Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 can be required in a variety of situations, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence for legal disputes. However, the standard MIUI firmware on this device does not provide built-in call recording functionality – unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where this option appeared in MIUI 12+. This creates additional difficulties for owners of the Redmi 8, released in 2019.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to activate a voice recorder during a conversation, from using hidden system capabilities to installing third-party applications. We will focus on the legal aspects of recording calls in Russia and CIS countries, as well as technical nuances that will help to avoid failures. If you are looking for a reliable way to capture audio without risking loss of data or breaking the law, this guide is for you.
Why doesn’t Redmi 8 have a built-in voice recorder?
Xiaomi Redmi 8 came with the factory firmware MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, where the function of recording conversations was blocked at the system level.
- 📱 Google restrictions: Starting with Android 9, Google has tightened its privacy policy by banning apps from accessing the microphone while calling without the user's explicit permission.
- 🌍 Regional laws: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, so Xiaomi has removed this feature from global versions of the firmware.
- 🔒 Security: The risk of leaking records through vulnerabilities in software forced manufacturers to abandon embedded solutions.
However, in the Chinese versions of MIUI (for example, for the Redmi 8 China model), the call recording is saved, which confirms that the hardware of the device supports the feature, but it is software disabled for international markets.
⚠️ Note: Before using any recording methods, make sure that it does not contradict the laws of your country.In Russia, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only for personal use (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), but is prohibited for distribution.
Method 1: Use of the hidden MIUI function (without root)
MIUI 10-12 firmware for Redmi 8 stores a hidden system call recording module that can be activated via an engineering menu, which does not require superuser rights (root), but does not work on all versions of the software.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##
- In the MTK Engineer Mode menu, select Audio → Normal Mode.
- Scroll down to Voice Call Recording and set the Enabled value.
- Reset the device.
After the restart, a recording button (mic icon) will appear in the interface during the call. Importantly, this method only works on firmware up to MIUI 12.0.3 - in newer versions, access to the module is blocked.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (the module may not work with the second slot)
Close all background applications before typing code
Make a backup copy of the data in case of failure-->
Method 2: Third-party applications for recording calls
If the hidden module is not activated, the alternative will be third-party applications.
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Recording in high quality (up to 320 kbps), cloud storage, automatic saving by numbers | Paid version for recording all calls, sometimes does not catch incoming | Google Play |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Free recording, MP3 support, Google Drive integration | Advertising, recording only after manual inclusion | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Built-in entry (Premium users only), spam definition | Registration is required, the record is not available in all countries | Google Play |
For the correct operation of applications:
- 🔧 Allow access to the microphone and calls in the Android settings.
- 📱 Turn off battery optimization for the recording application (in Settings) → Annexes → Special rights).
- 🔊 Check that the microphone volume is set to maximum (in the application settings).
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Boldbeast) require installation via APK and may conflict with MIUI. On Redmi 8, this often causes a communication module to crash.
Method 3: Recording through a second phone or headset
If the software methods are not suitable, you can use the hardware recording:
- Connect to the Redmi 8 wired headset with a microphone (for example, from Xiaomi Piston).
- Nearby, place a second phone with a running recorder (for example, an iPhone or another Xiaomi).
- Turn on speakerphone on Redmi 8 and start recording on the second device.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ No need to install the main phone.
- ✅ It works even when blocking system functions.
- ✅ The quality of the recording depends only on the microphone of the second device.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Two devices.
- ❌ Risk of interference and echoes in loud communication.
- ❌ Uncomfortable for long conversations.
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For better quality, use a noise-cancelling headset (such as the Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C) and place the second phone 30–50 cm away from the speaker.
Legal nuances of recording conversations in 2026
In Russia and CIS countries, there are different rules for recording telephone conversations:
| Country. | Recording without consent | Use in court | Penalties for violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | Allowed for personal purposes (Article 23 of the Constitution) | Allowed as evidence (Article 55 of the CPC of the Russian Federation) | Up to 200 thousand rubles for distribution |
| Ukraine | Prohibited without the consent of both parties | Not accepted by the court | Fine or correctional labour |
| Kazakhstan | Allowed if the recording is made by the participant of the conversation | Admissible with court permission | Up to 100 MCI (≈ 270,000 tenge) |
Key rules for Russia:
- 📜 The record can be used in court if it is not edited and confirms your position.
- 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute the record to third parties without the consent of the interlocutor (part 2 of Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
- 📞 If you have warned the person about the recording (for example, said: "Conversation is recorded"), this will strengthen the legal force of the evidence.
What if the record is not accepted in court?
Frequent problems and their solutions
When recording calls to Redmi 8, users encounter common errors:
1.The app does not record incoming calls
Reason: MIUI blocks access to the microphone during an incoming call.
- 🔧 In the application settings, enable the option to Use an alternative recording method (if any).
- 📱 Reinstall the application and give all permissions immediately after installation.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and check without running background programs.
2. the recording is terminated or not retained
Reason: Battery optimization or memory shortage. Solution:
- 🔋 B Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Add the Application to Exceptions.
- 📁 Clear the app cache and check for free space on the device (need a minimum of 500 MB).
- 🔊 Set the format of the recording AMR instead MP3 (lessweight).
3.The interviewee hears echoes or interference
Reason: Conflict with noise reduction function in MIUI.
- 🎧 Turn off Voice Improvement in Call Settings (Settings) → Calls. → Improvement of sound).
- 🔊 Use a wired headset instead of a speaker.
- 📵 Put your phone in Airplane Mode and turn on Wi-Fi calls (if supported by the operator).
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If none of these methods work, check to see if an antivirus app (such as Avast or 360 Security) is installed on your phone, which often blocks access to the microphone when making calls.
Alternative methods: cloud services and SIP-telephony
If standard methods do not work, consider:
1. Cloud PBX (e.g. Zadarma or Mango Office)
How it works:
- Register a virtual number in the service.
- Configure call forwarding from Redmi 8 to cloud PBX.
- All conversations are automatically recorded and stored in a personal account.
Pros: legality, high quality, access to recording from any device. Cons: paid subscription (from 300 rubles / month).
2. SIP-Customers (such as Zoiper or Linphone)
Some of them SIP-ISPs (like Sipnet) offer built-in call recording:
- Install. SIP-client on Redmi 8.
- Connect to the provider with recording support.
- Call via SIP instead of the standard communication module.
These methods are suitable for business users who need a reliable and legal record.