How to record a conversation on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways with MIUI 2026

Xiaomi Mi 8 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, the feature of recording conversations in this device does not work as clearly as in newer models. Depending on the version of MIUI (from 10 to 14) and regional firmware, recording capabilities may vary — somewhere the option is hidden in the settings, and somewhere it is not at all.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to record calls on the Mi 8, including built-in system tools, third-party applications and workarounds for MIUI with restrictions.

1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added native conversation recording functionality, but it depends on regional firmware. In Chinese (China ROM) and Global (Global ROM) versions, the option may be missing or blocked.

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Go to Settings. → Recording of conversations.
3. If there is no item, your firmware does not support the out-of-the-box function.

If you have an option, activate it and select one of the modes:

• 🔄 Automatic recording – all incoming/outgoing calls are saved without confirmation.
• 📱 Manual recording – the “Write” button appears during the conversation (pressed manually).
• 📵 Only selected contacts – only calls from the numbers marked in the phone book are recorded.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 for Xiaomi Mi 8 automatic recording may not work due to Android 12 limitations+. In this case, use manual mode or third-party applications.

Where are the records stored? Files are saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec It's in the internal memory —.m4a (AAC-codec, which provides good quality with a small size.

2. Hidden recording function via engineering menu (for advanced)

If your firmware doesn't have a recording option, it can be activated via an engineering menu, which works on most versions of MIUI, but you need to be careful that the wrong settings can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (this is a combination for Engineering Mode → MTK Logger).
2. Go to Log and Debugging → Audio.
3. Find the VoIP Call Recording option and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

After that, the Phone app should have a recording button during the call. Note: this method may not work on firmware with a patch from May 2023 - Xiaomi blocks access to the engineering menu to change system parameters.

Third-party applications for recording: TOP-3 verified versions

If the built-in methods don't work, you'll have to use apps from Google Play, and the rule of thumb is to choose programs that are high-ranking (4.5+) and have regular updates to avoid data leaks.

How to set up Cube ACR (recommended option):

Enable "Recording All Calls" in the App settings |

Permission to access microphone and storage |

Turn off battery optimization for Cube ACR in MIUI | settings

Check the recording with a test call (for example, on *100#)

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⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ Android blocks apps from accessing the microphone during default calls. To record it works, go to Apps in your phone settings → Permits → Microphone and manually allow access for the selected recorder.

4. Recording via second telephone or recorder

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to corporate security policy), you can use hardware solutions, this method is legal, since you notify the interlocutor of the recording (by Russian law, consent of both parties is required).

Options:

• 📱 Second smartphone: Put it next to you and turn on the recorder (for example, built-in sound recording in the phone). MIUI). Minus - recorded echo and noise.
• 🎤 External voice recorder: devices like Sony ICD-UX570 or Zoom H1n They make a sound, but require a purchase.
• 🔌 Audio splitter: connects to a 3.5mm connector (if you have one in your Mi 8) and duplicates the sound to the recording device.

For better quality:

• Use a room without echoes (such as with carpets or curtains).
• Place the recording device at a distance of 30-50 cm from the phone.
• Before an important conversation, test the volume – in Settings → Mi 8 sound you can increase the volume of the conversation to 100%.

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If you record through a second phone, turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode and turn off notifications - this will eliminate extraneous sounds in the recording.

5 Problems and Errors: Why the Recording Doesn't Work

Even after setting it up properly, the recording may not start. Common reasons and solutions for Xiaomi Mi 8:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 Reset the settings of the Phone application (in Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Drop it).
• 🔧 Install an alternative dialer (like Google Phone) that supports recording.

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On MIUI 14 with Android 13, recording through third-party apps is often blocked due to Google's privacy policy, and the only reliable way is to use the built-in feature (if available) or hardware solutions.

6.Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the secrecy of correspondence”) and FZ-152 (“On personal data”).

• 📜 For personal use: You can record conversations you participate in, but only with the person notifying you (e.g., I record our conversation for the record").
• ⚖️ For litigation: a record may only be used as evidence if it is obtained legally (with consent or within the limits of the law, for example, in the event of a threat to life).
• 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute recordings without the consent of participants, to record other people’s conversations (even if the phone is unattended).

In other countries, the rules differ:

• 🇺🇸 USA: Most states have only one party’s consent, but California and Washington need everyone’s consent.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality and may result in a fine of up to 4% of the company’s annual revenue.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: recording is allowed if it does not violate the rights and freedoms of others (Article 32 of the Constitution).

⚠️ Note: If you record a conversation for work (for example, interviews or negotiations), be sure to get the written consent of the interlocutor. Otherwise, the company can be fined by Roskomnadzor up to 300,000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Mi 8