How to Record a Phone Call on Xiaomi A1: All Ways + Problem Solutions

Why to record conversations on your smartphone and why Xiaomi A1 is a special case

Recording phone conversations can be required in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to preserving evidence in controversial moments. However, the Xiaomi A1 is a unique smartphone in the company’s lineup, Released in 2017 under the program Android One. This means that the device runs on “pure” Android without a branded MIUI shell, which significantly affects the available recording features.

Unlike most Xiaomi devices with MIUI, where conversation recording is often built into the standard Phone app, the Xiaomi A1 doesn’t have this option out of the box. The reason is because Google has banned pre-installing apps for recording calls on devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) since 2019. However, workarounds do exist – and we’ll look at them all, from standard solutions to advanced methods for power users.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of conversations. According to Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases provided for by law (for example, to protect their rights in court).

Method 1: Android built-in capabilities (limited functionality)

The Xiaomi A1 with pure Android doesn’t have a built-in voice recorder to record calls, but it allows you to use Google Assistant to record ambient sounds during a conversation.

• 🔊 Recorded only sound from the microphone (voice of the interlocutor will be silent or absent)
• 📱 Requires a speaker or speaker on
• ⏱️ Maximum recording duration – 10 minutes
• 📁 Files are saved to Google Drive, not locally

To take advantage of this method:

1. Activate Google Assistant with the “OK Google” voice command or hold the Home button.
2. Say, "Start recording" or "Record sound."
3. Transfer the call to the speaker (Dynamic button in the call interface).
4. At the end of the conversation, say, "Stop recording."

⚠️ Attention: This method only captures your voice and surrounding noises, the voice of the interlocutor will be heard weakly or indistinctly if you do not use an external speaker.

Method 2: Third-party Call Recording Apps (Best Option for Xiaomi A1)

The most reliable way to record conversations on Xiaomi A1 — using specialized applications, unlike devices with MIUI, Where system constraints can block these programs, they're more stable on pure Android.-3 tested solutions:

For installation and configuration, take as an example Cube Call Recorder ACR - the most functional solution:

Install the app from Google Play|Provide all the requested permissions|Enable the option "Automatic Recording" in the settings|Select the format of the recording (recommended) MP3)|Set up exceptions for unwanted numbers-->

After installation of the annex:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Cube Call Recorder and grant permissions to access the microphone, storage and calls.
2. In the app settings, select: Record format → MP3 (128 kbps quality) Sound source → Voice call (VoIP) – this is critical for Xiaomi A1!
3. Activate the Automatic Record option for all incoming/outgoing calls.
4. Check the work by making a test call to another number.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi A1 Android 8.1 and higher applications for recording calls may not capture the voice of the interlocutor due to restrictions API. In this case, only root access or the use of an external recording device through AUX.

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If the app doesn’t record the voice of the interlocutor, try to turn on the “Speak” mode for 2-3 seconds at the beginning of the conversation – this sometimes helps to activate the recording of both channels.

Method 3: Recording through a second device (100% working method)

If software solutions don’t work or you need guaranteed quality recording, use a second device (another smartphone, voice recorder or laptop) which is versatile and works on any phone, including the Xiaomi A1, but requires additional hardware.

You'll need:

• 📱 The second device with a voice recorder (even a budget smartphone will do)
• 🔌 AUX-3.5mm jack cable or Bluetooth transmitter
• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (optional, for better sound)

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect Xiaomi A1 to the second device through AUX-If you don't have a headphone, use a Bluetooth connection.
2. On the second device, start a voice recorder (standard or third-party, such as Easy Voice Recorder).
3. On the Xiaomi A1, turn on speakerphone or use headphones with a microphone for better voice capture.
4. Place the second device next to the Xiaomi A1 speaker (at a distance of 10-15 cm).
5. Start recording on the second device before the conversation begins.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Both voices are recorded clearly (when properly configured)
• ✅ No dependency on the limitations of Android
• ✅ You can use professional equipment for studio quality

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional equipment is required
• ❌ Uncomfortable for spontaneous conversations
• ❌ There may be interference if the microphone of the second device is located near the speaker.

Method 4: Rooting and modifying the system (for advanced users)

If you want to record calls fully, without restrictions, and the standard methods don't work, you have to take root rights and install modified firmware, and this is only suitable for advanced users, because it carries risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is still warranty)
• 🔄 Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of errors
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (root access opens the system to malware)

If you are prepared for these risks, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader: fastboot oem unlock To do this, you need to enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number (tap 7 times) and connect to a PC with ADB and Fastboot installed.
2. Install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP): fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
3. Sweep Magisk for root rights: Download the latest version of Magisk from the official website and run through TWRP
4. Install Call Recorder for Magisk via Magisk Manager.

After that, the phone will have a call recording option similar to MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi A1 With Android One, modified firmware may not work smoothly due to the kernel features. TWRP Check firmware compatibility with the tissot model (codename Xiaomi) A1).

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Rooting is an extreme method. If you need to record calls for legal purposes, it is better to use certified recording-enabled devices (such as special recorders) or contact the carrier for details of conversations.

Problem Solving: Why the Voice of the Speaker is Not Recorded

The most common problem with recording calls on the Xiaomi A1 is the lack of voice in the recording, which is due to Android restrictions that block apps from accessing the audio stream of the call.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Android Version: On Xiaomi A1 After upgrading to Android 10, recording calls through apps will completely stop working.
• 🔊 Sound settings: some firmwares need to manually enable the option "Capture sound from the microphone during a call" in the engineering menu (#4636##).
• 🛠️ Conflicting apps: Antiviruses (like Avast or Kaspersky) can block recordings.

Legal aspects of recording telephone conversations in Russia

Before recording conversations, read the legal regulations. In Russia, recording of conversations is regulated by the following documents:

• 📜 Article 23: Guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations.
• 📜 Criminal Code (Article 138): violation of the secrecy of negotiations is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or correctional labor.
• 📜 152.2: Recording without consent is allowed only for the protection of one’s rights (e.g. in court).

Key points:

• ✅ It is allowed to record a conversation if you are a participant and the recording is being done to protect your interests (for example, recording threats or agreements).
• ❌ It is forbidden to distribute the record without the consent of the interlocutor, if it is not related to the protection of their rights.
• ⚖️ In court, a record can only be accepted as evidence if you can confirm its authenticity and lack of editing.

If you are recording a conversation for legal purposes:

1. Save the original file of the record without modification.
2. Record the date and time of the conversation (you can use the operator’s details).
3. If necessary, certify the record with a notary.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording a conversation for work (e.g. as a sales manager), make sure your company has customer consents to the record.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi A1