Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that can be useful for business correspondence, to fix important agreements or just to save memorable conversations. However, many users are faced with the fact that the option is either missing from the menu or not working correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable recording on devices with MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including bypassing restrictions for new versions of firmware.

It’s important to understand that recording capabilities depend on three factors: the MIUI version, the firmware region (global, Chinese, European), and the smartphone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with global firmware, the feature may be blocked due to local privacy laws, whereas on the Chinese version it is available by default, and we’ll look at solutions for everything from standard settings to third-party apps.

Why is there no record of conversations in standard settings on Xiaomi?

If you don’t find the write option in the phone’s menu, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Regional restrictions: In firmware for the EU, USA and some Asian countries, the feature is disabled due to data protection laws (e.g., data protection laws, GDPR). Chinese versions MIUI They usually support her.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi began removing the embedded record from global builds. MIUI 14 It is absent from almost all regions.
• 📞 Call type: Recording can only work for VoIP calls (via WhatsApp, Telegram) or standard calls – but not for both at the same time.
• 🔒 Operator policy: Some mobile operators block the recording at the network level (e.g. in India or UAE).

Before you look for workarounds, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If you have global firmware (labeled as MIUI Global), there is probably no standard record, in which case you will have to use alternative methods, which we will discuss below.

⚠️ Note: Recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate local law.In Russia, according to article 138 of the criminal code, this is only permissible for personal use without distribution.

Method 1: Enabling the built-in recording on Chinese MIUI firmware

If your Xiaomi is running on Chinese firmware (designation) MIUI China in settings), the recording function is usually available by default:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Recording of Conversations (or Call Recording in English).
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.
5. Specify which calls to record: All, outgoing or incoming only.

Recorded files will be saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (file-accessible → Internal memory. File format:.amr or.mp3, model-wise.

Make sure your phone has enough memory (1 minute of recording ≈ 1 MB)

Check the permissions for the "Phone" application in Settings → Applications

Turn off battery savings for the Phone app

Restart your phone after changing your settings-->

If the Conversation Record section is not available even on Chinese firmware, try updating the Phone app via Google Play (if it is available for your model).

Method 2: Using Google Phone to Record (MIUI Global)

On MIUI global firmware, Xiaomi’s standard Phone app doesn’t support recording, but you can install an alternative Google Phone app (also known as Phone by Google) that has a built-in recording feature on some models.

Instructions for installation and setting:

1. Download Google Phone from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and allow all the permissions you request (contacts, microphone, phone).
3. Make it the default app for calls: go to Settings → Apps → Default → Phone app and select Phone by Google.
4. During the call, click on the Record button (Mic icon) that will appear on the screen.

Please note: Google Phone only supports recording on Android 9 and higher devices, and the feature may not be available on some Xiaomi models due to manufacturer restrictions.If there is no write button, try the following steps:

• 🔧 Install Google Phone as a system application through ADB (requires an unlocked loader).
• 📱 Check your model compatibility on Google Support Site.
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 Google Phone recording is often blocked at the level MIUI. In this case, only reflashing to the Chinese version or using third-party applications will help.

Method 3: Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, we have the Google Play app option, and we tested a few of the solutions and selected the most reliable ones for Xiaomi:

For the correct operation of third-party recording applications on Xiaomi, you need:

1. Enable permission to Record sound and access calls in the application settings.
2. Add the application to AutoRun (in Settings → Applications → AutoRun Management).
3. Disable Battery Optimization for the application (in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
4. In some cases, permission to access notifications (to record the start of the call) will be required.

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If the app doesn’t record the voice of the person, try to turn on the speaker mode for 1-2 seconds during the call – this often helps to activate the microphone for recording.

On devices with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), some applications may not work due to hardware limitations on writing from the line, in which case only flashing to the Chinese version or using a second phone to record will help.

Method 4: Recording through a second device or headset

If the software isn't right, you can record a conversation with an external device, which is universal and works on any smartphone, including Xiaomi with any firmware.

You'll need:

• 🎧 Headset with microphone (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or wired headphones with microphone).
• 📱 Second device (tablet, other smartphone or voice recorder).
• 🎤 A voice recorder app (such as Easy Voice Recorder or Hi-Q) MP3 Recorder).

Instructions for recording:

1. Connect the headset to the main phone (Xiaomi).
2. Turn on hands-free mode on Xiaomi (Speak during the call button).
3. Place the second device next to the headset microphone (at a distance of 10-15 cm).
4. Start recording on the second device using a recorder.
5. After the call is complete, save the file and, if necessary, cut the extra snippets in the audio editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 It works on all versions. MIUI, including the newest.
• 🔹 Does not require root rights or firmware changes.
• 🔹 The quality of the recording depends only on the microphone of the second device.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Two devices.
• 🔸 This can be done if the microphone is too far away.
• 🔸 Post-processing of the file (silence trimming at the beginning/end).

Built-in MIUI function

Google Phone

Third-party annexes

Second device

I don't record calls.-->

Solving the problems with recording conversations on Xiaomi

If the record is not working or files are not saved, check the following points:

If you use a third-party app and encounter errors, try the following:

1. Reinstall the application by pre-clearing its data in Settings → Applications.
2. Check if the recording is blocked by Antivirus or MIUI Protection (turn them off temporarily).
3. Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
4. For Boldbeast Call Recorder, set Fix Recording Issues → Xiaomi Fix in your settings.

Legal aspects of recording conversations

Before you turn on the entry, check out your country's regulations, and here are the key points for popular regions:

• 🇷🇺 Russia: It is allowed to record conversations for personal use without notifying the interlocutor (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
• 🇪🇺 European Union (GDPR): Notification of the second person is required, and in some countries (e.g. Germany) recording without consent is prohibited.
• 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state, 12 states (e.g. California) require consent from all participants in a conversation.
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording allowed, but not used in court without second party's consent.
• 🇨🇳 China: Recording conversations without notice is prohibited unless it is related to a crime investigation.

To avoid problems:

• 📢 Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: “I’m recording our conversation for the record, you’re happy with it?").
• 🔒 Keep records safe and do not distribute them unnecessarily.
• 📝 Use the recordings only for the intended purpose (for example, to fix agreements, not to blackmail).

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. UAE or Saudi Arabia), recording conversations without consent is considered a criminal offence and can result in a fine or imprisonment.

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Even if the recording is legally permitted, its use in court or public distribution may be limited, and always consult a lawyer if you plan to use the recordings in controversial situations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi