Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all methods (including hidden ones)

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but its call recording feature often raises questions among users. Unlike newer models where the option is available out of the box, it may be hidden or not on the menu here, due to MIUI policies and regional restrictions: in some countries, recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor is prohibited by law, so Xiaomi blocks the feature at the firmware level.

In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to enable Redmi Note 8 Pro call recording, from standard settings to circumventing restrictions through engineering menus and third-party apps. We will focus on the nuances of how the feature works across multiple versions of MIUI (including global, Chinese and European), as well as the legal aspects of recording use. If you are looking for a reliable method that is guaranteed to work on your device, read on.

Why is the Redmi Note 8 Pro not using a call record button?

The problem of not having a visible recording option is due to several factors:

• 📍 Regional restrictions: In firmware for the EU and the US, the feature is disabled due to privacy laws (e.g., the US and EU, GDPR Europe).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In a global stable firmware (MIUI Global option may be hidden, while in Chinese (MIUI China) or beta versions available.
• 📱 Device model: On some Redmi Note 8 Pro modifications (e.g. India), the record is enabled by default.
• 🔒 Google Play: Call recording apps will be removed from the store from 2022 unless they notify the customer.

It’s important to understand that the hardware of a smartphone supports recording — the problem is only software constraints, which means that the feature can be activated without root rights using hidden settings or alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Russia), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may be considered a violation of the law on personal data (152-FZ), use the function only for personal purposes (e.g. fixing important agreements) and warn the second participant of the conversation.

Method 1: Standard activation via the settings of the "Phone"

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is running on Chinese firmware (MIUI China) or Indian modification, call recording may be available by default.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Call Recording (or Call Recording) section.
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.

If you don't have a record on the menu, your firmware hides it, and then you can move on to the following.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the phone app is updated to the latest version

Make a backup of contacts in case of failure

Charge your phone at least 30% (for stable operation)-->

Method 2: Enable via engineering menu (without root rights)

The hidden engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode) allows you to activate call recording even on global firmware, a technique that works on the Redmi Note 8 Pro thanks to the Mediatek Helio G90T chip, which supports advanced modem settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (if it doesn't work, try ##4636## → Phone info → Network selection → LTE Only).
2. In the engineering menu, go to MTK Settings → Telephony.
3. Find a point. SIM1/SIM2 Call Recording (depending on the slot) SIM-map).
4. Set the Enabled value and save the settings.
5. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the Phone application should have a recording button during the call (usually in the form of a dot mug or microphone), if it is not available, check if the settings have reset after the reboot.

Method 3: Using Xiaomi’s Call Recording app (hidden)

MIUI 12 and later has a hidden system application for recording that is not displayed in the menu, and can be activated via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or special commands.

Steps to include:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the file folder.
3. Enter the command: adb shell pm grant com.android.incallui android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Then: adb shell pm grant com.android.incallui android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
4. Reboot the phone.

After that, the phone application should appear a record button. The files will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of the tightening of security policies. 5 (third-party).

Method 4: Third-party applications for recording calls

If the system methods don't work, you have to use applications from third-party sources.

• 🔹 Works on MIUI (Many apps conflict with the shell Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Supports recording via speakerphone (on new Android this is the only legal way to do so).
• 🔹 Stores files in an accessible format (for example,.mp3 or.m4a).

The best options for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

Important: Since 2023, Google has been blocking microphone recordings in the background, so most applications require on speakerphone or root access.

💡

If the app doesn’t record the voice of the person you’re talking to, try selecting the Voice Uplink + Downlink (1) or AMR instead of MP3.

Method 5: Write via Google Drive (alternative method)

If you want a one-time record of an important conversation, you can use Google Drive without installing additional programs, which is not suitable for automatic recording, but will help in an emergency.

How it works:

1. Open Google Drive on your phone.
2. Press + → Record the voice (mic icon).
3. Turn on speakerphone during the call.
4. Start recording in Google Drive – it will record both ends of the conversation.
5. When finished, save the file to the cloud or device.

Cons of the method:

• 🔴 Low quality sound (due to the microphone of the phone).
• 🔴 Uncomfortable for long conversations.
• 🔴 The interviewer will hear an echo if you do not use headphones.

Standard settings of MIUI

Engineering menu

Third-party applications (Cube ACR, Boldbeast, etc.)

Google Drive or other cloud service

I don't record calls.-->

Where are the recordings stored and how do you listen to them?

Depending on the way you write, files can be saved in different folders:

• 📁 System recording: /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ (amr.m4a).
• 📁 Cube ACR: /sdcard/CubeBackup/CallRecordings/ (format.mp3).
• 📁 Boldbeast: /sdcard/CallRecordings/ (customized in the app).
• 📁 Google Drive: In the Cloud in My Drives → Audio.

To listen to the tape:

1. Open the File Manager app on your phone.
2. Go to the appropriate folder (see the list above).
3. Click on the file and it will open in a standard player.
4. For convenience, you can copy records to a PC or to the cloud (for example, Yandex Drive).

⚠️ Note: Record files take up space in the phone's memory, and it is recommended to archive them regularly or delete old ones to avoid running into space shortages.mp3 weight ~10–15 MB.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful recording activation, Redmi Note 8 Pro users may face difficulties, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If neither method worked, the cause could be a modified firmware (e.g. custom ROM) or hardware failure (less commonly).

• 🔧 Refuse the phone to the official MIUI via Fastboot.
• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Diagnostics.

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On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 12.5+ System call recording works most stable through the engineering menu or ADB-Third-party apps may require additional settings due to Android limitations.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions