Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but the question of recording phone conversations is confusing. Unlike flagship models, where the feature is built in by default, here it can be hidden or absent depending on the regional firmware. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from regular MIUI tools to circumventing restrictions using third-party solutions.
It's important to understand that the recording capabilities vary depending on the MIUI version and the country of purchase of the device. For example, in European firmware, the feature is often disabled due to legal restrictions, and in global and Chinese versions it may require additional settings. We tested all methods on current builds in 2026 - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
If you are looking for a way to maintain an important dialogue for work, litigation or personal purposes, this guide will help you choose the best option. But remember: recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate local law (for example, Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in Russia).
1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI
First, check if recording conversations is available in the standard Redmi Note 8 Pro phone. In some firmware, the option is hidden, but it can be activated through the menu.
Open the Phone app, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Settings β Record conversations. If there is no point, then your version of MIUI does not support out of the box.
- π± Global firmware (EEA/Global): The function is usually disabled, but it can be enabled through ##4636##* (test-menu).
- π¨π³ Chinese firmware (China) ROM): The recording is available by default, but requires Russification of the interface.
- β οΈ Firmware for India/Russia: often blocked due to local laws. β The phone. β Version. MIUI.
β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI 12.5+ European region (EEA) The built-in record may not be available even after the updates, in which case only installing custom software or third-party applications will help.
2. Hidden activation method through the engineering menu
If you don't have a recording option in your phone's settings, try turning it on through the engineering menu, which works on most versions of MIUI, but you need to be careful that you can compromise the stability of your system.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Turn on/off call recording block and activate the switch.
- Reboot the device. Then the phone's settings will show up with a call record.
If the combination doesn't work, try the alternative code: ##847## (for some regions). Note that after resetting or updating the firmware, you may need to turn the function back on.
Check the MIUI version in the settings
Backup your data (Settings β Additional β Backup)
Battery charge of at least 50%
Turn it off. VPN (It can block access to the engineering menu)-->
3. Use of third-party applications
If the built-in methods don't work, there's a version with apps from Google Play, and we tested 5 popular programs -- Cube Call Recorder ACR and Call Recorder Automatic -- that support Redmi Note 8 Pro and bypass MIUI limitations.
Application selection criteria:
- π€ Recording quality: format support MP3/WAV bitrate 128 kbps.
- π Privacy: No uploading of records to developer servers (check permissions!).
- π± Compatibility: work on MIUI 11-14 without root rights.
- π° Monetization model: Free versions often limit the recording time (e.g. up to 3 minutes).
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Recording quality | Root is required. | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | β Yes, all versions) | π΅ 192 kbps (MP3) | β No. | Advertising in the free version |
| Call Recorder β Automatic | β Yeah (except) MIUI 14 EEA) | π΅ 128 kbps (AAC) | β No. | Limit 50 records per month |
| Truecaller | β οΈ Partially (for identified numbers only) | π΅ 96 kbps (OPUS) | β No. | Records are stored on Truecaller servers |
For installation:
- Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from third-party sources!).
- When you first start, grant permissions to Record audio, Access to contacts and Phone.
- In the application settings, select the write format and folder to save files (we recommend Internal Memory β CallRecordings).
- Activate Automatic Record for all or selected contacts.
β οΈ Note: Apps like Truecaller can send records to their servers to "improve quality." If privacy is critical, use offline solutions like Cube. ACR with settings Do not upload to the cloud.
4. Recording via second telephone or recorder
If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to corporate constraints), the analog method is the recording by an external device, which is the only option that works on any firmware and does not require administrator rights.
You'll need:
- π± Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with a good microphone.
- π§ Headphones with microphone (for better quality).
- π A voice recorder app (such as Easy Voice Recorder or Hi-Q) MP3 Recorder).
How to write:
- Put the second phone next to the Redmi Note 8 Pro (microphone to speaker).
- Turn on speaker on the main apparatus (Green tube β Loud communication).
- Run the recording on the second device. For better sound, use the headphones with a microphone connected to the second phone.
- After the conversation, save the file and, if necessary, process it in an audio editor (for example, Audacity for noise removal).
Advantages of the method:
- β It works on any version. MIUI, custom-made.
- β No need to root rights or change system files.
- β Recording is high quality (up to 320 kbps with the correct settings).
Disadvantages:
- β Two devices.
- β There may be noise when the microphone is far from the speaker.
- β The interviewer will hear an echo if you do not turn off the microphone on the main phone.
π‘
For better sound, put the second phone in a cup or small box β this will increase the reasoning and reduce noise.
5. Rooting and Modifying System Files
For power users, there's a radical method of rooting and editing system configurations that allows you to turn on the record even on firmware where it's locked at the kernel level, but it's risky: loss of warranty, possible device "bricks," and security issues.
If you are ready for experiments, follow the instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model. 3.7.0 is the best version for the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- You can go through Magisk to get root rights. Download the latest version from GitHub.
- Install Call Recorder Enabler module via Magisk Manager and restart the device.
After that, in the settings of the phone will appear a full record with options:
- π Automatic recording for all/favorite contacts.
- π Selecting a save folder (including SD-map).
- ποΈ Customize bitrate (up to 256 kbps).
- π Password encryption of records.
β οΈ Attention: MIUI 13/14 with current security patches (2023+) Some recording modules may not work due to DM-Verity, in which case you will need to disable signature verification via fastboot disable-verity!).
What if the recording does not work after rooting?
6.Alternative solutions: cloud services and SIP
If you need to record conversations regularly (for example, for work), consider cloud services or other services. SIP-These are methods that are suitable for business users and allow you to store records in a secure way.
Option 1: Cloud PBX
Services like Zadarma, Mango Office or Binotel offer virtual numbers that automatically record all calls.
- Register on the platform and connect a virtual number.
- Configure call forwarding from Redmi Note 8 Pro to cloud PBX.
- All conversations are recorded on the providerβs server and are available in the personal account.
Option 2: SIP-record-holder
Apps like Zoiper or Linphone support recording during conversation.
- Install. SIP-client from Google Play.
- Set up an account (you can use free servers like SIP2SIP).
- In the call settings, activate the Record Call option.
The advantages of cloud solutions:
- π Records are stored on the server, not in the phoneβs memory.
- π Easy search and categorization by date/contact.
- π‘οΈ Conformity GDPR (European users).
Disadvantages:
- β A stable Internet is required.
- β Possible delay of sound (latency).
- β Paid rates for advanced features.
Comparison of all methods: what to choose?
| Method | Difficulty | Quality. | Root is required. | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MIUI function | β (simple) | π΅ Average (128 kbps) | β No. | Users with supported firmware |
| Engineering menu | ββ (middle-of-the-road) | π΅ Average (128 kbps) | β No. | Firmware without explicit locking |
| Party of annex | β (simple) | π΅ Good (192β256 kbps) | β No. | All versions of MIUI |
| External recorder | β (simple) | π΅ Excellent (320 kbps) | β No. | Important conversations, interviews |
| Root + modules | ββββ (difficult) | π΅ Excellent (customizable) | β Yes. | Experienced users |
| Cloud PBX | ββ (middle-of-the-road) | π΅ Average (depending on the provider) | β No. | Business, regular entry |
π‘
For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users, the best solution is a combination of a third-party app (like Cube ACR) and an external voice recorder for critical conversations.