Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: all ways and pitfalls

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI features on this model have limitations, and third applications often work unstable due to the policies of Google and Xiaomi. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of recording calls, including hidden firmware functions, circumventing restrictions and legal aspects that many forget.

The Redmi 8 Pro (codename begonia) feature is that it came out in 2019 with MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but later received updates to MIUI 12.5 and Android 11. This means that recording methods depend on the firmware version: somewhere there is a built-in voice recorder, and somewhere you need root access. We tested all methods on current versions of the software and selected only working solutions.

Why is Redmi 8 Pro not a built-in call record?

Many users wonder why the conversation recording feature available on Xiaomi flagships (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) is missing on the Redmi 8 Pro.

• 📱 Google restrictions: Android 9 has tightened rules for recording apps, banning them from accessing the microphone while calling without special permissions.
• 🌍 Regional laws: in some countries (for example, in the EU) recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, so Xiaomi disables the function in global firmware.
• 🔧 Hardware limitations: Redmi 8 Pro uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 655 chipset, which does not support hardware recording of calls via secondary microphone (unlike flagship processors).

It is important to understand that even if you find a way to record a conversation, in Russia and most CIS countries, the consent of the second participant in the dialogue is required for legal use of the record, otherwise the recording will not have legal force in court or in litigation with banks / insurance companies.

Method 1: Hidden MIUI function (works on firmware up to MIUI 12)

Older versions of MIUI (up to 12.0) on the Redmi 8 Pro had a hidden call recording feature that can be activated via an engineering menu.This method does not require root rights, but it does not work on all devices.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##6484## (code for audio testing).
2. In the menu that appears, select Audio → Call Record.
3. Activate Enable Call Recording and save your settings.
4. Reboot the phone.

After that, a recording button should appear in the call interface (usually next to the hands-free and hold-up keys).

• ⚠️ Doesn't work on firmware newer MIUI 12.0.3.
• 🔊 Recording is done only through the main microphone, so the voice of the interlocutor may sound quiet.
• 📁 Files are saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.

Method 2: Call recording applications (without root rights)

If the built-in feature is not available, you can use third-party apps, but due to the limitations of Android, most of them record only your voice and the voice of the interlocutor through the speaker (which reduces the quality), we tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most reliable ones:

Cube ACR (recommended option):

1. Install the application and open it.
2. In the settings, select Call Record → Write Mode → VOIP (this bypasses Android restrictions).
3. Activate the option to record automatically.
4. In the Exclusions section, add numbers that do not need to be recorded (e.g., banking services).

⚠️ Note: Applications without root rights may conflict with battery optimization MIUI. To make the recording work stably, add the application to the exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the Cube. ACR → Turn off optimization.

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If the app does not record the voice of the interlocutor, turn on speaker for 2-3 seconds during the conversation - this will force Android to redirect the audio stream through the main microphone.

Method 3: Recording via second phone or voice recorder

The most reliable, but inconvenient, method is to use a second phone in hands-free mode, which guarantees high-quality recording of both voices, but requires preparation:

• 📱 Put the second phone next to the Redmi 8 Pro speaker.
• 🎤 Turn on the voice recorder (for example, the standard application Voice Recording on Xiaomi).
• 🔊 Activate speaker on the Redmi 8 Pro (but not at maximum volume to avoid distortion).
• 📡 Make sure there is no echo in the room (it is better to write in a small room with upholstered furniture).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on any firmware and Android version.
• ✅ Recording is conducted in stereo (your voice and interlocutor are separated by channels).
• ✅ There is no risk of breaking the law (if you warn the person you are talking to).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Second phone required.
• ❌ There may be extraneous noise in the recordings.
• ❌ It is impossible to automate the process.

Method 4: Recording with root rights (for advanced users)

If you're ready to root, you'll have the ability to record calls through the system's audio channels, which is harder than most, but it's better quality. The Redmi 8 Pro is going to be like this:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot (instruction: official guide).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP for begonia).
3. Squeeze Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Install Call Recorder for Magisk via Magisk Manager.

After installation of the module:

• Recording will be automatically recorded for all calls.
• Files will be saved to /sdcard/CallRecordings/ in.mp3 format.
• In the module settings, you can select the source of audio: Voice_Uplink (voice) + Voice_Downlink (voice).

⚠️ Attention: Getting root rights will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may lead to problems with banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online will stop working). TWRP Redmi 8 Pro can cause camera problems (known bug with qcam drivers).

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Root access is the only way to record a conversation in the Redmi 8 Pro with perfect quality, but it is only suitable for advanced users willing to sacrifice system stability.

Method 5: Cloud Services (for Business Users)

If you need to record calls for work, consider cloud services that integrate with Android via APIs.

• 📞 Zadarma – a virtual PBX with a record of all incoming / outgoing calls (free for personal use).
• ☁️ Mango Office – Cloud telephony with up to 6 months of record storage.
• 💼 Bitrix24 — CRM-system with built-in telephony and automatic conversation saving.

How it works:

1. Register with the service and get a virtual number.
2. Configure a call forwarding from your Redmi 8 Pro to that number.
3. All conversations are automatically recorded and stored in the personal account.

Advantages:

• ✅ Legally (you warn the interlocutor about recording by voice message).
• ✅ Records are stored in the cloud and do not take up space on the phone.
• ✅ You can keep statistics of calls (duration, time, number).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ A stable Internet connection is required (voIP calls are made).
• ❌ Pay for business use (from 300) ₽/moss).

Legal aspects: can the records be used in court?

In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several laws:

• 📜 Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation - guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations.
• ⚖️ Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – violation of the secrecy of telephone conversations is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 ₽ or correctional labour.
• 🏛️ Article 55 of the Civil Procedure Code of the Russian Federation – a record may be accepted by the court as evidence if it is obtained legally (with the consent of the interlocutor).

Practical application:

• If you recorded a conversation without consent, it cannot be used in court, but you can file it with the police as a basis for initiating a case (for example, when threatened).
• If the person you are talking to knows about the recording (you have warned him), the recording has full legal force.
• Banks and insurance companies are required to warn about the entry (usually this is done by an autoinformer).

⚠️ Note: In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that recordings of conversations with officials (such as housing and communal services or government agencies) could be used in court even without their consent, if the recording was conducted to protect their rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 Pro call recording