How to record a conversation on Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face for various reasons: from saving important business negotiations to fixing evidence in controversial situations. However, the manufacturer does not always provide this feature out of the box - especially on models for the European market due to legal restrictions, POCO and Mi, including hidden opportunities MIUI, Third-party applications and workarounds for models without built-in function.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) requires the consent of the interlocutor to record the conversation. Use this function responsibly to avoid legal consequences. MIUI Global or MIUI EU β€” We will specify such cases separately.

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support recording calls out of the box, don’t rush to install questionable apps. 80% of the time, the hidden feature solves the problem. MIUI Or a properly configured app from Google Play, followed by detailed instructions for all firmware versions and models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T.

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

On most Xiaomi smartphones in Asia and India, call recording is already built into the standard Phone app, but hidden from users.

βœ… For MIUI 13/14 (Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Xiaomi 12/13 series):

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. Select a Conversation Record (if no item, proceed to the method) β„–2).
  4. Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.

πŸ” If there is no "recording of conversations" item:

This means that your firmware (MIUI Global/EU) artificially devoid of function:

  • πŸ“² Install regional firmware (India/China) via Fastboot – but this will void the warranty.
  • πŸ”§ Use it. ADB-command to unlock the function (method) β„–3).
  • πŸ“± Install an alternative application for calls (method) β„–4).

⚠️

Attention: On models with MIUI 12.5 and below (e.g. Redmi Note 9) the recording can be saved in.amr format – you will need a player that supports this format to listen (e.g, VLC).

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model supports built-in call recording?
Yeah, it's working.
No, there's no item in the settings.
I don't know, I haven't.
I'm using a third-party app.

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2. Hidden function MIUI: How to Enable Recording through Engineering Menu

Even if the phone does not have a recording option, it can be activated through the engineering menu (works on 90% of Xiaomi models with a single device). MIUI This method does not require root rights, but will require input. USSD-code.

πŸ“Œ Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #64663## for older models).
  3. In the menu that appears, select Call Recorder.
  4. Activate the Auto Record or Manual Record option.
  5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

πŸ”Ή Where to find records?

The files are saved in the folder:

/sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

or

/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/

⚠️

Attention: On some firmware (MIUI EU) The engineering menu can be blocked, in which case, try to enter the code through the application. MTK Engineering Mode (available on Google Play).

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Make a backup copy of your contacts

Make sure your phone has enough memory (records take ~1MB/minute)

Close all background applications before entering the code-->

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3. ADB-command to unlock call recordings (without root)

If the previous methods did not work, you can force the record through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method works for most Xiaomi models with MIUI 12–14, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO F3/F4, and does not require unlocking the loader.

πŸ›  Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Turn on the debugging. USB: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer) β†’ Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB.
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
  4. Open the command line (Win) + R β†’ cmd) and enter: adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1
  5. Reboot your phone. In the phone app settings, Record conversations will appear.

πŸ“Š Compatibility of methods:

Xiaomi modelMIUI 12MIUI 13MIUI 14
Redmi Note 10/11βœ… ADBβœ… ADB/Engineering menuβœ… Built-in.
POCO X3/X4βœ… ADBβœ… Engineering menuβœ… Built-in.
Xiaomi 12/13❌ β€”βœ… ADBβœ… Built-in (India region)
Redmi 9/9Aβœ… Engineering menuβœ… ADB❌ β€”

⚠️

Attention: After update MIUI setting ADB Repeat the command after each major update.

adb shell settings put global call_recording_all_numbers 1

This command unlocks the entry for all numbers, not just contacts.-->

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4. Third-party apps: top-3 solution

If the built-in methods don’t work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of programs and selected the 3 most reliable ones for Xiaomi that work without root and do not eat the battery.

πŸ“± 1. Cube Call Recorder ACR

  • 🎯 Records both ends of the conversation (your voice) + interlocutor).
  • πŸ“ Save files in MP3 or WAV (choose).
  • πŸ”„ Automatic upload of records in Google Drive.
  • ⚠️ Cons: some Xiaomi models require you to disable battery optimization for the application.

πŸ“± 2. Call Recorder – Automatic Call Recorder

  • πŸ“Œ Simple interface with the ability to selectively record (incoming/outgoing only).
  • πŸ” Search for records by number or date.
  • πŸ“΅ Works in the background without notifications (does not interfere with the conversation).

πŸ“± 3. Boldbeast Call Recorder

  • πŸ›‘ Keeps the record on two. SIM-Cards (Relevant to Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ hybrid-slot).
  • πŸŽ› Manual control of recording volume level.
  • πŸ“² Compatible with MIUI 14 (including Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
  • ⚠️ Cons: paid version for recording in high quality.

πŸ”§ How to set up an application for maximum reliability:

  1. In the application settings, select Sound Source: Loud Communication (if the recording is silent).
  2. Disable Battery Optimization for the Application: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ [Title of the annex] β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions.
  3. Enable AutoRun and Show notifications (to MIUI didn't close the app).
Why can’t apps record the voice of the person they’re talking to?
On some Xiaomi models (especially with a Snapdragon processor), Android blocks access to the microphone during a call due to security policy. Solutions: 1. Use speakerphone while talking (the app will record audio via the speaker). 2. Install Magisk and the CallRecorderPatch module (requires root). 3. Try the Boldbeast app with manual Fix recording issues settings.

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5. Recording the conversation through the second SIM-card

If the software methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi). MIUI In Europe, you can use hardware bypass: Recording via conferencing with another phone or service, which is guaranteed to work on any model, but requires a second one. SIM-map or access to another device.

πŸ“ž Method 1: Conference communication with another phone

  1. Start a conversation with the subscriber you need to record.
  2. From another phone, call your Xiaomi.
  3. On Xiaomi, take an incoming call and combine calls into a conference (click Add Call). β†’ Unite).
  4. On the second phone, turn on the recorder - it will record the entire conversation.

πŸ“ž Method 2: Call recording service (paid)

  • 🌍 Services like CallHippo or JustCall provide virtual numbers with a recording function.
  • πŸ’³ Cost: from $5/month (suitable for business users).
  • βœ… Plus: Records are stored in the cloud, accessible from any device.

⚠️

Attention: When using a conference call, the interlocutor may hear an audible signal when combining calls. To avoid suspicion, warn him in advance (for example, "I'll connect a colleague now").

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6 Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, the files of call records on Xiaomi are saved in system folders, which can be cleared when you reset. To avoid losing important conversations, follow these rules:

πŸ“ Paths to the records folders:

  • πŸ“‚ Built-in recording MIUI: /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/
  • πŸ“‚ Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/
  • πŸ“‚ Boldbeast: /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast/

πŸ”„ How to transfer records to PC or cloud:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
  2. Copy the folder with the records to a safe place (for example, to disk D:).
  3. For automatic sync, use Google Drive or Dropbox: Recording app settings β†’ Autoboot β†’ Choose a cloud.

πŸ—‘ How to Clean a Place Without Deleting Important Records:

  • πŸ“… In apps like Cube. ACR Autocleaning – Deleting records older than 30 days.
  • πŸ” Use the filter by duration: short recordings (less than 10 seconds) usually carry no value.
  • πŸ“Ž Archive important files in ZIP and put it on the flash drive.

πŸ’‘

Record files take up ~1 MB per minute. When you use the feature actively, they can fill up memory quickly. Clean the folder regularly or set up automatic upload to the cloud.

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In Russia and most CIS countries, recording telephone conversations is allowed only with the consent of the interlocutor (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

βš– When the recording of the conversation is legal:

  • πŸ“ The interviewee gave explicit consent (orally or in writing).
  • 🚨 Recording is conducted in self-defense (for example, threats, blackmail).
  • πŸ’Ό The conversation concerns business negotiations and both parties are notified of the recording in advance (relevant to call centers).

❌ When recording is forbidden:

  • πŸ”‡ Hidden recording of private conversations without notice.
  • πŸ“± Distribution of recording in social networks or messengers without the consent of participants.
  • 🎀 Use of the recording for blackmail or public humiliation.

πŸ“œ How to legally use a court record:

  1. Notify the interlocutor of the recording at the beginning of the conversation (for example: "The conversation is recorded to fix the terms of the transaction").
  2. Save the original file without editing (metadata will confirm authenticity).
  3. Attach to the record a printout of the conversation with the date, time and phone numbers.

⚠️

Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany), even a notice of an entry does not make it legal – written consent is required.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi

❓ Why my Xiaomi phone doesn’t have a call recorder?
It's connected to regional firmware (MIUI Global/EU) The feature is disabled due to privacy laws.Solutions: Install firmware for India/China (requires unlocking the bootloader). ADB-team β„–3). Install a third-party application (method) β„–4).
❓ How to record a conversation in WhatsApp or Telegram?
In messengers, voice call recording is blocked at the application level: πŸ“± Use the second. SIM-map β„–5) – call through a regular call, not a messenger. 🎀 Turn on speakerphone and record sound through voice recorder (quality will be worse). πŸ’» On PC: Use the program OBS Studio for recording screen and sound during a call.
❓ Can I record a conversation on Xiaomi without notifying the interlocutor?
Technically yes (through hidden features or apps), but legally it can be a violation of the law. In Russia, recording without consent is allowed only if: You are a participant in the conversation. No intention to use the recording for blackmail or defamation. ⚠️ In court, such a record may be considered inadmissible evidence.
❓ Where do records go after resetting the phone to factory settings?
Record files are stored in internal memory and deleted when reset. To save them: Copy a folder with records on your PC or flash drive before reset. Use cloud services (like Google Drive) to automatically sync. Install a recording app with Autoexport function (e.g. Cube) ACR).
❓ Why the recording ends in 1-2 minutes?
This is a typical problem on Xiaomi due to battery optimization: πŸ”‹ Disable optimization for the write application: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ [Annex] β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions. πŸ“΅ Enable AutoRun and Show notifications for the app. πŸ”„ Reboot your phone after setting up - it will reset the cache MIUI.