How to record a conversation on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from MIUI to third-party applications

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from storing important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, not everyone knows that recording capabilities depend on the version of MIUI, device model and even regional restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways – from embedded tools to third-party solutions – and also talk about the legal nuances and technical limitations that you can face.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi periodically changes its policy on call recording. For example, in some versions of MIUI 14+, the standard recording feature may be disabled for EU users due to privacy laws. But even then, there are workarounds. We’ve tested all methods on current models — from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra — and are ready to share working solutions.

If you're looking for a way to record a conversation without notifying the person, we'll warn you right away: in most countries, it's illegal without their consent. Our goal is to show technical capabilities, not encourage rights violations. All the examples in this article are for legal use (e.g., recording a business call notifying participants).

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

The easiest way is to use a standard Xiaomi voice recorder that is integrated into the Phone app, but it depends on the firmware version and region. For example, Redmi 10 with global MIUI 13 has a feature, but the same device with European firmware does not.

To check availability:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial a number or select a contact.
3. During the call, pay attention to the screen: if there is a Record button (usually next to the hands-free and hold keys), then the function is active.

If there is no button, try to manually enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Record conversations.
2. Activate the Automatic Recording or Manual Recording switch.
3. Choose which calls to record: all, only incoming/outgoing or from specific contacts.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for the EU (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro EE) The embedded record can be blocked. In this case, move to methods 2-5.

Where are the records stored? They're stored in a folder by default. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec The files are.amr or formatted in internal memory.mp3 And it can be played by any player, to change the place of conservation:

1. Open the settings → Applications → Recorder.
2. Select a Retention Site → Memory of the device or SD-map.

2. Hidden MIUI settings: how to return call recording on European firmware

If you are a Xiaomi owner with European firmware (the EEA designation in the model number), you may have noticed that there is no record button, which is due to GDPR compliance, but the function can be returned through hidden settings.

The method works on MIUI 12-14 and requires activation of the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Recording of Conversations option and turn it on.

If you don’t have an option, try the alternative method through the test menu:

##4636## → Phone Information → Menu (three dots) → Recording settings

Once activated, the recording button should appear in the Phone app, but note that on some models (e.g., POCO F5), this method may not work due to hardware limitations.

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Before using hidden settings, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup. In rare cases, changes to developer mode can cause crashes.

3. Third-party apps: TOP-5 for recording calls on Xiaomi

If the built-in methods don’t work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of options and selected those that work consistently on Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and Android 13/14.

Important: When installing the application, provide all the permissions requested, including:

• 📞 Phone - to access calls.
• 🎤 Microphone for recording voice.
• 📁 Storage – to save files.
• 🔔 Notifications – to automatically start recording.

Android 13+ may require additional settings in Settings → Apps → Special Access → Access to Notifications.

Enable autostart in settings MIUI|Grant all permits|Select the format of the recording (recommended) MP3)|Check out the test call.|Set up contact exceptions-->

4. Google Drive Recording: An Unexpected, But Workable Way

Few people know, but Google Drive can record phone conversations through Voice Input, a method that is suitable for devices where a standard recording is blocked, but requires an Internet connection during a call.

Instructions:

1. Install Google Drive and log in.
2. During the call, turn on speaker.
3. Open Google Drive and create a new document.
4. Click on the microphone icon (Voice input) and place the phone next to the speaker.
5. After the conversation, save the document – the text transcript and audio file will be available in your account.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 Automatic decoding of conversation into text.
• ☁️ Cloud storage (does not take up space on your phone).
• 🔒 No need to install additional applications.

⚠️ Warning: Recording quality depends on the noise level in the room; in loud places (such as outside), the transcript may be inaccurate; and the interlocutor will hear an echo if the microphone of the phone is too close to the speaker.

5. Recording through a second device or headset

If the software methods are not suitable, you can use hardware solutions:

• 🎧 Headset with recording function (for example, Sony) ICD-UX570). Connects via 3.5mm or Bluetooth and records the conversation to the built-in memory.
• 📱 Second device (tablet, other phone) Place it next to you and use a recorder.
• 🖥️ Computer with a connected microphone (for example, via Audacity).

For Xiaomi with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Redmi A2), a simple audio splitter is suitable:

1. Buy a splitter with two nests 3.5 mm (male-female).
2. Connect your phone to your headphones and voice recorder at the same time.
3. Run the recording on the recorder before the call.

On non-connector devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), you can use a Bluetooth transmitter with access to the recording device, but this will require additional settings to synchronize the sound.

Legal Aspects: What the Law Says About Recording Conversations

Before recording conversations, read the laws of your country, and in most cases the following rules apply:

How to legally record conversations:

• 📢 Notification: At the beginning of the conversation, let us know that the recording is being made (e.g., "The conversation is being recorded to record the information. You don't mind?").
• 📝 Consent: For business correspondence, use consent templates (for example, in a contract or email correspondence).
• 🔇 Exceptions: Some countries allow recording without consent if it is conducted in a public place or for personal safety.

If you are recording a conversation for legal purposes, make sure the file:

• ⏱️ Has time stamps.
• 🔊 It is clearly reproduced (without interference).
• 📄 Accompanied by a written explanation of the purpose of the recording.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you record a conversation on Xiaomi, users encounter common mistakes, and we've collected the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods work, check:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Some functions return after the update.
• 🛠️ Developer Settings: Turn Off Debugging by USB — It can block the recording.
• 📱 Model of the device: on some POCO Black Shark recording is locked at hardware level.

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On Android 14 and MIUI 15 devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the standard entry can be completely removed, in which case the only option is third-party apps with support for new APIs, such as RMC or Boldbeast.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions