Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all working methods in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI firmware does not always offer built-in tools for recording calls. Depending on the software version and the firmware region, the feature may be absent or work with restrictions. In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to record conversations, from hidden settings to third-party applications, including bypassing the restrictions of Android 10/11 and the specifics of the legislation.

It is important to understand that the technical possibility of recording does not always coincide with legal admissibility: in some countries (for example, in Russia) verbal consent is required, and in the EU there are even stricter GDPR rules. We will not only show how to turn on the recording, but also explain how to do it legally and ethically.

1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI

On some versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 8, the call recording feature is hidden, but it can be activated through settings. The problem is that after the Android 10/11 updates, Google has blocked access to the recording API for most manufacturers, but on older firmware or regional builds (India, China), the option may remain.

To check for her presence:

• 📱 Open the phone application (pipe icon).
• ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (if not, proceed to the following ways).
• 🎤 Turn on the switch and select the save format (such as.amr or.amr.mp3).

If you don't have a partition, it means your firmware is devoid of function because of Google's policy, and you'll have to use workarounds (see the following sections). Note that even if you have an option, it may not work on VoLTE/VoWiFi calls, which is a carrier-level restriction.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global (European/Russian) call recording is often disabled due to legal requirements. ADB Modification of system files may result in loss of warranty.

2. Recording via Google Drive (automatic method)

Little-known fact: Google Drive can automatically save conversation records if you enable the appropriate setting in the Phone app.This method works on Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 11/12 and does not require root rights, but has a limitation: records are stored only for 30 days, after which they are deleted.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone. → Recent.
2. Tap it on three points. → Settings → Recording calls.
3. Select Save to Google Drive and log in to your account.
4. Enable Automatic Recording (you can select Incoming or All Calls only).

The finished recordings will be available in the Call Recordings folder on Google Drive. ~64 qbit/s), and files take up space in the cloud. WhatsApp/Telegram.

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If the records are not saved, check if sync is enabled in the Google Drive settings (Settings → Backup).

Third-party applications: TOP-3 working versions

If the built-in methods don't work, you have to use third-party apps, and the main problem is that with Android 10, Google has banned apps from recording sound when making microphone calls, but some programs have circumvented this restriction by using alternative sources of audio or root access.

We tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones for the Redmi Note 8:

For installation:

• 🔗 Download. APK from an official website (e.g. Boldbeast) or from APKMirror.
• 📱 Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access.
• ⚙️ In the application settings, select the audio source: Voice Call Uplink + Downlink (for root) or Mic + Speaker (without root).
• 🎧 Before calling, turn on speakerphone – this will improve the quality of recording without root.

⚠️ Note: Applications without root (Cube) ACR) They record sound through a microphone, so you can hear the echoes and the noise of the environment, and you need root or firmware to make the sound clean.

Install APK from a verified source |

Allow access to microphone and contacts |

Turn on speaker before calling |

Check the free space on the phone (1 hour recording) = ~50MB)-->

4. Recording through a second device (100% working method)

If the software doesn't work, you'll have to use the hardware method of recording a conversation on another device, the only option that works on any smartphone without the restrictions of Android or firmware, and you'll need a second phone, a voice recorder, or even a smartwatch with a recording feature.

How to do this:

1. Place the Redmi Note 8 next to a second device (like an old smartphone).
2. Turn on the second device voice recorder (for example, the standard application Voice Record on Xiaomi).
3. Activate speakerphone on Redmi Note 8 before calling.
4. After the conversation is over, save the recording and, if necessary, cut the extra snippets in the editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It works on any version. MIUI/Android.
• 🔹 No need to root or modify the system.
• 🔹 Recording is in high quality (depending on the microphone of the second device).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Two devices.
• 🔸 There may be some noise in the recording.
• 🔸 Uncomfortable for spontaneous calls.

5. Root access: Full control of recording

If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty, unlocking the bootloader and getting root rights will give you access to a full call record. On the Redmi Note 8, this allows you to:

• 🎧 Record both ends of the conversation without echoing.
• 📁 Save files in any format (.mp3,.wav,.ogg).
• ⚡ Use apps like Boldbeast with support VoLTE/4G-call-up.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding account Mi and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install a custom recavator (TWRP) for the Redmi Note 8 (the version should match the device’s code name – ginkgo).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. In Magisk Manager, install the Call Recorder Patch module (to bypass the limitations of Android 10+).
5. Download Boldbeast and select the audio source from the settings: Root Mode → Voice Call Uplink + Downlink.

Warnings:

• 🔴 Unlock bootloader resets all data on the phone.
• 🔴 Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may stop working.
• 🔴 Official updates MIUI through OTA will not be available.

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Root access gives you maximum control over the record, but it is not guaranteed and can disrupt some functions (for example, Google Pay).

Legal aspects: can conversations be recorded?

The technical ability to record does not remove legal restrictions, and most countries have the following rules:

What to do to avoid breaking the law:

• 📢 At the beginning of the conversation, notify the person about the recording (for example: "The conversation is recorded to record information. You do not mind?»).
• 🔒 Store records in encrypted form (for example, in a folder with a password or in Keepass).
• ⚖️ Do not distribute posts without the consent of participants (even in social networks or instant messengers).

Exceptions where consent is not required:

• 🚨 Fixing threats, blackmail or crimes (can be used as evidence in police/court).
• 🏢 Talking to colleagues at work, if it is stipulated in the company’s internal rules.
• 📞 Calling customer service (most companies record conversations themselves and alert them).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi Note 8