Recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all the ways and legal subtleties

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its owners often face the question: how to enable recording of telephone conversations? Unlike flagship models, where this feature can be integrated into the default firmware, on the Redmi Note 8 it depends on the version of MIUI and regional settings. In this article, we will analyze all working methods – from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also discuss the legal aspects of recording calls in Russia.

It’s important to understand that the ability to record conversations on Xiaomi has changed with the release of new versions of MIUI. If your smartphone runs on firmware older than MIUI 12, the activation algorithm of the function may differ. We took into account all the nuances and prepared a universal guide that will be suitable for both stock firmware and custom builds. You will also learn which applications from Google Play work reliably on Redmi Note 8 and do not conflict with system services.

Why is there no built-in conversation record on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8?

Many users wonder why newer Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4) can record calls out of the box, but the Redmi Note 8 does not.

• 📱 Version. MIUI In firmware for the European and Russian markets, the recording function is often disabled for legal reasons. MIUI Global for Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) this option may not be available, whereas in the Chinese version (MIUI China, it's available.
• 📜 In Russia, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence"). Xiaomi, as a global brand, is forced to take into account local laws, so in some regions the function is blocked at the software level.
• 🔧 Hardware limitations: The Redmi Note 8 is powered by a Snapdragon 665 processor that doesn’t support hardware recording calls via a separate chip (like the Google Pixel), which means that recording is software-based, which can affect sound quality.

Interestingly, even within a single Redmi Note 8 model, the availability of a write feature can depend on the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 11, the option was hidden in the engineering menu, and in MIUI 12.5 it was removed completely for some regions. Check your version of MIUI in the settings: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Method 1: Enable recording via built-in MIUI settings (if available)

If your Redmi Note 8 is running MIUI 11 or 12 (Chinese or global), there's a chance that the recording feature is hidden but not removed.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Recording Conversations section (if not, proceed to the next method).
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.

If you don't have a Record Conversations menu, try updating your firmware to the latest version of MIUI for your region. Sometimes the feature appears after the update. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Make sure you have the latest version installed. MIUI|Check the regional settings (Global/China/EU)|Free up space on the internal drive (records take up) ~1-2 MB/minute)|Disable Battery Optimization for the Phone App"-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5+ Recording conversations may be unstable due to restrictions of Google Mobile Services (GMS). If after turning on the function, the sound is recorded only from your side, try to disable the audio via Bluetooth in the call settings.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If you don't have a recording option in the standard settings, you can try activating it via the engineering menu (#4636###), which doesn't work on all firmware, but sometimes helps unlock hidden features.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to Turn on/off call recording (if any).
4. Activate the recording and restart the device.

If there is no partition with a record in the engineering menu, then your firmware does not support this method. On some custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), a recording of conversations may appear after installing the Magisk patch with the CallRecorder module.

Method 3: Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don't work, you'll have to use third-party apps. Redmi Note 8 will work:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — One of the most reliable solutions with VoIP recording (WhatsApp, Viber) is the free version that limits the number of records.
• 📞 Call Recorder – Automatic Call Recorder from Appliqato: Simple interface, automatic recording of all calls, integration with Google Drive.
• 🔊 Truecaller – in addition to the number detector, has a built-in recording function (available in all regions).
• 📼 RMC: Android Call Recorder supports the format.mp3 and keeping records SD-map.

Before installing, check the permissions of the application. To work correctly, it will need:

• Access to the microphone;
• Permission to read and write files;
• Ability to overlay over other windows (to display recording notifications).

After installation, open the application settings and:

1. Select the save format (.mp3 or.amr).
2. Specify a folder for storing records (internal memory is recommended, as SD-card may slow down the recording).
3. Activate Automatic Recording or set up manual mode.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ (including MIUI 12+) Apps are not allowed to record audio from a line during a call due to Google's restrictions, and some programs bypass this through an accessibility service, but this method can result in a ban on a Google account for violating privacy policies.

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Before installing a recording app, check its ratings and reviews for the past month. Some programs (such as Call Recorder by Lovekesh) may contain malicious code or display hidden ads.

Legal aspects of recording conversations in Russia

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, telephone conversations, postal, telegraphic or other messages”) – provides for a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or correctional work for illegal recording.
• 📜 Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation – protects the right to privacy.
• 📜 Federal Law on Communications" (№ 126-FZ) – prohibits telecom operators from providing access to conversations to third parties.

This means that:

• ✅ You can record conversations if you have notified the interlocutor in advance and received his consent.
• ❌ Recording without consent is allowed only in cases provided for by law (for example, to protect your rights in court, but provided that you are a participant in the conversation).
• ⚠️ Using records for public purposes (social networks, YouTube) without the consent of the interlocutor may lead to a lawsuit.

If you are recording conversations for work (such as interviews or customer conversations), you must:

1. Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example, “The conversation is recorded to record information. Do you mind?”).
2. Keep the records in a secure place and do not distribute them unnecessarily.
3. Delete the records after their expiration date.

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Even if you recorded a conversation legally, it can only be used in court if you follow a notarization procedure, and without that, the recording could be considered inadmissible evidence.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When recording conversations on Redmi Note 8, users encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. Recording does not start automatically

Reasons:

• 🔕 In the settings of the application, auto-removal is disabled.
• 📵 Application not granted permissions for microphone or availability-service.
• 🔋 Battery optimization blocks background work.

Decision:

1. Check the auto record settings in the app.
2. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Additional → Special Access → Availability and enable access for your recorder.
3. Disable Battery Optimization: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Select an App → No Limits

2. Only your voice is recorded (the interlocutor is not heard)

This problem is typical for Android 10+ and is related to Google's restrictions on recording audio from the line.

• 🔊 Use a headset with a microphone – some apps (like Cube) ACR) They can record sound through it.
• 📱 Turn on speakerphone (but the recording quality will deteriorate).
• 🔄 Try another app (e.g. Boldbeast Recorder – it bypasses restrictions through alternatives) API).

3. Records are not retained or are lost

Possible causes:

• 💾 Not enough space on the internal storage.
• 📁 Application not allowed to record files.
• 🔄 Autocleaning cache deletes records.

Decision:

1. Check the free space in the Settings → Storage.
2. In the application settings, specify the folder to save (for example, /Internal Storage/CallRecords).
3. Turn off autocleaning in Settings → Storage → Cleaning.

Alternative ways to record conversations

If none of the above methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 🎧 Use a second phone. Put a second smartphone next to it with the voice recorder on (e.g. Xiaomi Mi). A3 With pure Android has a built-in voice recorder with a good microphone).
• 💻 Record via computer. Connect Redmi Note 8 to PC via USB-Debugging and using programs like Scrcpy to record screen and sound.
• ☎️ Conferencing services: If you are talking via Zoom, Skype or Google Meet, these platforms have a built-in recording feature (with notification of participants).
• 📻 A baby monitor or an external recorder, portable recording devices (e.g. Sony) can be used for important conversations. ICD-UX570).

Recording via computer will require:

1. Turn on USB-debugging → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI", Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers).
2. Install ADB-Scrcpy drivers and program.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and start recording the screen with sound through the command: scrcpy --record file.mp4 --bit-rate 2M

This method is suitable for long conversations, but requires a stable USB-Also note that the recording will include all system sounds (notifications, signals).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions