Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand due to balanced characteristics and support for current versions of MIUI. However, the feature of recording calls in this model is not implemented clearly: it is not in the basic firmware for some regions, and third-party applications often fail. In this guide, we will analyze all working methods of recording conversations, from hidden MIUI settings to reliable alternative programs, as well as talk about legal aspects and optimization of sound quality.

It is important to understand that recording capabilities depend on the firmware version and regional policies of Xiaomi. For example, in European MIUI builds, the feature can be blocked due to privacy laws, whereas in global and Chinese versions it is often available out of the box. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14 (Android 12) - current data for 2026.

If you're looking for a way to save an important conversation -- for work, for proof, for personal purposes -- this article will help you choose the best option for your tasks, and if you've tried recording calls and experienced problems (e.g., the recording is interrupted or the interlocutor is not heard), here you will find solutions to typical errors.

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

So, to start with the obvious, the standard recording function, which can be hidden in the settings, and depending on the firmware version, the path to it is different, but the general principle is the same: the function is activated through the phone menu.

Here's how to check for it:

  • πŸ“± Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  • πŸ” Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Select Settings.
  • 🎀 Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (or Call Recording in English version).
  • πŸ”„ If there is no item, try updating the firmware or using alternative methods from the following sections.

If the function is available, you can:

  • βœ… Choose which calls to record: everything, only incoming or outgoing.
  • βœ… Set automatic recording for specific contacts (useful for customer service).
  • βœ… Set up a recording notification (so that the interlocutor knows about the recording of the conversation).

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), automatic recording without notifying the interlocutor may violate privacy laws.

πŸ“Š Have you ever recorded telephone conversations?
Yeah, regularly.
Yeah, but rarely.
No, but I want to learn.
No, and no planning.

2. Alternative applications for recording: TOP-3 verified versions

If the built-in feature is missing or is not stable, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we selected the three most reliable solutions that were tested on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube Call Recorder ACRHigh quality recording, cloud storage, VoIP support (WhatsApp, Viber).A premium version for advanced functions.Google Play
Call Recorder – AutomaticAutomatic recording, spam call filtering, integration with Google Drive.The commercial is free.Google Play
TruecallerRecord + block spam, number determination, free storage of records.Registration and access to contacts.Google Play

Before installing any application, check the permissions it requests. Avoid programs that require SMS access, geolocation or administrator rights β€” these are signs of potentially dangerous software.

How to set up a record in Cube Call Recorder ACR (Step-by-step):

Install the app from Google Play|Open settings β†’Select the sound source (Microphone + Bluetooth for better quality)|Enable Auto Record |Add exceptions for contacts that do not need to be recorded |Check the test call-->

If the app doesn’t record calls after installation, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ“± Enable the Developer Mode and activate the Debugging option USB (Sometimes it helps in conflicts with MIUI).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the app cache in the phone settings.

3. Hidden MIUI capabilities: recording through the engineering menu

For advanced users, there is a way to activate the recording via Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which doesn’t work on all firmware, but can save you if other options aren’t available.

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down to the Record Settings (or Call Settings) section.
  4. Activate the Voice Call Recording option.
  5. Save the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to unstable phone performance.On Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14 This method only works on firmware prior to version 12.5.3 – in new builds, access to the recording function via the engineering menu is blocked.

If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try the alternative code:

##847##

This combination sometimes works on Chinese versions of firmware.

4. Recording conversations via second telephone or recorder

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to legal restrictions or technical problems), you can use hardware solutions.

You'll need:

  • πŸ“± Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with recording mode enabled.
  • πŸ”Š External microphone (optional, for better quality).
  • 🎧 Headphones with microphone (if you record through your phone).

How to record a conversation:

  1. Put the second phone next to the main one (microphone to speaker).
  2. Turn on the recording on the second device before the call begins.
  3. Use the speakerphone on the Redmi Note 8 Pro to make sure both voices are recorded clearly.
  4. At the end of the conversation, save the file and, if necessary, cut the extra snippets in the audio editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Does not require root rights or special applications.
  • βœ… It works even if the interlocutor blocks the recording at the program level.
  • βœ… Can be used for conference calls.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ The sound quality depends on the acoustics of the room.
  • ❌ Additional device required.

πŸ’‘

If you are recording through a second phone, place it on a soft surface (such as a towel) to avoid echoes and noise from vibration.

Before making a call, it is important to understand the legal implications, and most countries have the following rules:

Country/regionDoes the consent of the interlocutor be required?Can I use the recording in court?
RussiaNot if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).Yes, as proof.
European Union (GDPR)Yeah, we'll have to give you a notice.Only with the consent of both parties.
United States (depending on state)In most states, the consent of one party (your) is sufficient.Yes, but with reservations.
UkraineNot if the recording is for personal use.Yeah, but not as the only proof.

General recommendations:

  • πŸ“’ Always notify the person you are using if you plan to use it officially.
  • πŸ”’ Store records in a secure location (e.g., in an encrypted cloud).
  • βš–οΈ Before using the record in court, consult a lawyer.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), unauthorized recording of conversations can be considered a violation of the right to privacy and can be punished with a fine of up to 20,000 euros.

6. Optimizing recording quality: how to avoid noise and breaks

Even if you've set up a recording, the sound quality can leave much to be desired. Here are 5 tips on how to improve the audio:

  • πŸŽ™οΈ Use an external microphone: Connect through USB-C Bluetooth 5.0 (for example, Boya) BY-M1 or Rode VideoMic).
  • πŸ“Ά Turn off battery savings: In the Battery settings β†’ Select Performance Mode to High Performance to Keep Recording Uninterrupted.
  • πŸ”‡ Use headphones with a microphone: This will reduce background noise and improve the audibility of your voice.
  • πŸ“± Close background apps: Especially instant messengers and games that can put a strain on the processor.
  • πŸ”„ Test before an important call: Record a test conversation and check quality.

If the recording is interrupted or the voice of the interlocutor disappears, the reasons may be as follows:

  • πŸ“΅ Weak network signal (switch to the 4G or VoLTE in the settings SIM-map).
  • πŸ”‹ Low battery (plug in charge before a long conversation).
  • πŸ› οΈ Conflict with other apps (try recording a call in Safe Mode).
How to turn on Safe Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Press Power β†’ hold your finger on the option Turn off β†’ in the window that appears, select Safe Mode. In this mode, only standard applications work, which will help to identify conflicting software.

7 Where the records are stored and how to keep them for a long time

By default, call records are stored in the smartphone's internal memory, and the path to the files depends on the way you record them:

RecordingThe path to filesFormat
Built-in MIUI function/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.m4a or.amr
Cube Call Recorder/storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/CallRecorder/.mp3 or.wav
Truecaller/storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings/.mp3
Dictaphone/storage/emulated/0/Recorders/ or /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/.mp3, .wav, .aac

So the records don't get lost:

  1. Copy files to your computer or to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
  2. Use backup applications such as Swift Backup (requires root rights) or Mi Mover (built into MIUI).
  3. If the records are important, save them in several places (rule 3-2-1: 3 copies, 2 media, 1 cloud).

For long-term storage, we recommend converting files to.mp3 with a bitrate of at least 128 kbit / s. This can be done using applications:

  • 🎡 Audio Converter (Android).
  • πŸ’» Audacity (PC).

πŸ’‘

Check your records folder regularly and clear it of unnecessary files – they take up space and can slow down your smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I record calls via WhatsApp or Viber on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Yes, but only with third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder ACR (in settings, turn on VoIP Recording). The built-in MIUI feature doesn't support instant messenger recording. The quality can be worse due to voice compression in VoIP.
Why does the recording stop in 2-3 minutes?
This is a typical problem on Xiaomi due to battery optimization Solutions: Add the recording app to Battery Optimization Exceptions (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization). Turn off Adaptive Brightness and Power Saving Mode during a call. Try another app (e.g. Call Recorder – Automatic works better in the background).
How to record a conversation if the interlocutor uses an anti-record (for example, in a bank)?
Banks and some services often block recording at the software level. In this case: Use a second phone (see section 4). Connect an external recorder (for example, Sony ICD-UX570). Turn on speakerphone and record through the microphone of another device. Remember that recording conversations with banks may violate their internal rules - clarify this in advance.
Can I recover a deleted recording by accident?
Yes, but the faster you act, the better the odds. Methods: Use recovery applications like DiskDigger or Recuva (on PCs). Check the cart in the cloud (if records are synchronized). Contact a service center β€” sometimes data is recovered through the cloud. EDL-mode (requires disassembly of the phone) Do not write new files to the phone after deletion - they can overwrite lost data.
How to disable the notification of the record for the interlocutor?
In most countries, hidden recording without notice is illegal.However, technically it can be done: In Cube Call Recorder ACR: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Disable the recording notification. In the built-in function MIUI: This parameter is usually blocked. ⚠️ Warning: A hidden recording may be used against you in court as evidence of bad faith. Always notify the person you're planning to use the recording officially.