Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by ordinary users, businessmen, journalists or lawyers. MIUI It doesn't always offer this feature out of the box, there are legal ways to activate a record without root rights or complex manipulations. 12-14 and MIUI 13-15, including hidden settings, third-party applications and circumventing operator restrictions.
It is important to understand that the technical possibility of recording does not always coincide with legal admissibility. In some countries (for example, in Russia under Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), notification of the interlocutor about the recording is required, otherwise the material will not have legal force. We do not call for breaking the law - our guide will help those who record conversations within the legal field (for example, to fix agreements with the consent of the second party).
Xiaomi smartphones of the Redmi line, POCO and flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold) has different recording restrictions, like on the Redmi Note. 12 The built-in feature may not be available due to operator policy, but on Xiaomi 13 Pro, you can activate it through the engineering menu. Below is a detailed analysis of each case.
1. Built-in MIUI recording function: where to look and how to turn on
Starting with MIUI 12.5, some Xiaomi models have built-in conversation recording, but it is often hidden or disabled by default:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to Recent Calls and tap on three points (โฎ) top-right.
- Select Settings โ Recording conversations. If you don't have a point, your model doesn't support out-of-the-box".
On Android devices 13+ and MIUI 14/15 The path may be different: Settings โ Annexes โ Phone. โ Permits โ Sound recording. You need to manually allow the phone app to access the microphone during calls.
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If you don't have "Record Conversations" in your settings, try updating the Phone app through Google Play. Sometimes the feature appears after the update.
List of Xiaomi models with built-in recording (as of 2026):
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (MIUI 14+)
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro (European firmware only)
- ๐ฑ POCO F5/F5 Pro (requires manual activation)
- ๐ฑ Redmi K60/K60 Pro (depending on the region)
โ ๏ธ Note: On smartphones with dual SIM-If you have two SIMs, check the settings in your phone. โ Settings โ SIM-map.
2. Hidden activation via engineering menu (for advanced)
If there is no built-in feature, you can try to enable it through the Engineering Mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro).+, POCO X5 Pro).
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the Turn on/off call recording block and activate the switch.
- Reset the device.
After the phone is rebooted, a recording button (usually red) should appear during the call, and if it is not, check if your mobile operator blocks the function (for example, MTS or Beeline sometimes limit this ability at the firmware level).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Devices on MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M5) require a different approach:
Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate the developer mode)
Next: Settings โ Additional โ For developers โ Enable recording of conversations3. Third-party annexes: TOP-5 for Xiaomi 2026 year
If the built-in methods didn't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of options and selected those that work consistently on the Internet. MIUI 14/15 system-free.
Selection criteria:
- ๐น Compatibility with Android 13/14
- ๐น Lack of root rights
- ๐น The ability to record both sides (full-duplex)
- ๐น Minimum effect on the battery
| Annex | Rating (โ ) | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | 4.7 | Automatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP support | Google Play |
| ACR Call Recorder | 4.5 | Flexible settings, recording encryption, integration with Google Drive | Google Play |
| Call Recorder - Automatic | 4.3 | Simple interface, schedule recording, dual-SIM support | Google Play |
| Truecaller | 4.4 | Record + block spam, identification of numbers | Google Play |
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | 4.6 | Android support 10-14, recording in high quality (up to) 192 quid) | Official website |
Important: Apps from Google Play may stop working after Android updates due to tighter privacy policies. For example, with the release of Android 12, many recorders lost access to the microphone during calls. APK-from official developer websites (like Boldbeast).
Cube Call Recorder (recommended option):
- After installation, open the application and provide all the permissions requested (microphone, storage, access to calls).
- In the settings, select Recording โ Sound source โ Voice call (VoIP).
- Activate Automatic Record and specify numbers to exclude (e.g. banking services).
- In the Warehouse section, select Google Drive for automatic backup.
4. Google Drive Recording: Bypassing Android Restrictions
With the release of Android 10, Google has banned applications from recording sound during calls through standard API. But there is a workaround, which is to use Google Drive in conferencing mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires an active Internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- During the call, click Add Call (Icon) button "+").
- Enter the number. +1 (650) 555-1234 (Google test number and connect.
- After connecting, activate Conversation Recording in the Google Drive menu (available on the web or through the Google Meet app).
- At the end of the call, the recording will be saved in your Drive. โ Meet folder".
Cons of the method:
- ๐ธ A stable Internet is required (3G/4G/5G or wifi).
- ๐ธ The quality of the recording depends on the connection.
- ๐ธ The interviewer will hear the voice assistant Google when connecting.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some carriers (e.g. Tele2) block connection to Google test numbers, in which case use an alternate number for conferencing: +44 20 7946 0000 (UK, charged as an international call).
5. Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal
In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:
- ๐ Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation โ violation of the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 โฝ or correctional labour.
- ๐ Article 9 of the Federal Law โ 149-FZ โ requires the consent of the interlocutor to the processing of personal data (including voice recordings).
- ๐ Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation โ the record may be used in court as evidence if it is legally obtained.
When recording is allowed without notice:
- ๐น If the conversation is conducted in a public place (for example, in an open-plan office).
- ๐น If the person has given their consent in advance (orally or in writing).
- ๐น If the recording is for personal use (for example, fixing a prescription from a doctor).
When recording is prohibited:
- ๐ธ Hidden recording of private conversation without consent.
- ๐ธ Recording conversations with government officials (e.g. judges, investigators) without permission.
- ๐ธ Distribution of recordings on the Internet or media without the consent of participants.
To make the record legally valid, follow the rules:
- At the beginning of the conversation, notify the person about the recording (for example, โThe conversation is recorded to fix the agreements. Do you mind?โ).
- Save the original file without editing.
- If necessary, certify the record with a notary.
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Even if the record is made legally, its use in court requires authentication, and it is better to save the files in the cloud with time stamps (for example, through Google Drive).
6. Alternative methods: from the second phone to smart watches
If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternative writing options:
1.The second phone in hands-free mode
- ๐ Put the second smartphone next to you and turn on the recording via the recorder.
- ๐ Use a directional microphone (e.g., Boya) BY-M1) better quality.
- ๐ง Connect the headphones with a microphone to the second phone.
2. Smart watch or fitness bracelet
Some smartwatches (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Amazfit) GTR 4) have a built-in voice recorder:
- Activate the recording on the clock before the call begins.
- Put your hand with the clock closer to the phone speaker.
- After the conversation, sync the recording with the Zepp or Mi Fitness app.
3. Computer. + IP-telephony
If you call via WhatsApp, Telegram or Skype, you can record from your PC:
- ๐ป Use it. OBS Studio for capturing sound from microphone and speakers.
- ๐ค Connect your phone to your PC through USB-C And use it as a microphone.
- ๐ In Windows settings, select Stereo Mix to record both sides.
4. Hardware recorders
For professional recording (for example, interviews) suitable portable devices:
- ๐ค Zoom H1n (price ~8 000 โฝ, Connect to the phone through a 3.5 mm connector).
- ๐ป Tascam DR-05X (recording WAV, 24 bit/96 keto).
- ๐ Sony ICD-UX570 (compact voice recorder with noise reduction function).
Notify the interviewee about the recording (if required by law)
Check the free space on your phone (1 record-breaking = ~50-100 MB)
Turn off notifications and energy saving modes
Activate Do Not Disturb mode for other apps
Test the quality of the recording in advance-->
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users face common errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording button doesn't appear | Operator restriction or regional firmware | Install global firmware via Fastboot or use third-party apps |
| Recording ends in 30 seconds. | Limiting Android on Background Activity | Add a recorder app to battery exclusions: Settings โ Battery โ Optimizing the battery |
| Only my voice is heard. | The app does not have access to system audio | Use Boldbeast with Record Mode setting โ Mode 1 |
| Records are not retained. | Lack of permission to write to a folder | Manually specify the save path in the application settings (for example, /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/) |
| Noise and interference | Poor microphone quality or sound compression | Turn on Noise Reduction in the Recorder settings or use an external microphone |
If after all the manipulations the recording does not work, check:
- ๐น Does the antivirus block the function (for example, Avast or Kaspersky).
- ๐น Is the firmware updated to the latest version (check in Settings) โ The phone. โ Updating the system).
- ๐น Is Incognito mode enabled in the Phone application (disables all additional functions).
โ ๏ธ Note: On devices with Android 14 and MIUI 15 Google tightened its call record controls. If your app stopped working after the update, try rolling back to the top of the list. MIUI 14 or use Boldbeast in Root Mode (requires unlocking the bootloader).