Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all ways from standard to hidden

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a challenge faced by both business and casual users. A MIUI-based smartphone doesn’t always offer obvious solutions: in some regions, the call recording feature is hidden due to legal restrictions, while in others it works intermittently. This article will help you understand how to activate embedded tools, bypass locks and use third-party applications without risking data security.

We tested all the methods on Redmi Note 5 with different versions of MIUI (9 to 14) and identified key nuances: why sometimes recording is interrupted, how to save files to the cloud and what to do if the interlocutor does not know about the recording.

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

On the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI Global or MIUI China firmware, the call recording function can be hidden or disabled by default, depending on Xiaomi’s regional policy: in India and Russia, the option is often available out of the box, and in Europe it is blocked.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Dial a number or select a contact, but don't click on the call.
3. In the upper right corner, look for the icon of three dots (menu) → Settings.
4. Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if not, read the next section).

If the item Record conversations found, activate it and select one of the modes:

• 📞 Record all incoming/outgoing – automatic mode (consumes memory).
• 🔄 Record only selected - manual control (click on the record button during the call).
• 🚫 Disabled - the function is inactive.

Where are the records stored?.amr files or.mp3 persist /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. They can be listened to through the standard Records app or any file manager.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12+ European region (EEA) Call recording can be blocked at the firmware level. Attempts to enable it through Settings → Additionally, the phone application often crashes, in which case use the methods in section 3 or 4.

2. Hidden MIUI setting: how to unlock a record through the engineering menu

If you don’t have an option in your standard settings, you can activate it through the engineering menu (hidden mode for testing), which works on the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 10-14, but you need to be careful that wrong actions can disrupt the stability of the system.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
2. The MTK Engineer Mode menu will open (for Snapdragon processors, the code is ##4636###).
3. Go to Telephony → Audio → Call Record.
4. Activate Enable Call Record and select the save format (AMR or WAV).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Once the phone is rebooted, a recording button (red circle) will appear in the phone app during the call, and on some firmware, this method only works after resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).

Third-party applications: TOP-3 proven solutions for Redmi Note 5

If the built-in methods didn't work, third-party programs will come to the rescue, and we tested 15 apps and selected the three most stable ones for the Redmi Note 5:

How to set up Cube ACR (recommended for Redmi Note 5):

Install the app and give access to the microphone |Enable the option to "Record all calls" in the settings |Select MP3 format for better quality |Activate "Exclude contacts" for a blacklist |Check recording with a test call-->

Important: Some applications (such as Truecaller) conflict with recorders and block recording.

⚠️ Note: Call recording applications may conflict with MIUI Optimizations (Xiaomi's built-in optimization) if the record is broken through 5–10 minutes, turn off optimization for the application-recordera In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

Recording via second telephone or voice recorder: alternative methods

If the software is not suitable (for example, due to legal restrictions), you can use hardware solutions that guarantee 100% performance, but require additional hardware.

Method 1: The second smartphone in hands-free mode

• 📱 Place the second phone next to the Redmi Note 5.
• 🔊 Turn on speakerphone on both devices.
• 🎤 Run a voice recorder on a second phone (for example, the standard Records app on Xiaomi).
• 📲 For better quality, use an external microphone (connected via a USB-C 3.5 mm).

Method 2: Analog voice recorder with patch cord

Suitable for professional recording (e.g. interviews)

• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (connect to Redmi Note 5 through 3.5 mm).
• 🔌 Patch cord 3.5mm → 3.5 mm (male-to-male).
• 📼 Digital voice recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570).

Connection diagram: Redmi Note 5 (headphone access) → Patch cord → Sign in LINE-IN voice recorder. Start recording on recorder before the call.

💡

To improve the quality of recording in a noisy room, use the Krispi (Google Play) application - it suppresses background sounds in real time.

5. Legal nuances: When recording a conversation is legal

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the secrecy of correspondence) and Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (protection of private life).

• ✅ Allowed: Record a conversation if you are a member and do not share the record.
• ✅ Allowed: Use the court record as evidence (provided it is not illegally obtained).
• ❌ It is forbidden to record conversations of third parties without their consent.
• ❌ Prohibited: to publish records on the Internet without the permission of the interlocutor.

The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is in force in Europe, which tightens the requirements for:

In Germany and France, recording a conversation without the consent of the other party is considered a violation.

In Spain and Italy, recordings are allowed for personal use, but not for distribution.

On Redmi Note 5, you can set up an automatic recording notification:

1. In apps like Cube ACR, enable the Play beep sound option.
2. Or add a phrase at the beginning of the conversation: "The conversation is recorded for internal use."

6 Where to store records and how to protect them

Record files take up little space (1 minute in AMR ≈ 500 KB), but with a large volume, it is better to archive them.

How to Automate Backup:

1. Install FolderSync (Google Play)
2. Set up the task: Source: /MIUI/sound_recorder/ → Purpose: Google Drive/Records of calls.
3. Select a schedule (for example, daily at 2:00).

To protect confidential records:

• 🔒 Use the AppLock app (from Xiaomi) to block access to the folder sound_recorder.
• 🔑 Encrypt files via Cryptomator (free for Android).

💡

Never keep records of important conversations only on your phone. Use the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies on 2 different media, 1 of which is out of the house (for example, the cloud).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the record correctly, there may be some failures, and we’ve collected typical errors on the Redmi Note 5 and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: On beta firmware, recording often doesn't work.
• 🔧 Developer Settings: Disable Inactive Applications in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → Limits of background processes.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions