Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of price and functionality. However, the feature of recording conversations in this model is not implemented clearly – it is not in the basic MIUI firmware, and third-party applications are often blocked due to the privacy policy of Android. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record calls on Redmi 8 Pro, including hidden MIUI capabilities, bypassing Google restrictions and proven applications that work on MIUI 12-14.
It’s important to understand that since Android 9, Google has tightened the rules for recording audio in the background, so many apps from Google Play either require root rights or only record their side of the conversation. We’ll focus on methods that don’t require unlocking the bootloader and work on standard firmware. We’ll also explain how to get around the restrictions if your carrier blocks the recording (for example, MTS or Beeline in some regions).
1. Built-in MIUI recording function: where to look and how to turn on
Xiaomi does not advertise the Redmi 8 Pro call recording capability on contract, but it is hidden in MIUI regional settings. This method only works for MIUI 11-14 (Android 9-11) based firmware and depends on the software version.
Go to Settings → About Phone → The MIUI version and tap it 7 times to activate the Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → Special Opportunities.
- Find the item Record conversations (can be called Call Recorder in global firmware).
- Activate the switch and select the save format (by default -.amr in the folder). MIUI/sound_recorder).
⚠️ Note: If you don't have a point, your firmware doesn't support the function. In this case, try upgrading to the latest version. MIUI through settings → Update the system or use alternative methods below.
2. Applications for recording calls: top-3 working-class
If you don't have a built-in feature, you'll have to use third-party apps, and the main problem with Android 10+ is that Google blocks access to the microphone when calling for most apps, and we tested dozens of apps and selected three reliable options that bypass the restrictions:
- 📱 Cube ACR — Records both sides of the conversation via an alternative audio driver. MIUI 12+ As long as you turn off battery optimization for the app, minus: sometimes misses the first seconds of a call.
- 🎤 Call Recorder by Lovekesh uses an accessibility service to capture audio. Requires inclusion in Special Features, but does not need root. Supports cloud storage on Google Drive.
- 🔊 Boldbeast Call Recorder is the most powerful solution, but it's hard to set up. It works even on Android 13 if you choose the right audio source (Voice Call is recommended). + VoIP).
Before installing any of these applications:
Disable battery optimization for the application in Settings → Battery → Optimization
Allow access to microphone and phone calls in Settings → Apps → Permissions
Add the app to autorun exceptions in Settings → Apps → Autorun
Restart your phone after setting up-->
⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) may block the recording at the network level. If the application does not capture the voice of the interlocutor, try calling via WhatsApp or Viber and recording the conversation through on-screen recording (see section 4).
3. Google Drive Recording: Bypassing Android Restrictions
Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record incoming sound through Screen Recording if you enable internal audio capture.This method works on Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 12+ and does not require root.
- Install Google Drive and log in.
- Open Settings → System → Screen recording.
- Enable the option to capture internal sound (if not, update Google Play Services).
- Start recording the screen before the call starts, so you capture both sides of the conversation.
Cons of the method:
- 📉 Sound quality is worse than that of specialized applications (opus compression).
- 🕒 Recording takes place in the cloud (automatically uploaded to Google Drive).
- 🚫 It does not work if the interlocutor calls via VoLTE (in this case, the sound will be recorded only on your side).
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If the recording is interrupted, reduce the screen quality in the recording settings to 720p. This will reduce the load on the processor and prevent lags.
4.Alternative methods: from Bluetooth headset to second phone
If the software didn’t work, consider the hardware solutions, which are less convenient but guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi, including the Redmi 8 Pro:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth headset with recording | Records both sides, no binding to the software | Expensive, requires synchronization | Headset with recording function (e.g. Plantronics Voyager) |
| Second phone. | 100% reliability, no restrictions | Two devices are needed, there may be interference. | Any second smartphone with a voice recorder |
| Analog recorder | It works without a battery on your phone. | Poor quality, wires interfere | 3.5mm voice recorder and cable splitter |
For the second telephone method:
- Put both phones next to each other (Redmi 8 Pro speaker to the microphone of the second device).
- On the second phone, run a voice recorder (for example, built-in Samsung or iPhone).
- Use the speaker mode on Redmi to improve your sound capture.
⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate privacy laws.
5.Set up MIUI to improve recording quality
If you use the recording app but the quality leaves much to be desired, check out these settings in Redmi 8 Pro:
- 🔇 Turn off noise reduction in Settings → Sound. → Sound enhancement. It can distort the voice of the person.
- 📶 Switch to the switch. 3G/2G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network. 4G (VoLTE: Some applications can't capture sound.
- 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB, and then in the recording app, select the source of the Voice Call (Legacy) sound).
We also recommend:
- 🛠️ Clear the cache of the phone application in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
- 📥 Update Google Play Services to the latest version (sometimes older versions block access to the microphone).
Why don’t apps record VoLTE calls?
6 Where records are stored and how to keep them
By default, records from the built-in MIUI function are saved to:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_record/The files are either.amr (mono, 8kHz) or.mp3 (if you changed your settings) to transfer to your PC:
- Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
- Copy files from the folder call_record safe-haven.
- To save space on your phone, enable automatic deletion of old records in the recording application settings.
If you use Cube ACR or Boldbeast, records can be stored in:
- /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ (Cube ACR)
- /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast/ (Boldbeast)
⚠️ Note:.amr files are low-space but low-quality. For important conversations, convert them to.mp3 Audio Converter or Lexis Audio Editor.
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The most reliable way to save records is to set up an automatic upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) immediately after the call is completed.