbeast with settings for Xiaomi (instructions on their website).
3. Disable the verification of certificates in MIUI via ADB:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

⚠️ Note: A hidden recording without the consent of the interlocutor in Russia is considered a violation of Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the secrecy of correspondence.

4. Record calls via Google Drive or cloud services

If you don't need to keep records all the time, but you only need to save individual conversations, you can use cloud recording via Google Drive or specialized services, which works without root rights, but requires an Internet connection.

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. Install the Call Recorder for Google Drive app from Google Play.
2. Log in to your Google account.
3. In the application settings, select a folder to save records.
4. During the call, press the recording button in the floating window.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ Records are automatically synced to the cloud.
• ✅ You can set up the notification of the interlocutor (legally).

Cons:

• ❌ Recording is done through a microphone, the quality is worse than when recording from a line.
• ❌ A stable Internet is required.
• ❌ The free version limits the recording time (usually up to 15 minutes).

💡

If you often record important calls, create a separate folder in Google Drive and set up automatic backup of records, which will protect files from accidental deletion from your smartphone.

5. Guide to setting up Boldbeast Call Recorder on Xiaomi

Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that can record calls to Xiaomi from Android 12/13 without losing quality. However, to work properly, you need to set up the right setup.

Step 1: Installation and basic settings

1. Download Boldbeast from the official website (the version from Google Play is stripped).
2. When you first start, select Root Mode 1 (if root is available) or Alsa Mode 8 (no root).
3. In the Recordings section, specify the AMR or MP3 file format.

Step 2: Set up for a specific Xiaomi model

Depending on the model and version of MIUI, additional actions may be required:

Step 3: Verification and testing

After setting up, make a test call and check:

• 🔊 Can you hear the voice of the interlocutor (if not, try another recording mode).
• 📁 Are files saved in the specified folder.
• 📶 Whether the recording is interrupted when switching to mobile data.

💡

For Xiaomi models on Android 13+, the only stable way to record both interlocutors is to use Boldbeast in Root Mode 1 mode with Magisk installed.

6.Alternative methods: recording via PC or second phone

If the software methods don't work, you can use hardware solutions that are independent of Android's limitations and work on any Xiaomi model.

Method 1. Recording via PC (for landline calls)

It will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with audio card and microphone input.
• 🔌 Split cable for connecting your phone to a PC (3.5mm jack or USB-C).
• 🎤 A sound recording program (e.g. Audacity).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through a splitter.
2. In Audacity, select the recording source: Stereo Meeks or Microphone.
3. Start recording before the call.

Method 2: Use of the second telephone

The simplest, but least quality method:

1. Put the second phone next to the first.
2. Turn on the recorder (for example, the standard application Dictaphone on Xiaomi).
3. Activate speakerphone on the main phone.

⚠️ Note: When recording via a second phone or PC, extraneous noise may be recorded in the background. Use a directional microphone or specialized equipment for important conversations.

7 Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal

In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

• 📜 Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – violation of the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 ₽ or correctional labour.
• 📜 Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation – everyone has the right to privacy of correspondence and telephone conversations.
• 📜 Article 9 of the Federal Law "On Communications" - operators are obliged to ensure the confidentiality of communications.

When recording is allowed:

• ✅ You notified the interviewee of the recording before the conversation and received his consent.
• ✅ Recording is conducted for official purposes (for example, for internal control in the company) with notification of all participants.
• ✅ You record threats, blackmail, or other illegal activities (but the record must be passed on to law enforcement, not used independently).

When recording is prohibited:

• ❌ Without notifying the interlocutor (even if the conversation is conducted on "neutral" topics).
• ❌ For the purpose of blackmail, dissemination of personal information or manipulation.
• ❌ In public places where the recording can record the voices of strangers.

If you need to use the record as evidence in court, be sure to:

1. Notify the second participant of the conversation about the recording in advance (orally or in writing).
2. Save the original file without editing.
3. If necessary, certify the record with a notary.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi