How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways from A to Z

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, not everyone knows that recording capabilities depend on the smartphone model, MIUI version, and even regional restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from standard features to third-party applications, and also talk about legal nuances that should be considered.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is gradually moving away from built-in call recording in new firmware versions due to tightening privacy policies (especially in models for the European market). But even if your Redmi does not support recording out of the box, there is a way out. We have tested all methods on current models β€” from Redmi Note 12 to Redmi 10A β€” so you can choose the best option.

Before you get to the instructions, check the version of MIUI on your device: go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. This will help determine whether the built-in recording is available on your smartphone.

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

On some Xiaomi Redmi models (especially those released before 2022), the conversation recording feature is built into the standard Phone app, but it depends on two factors:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone model: on the Redmi Note 9/10/11 redmi 9A/9C The feature is often present on the new Redmi Note. 12/13 It can be removed.
  • 🌍 Regional firmware: in versions MIUI For India, Russia and China, the entry is usually available, and in European countries (EEA) β€” blocked.

To check for the presence of the function:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Dial the number and start the call (or accept the incoming one).
  3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a β€œRecord” button (usually in the form of a mug or microphone), click on it.

If there is no button, try calling the hidden menu:

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In the Test window that opens, select Phone Information and scroll down. Some firmware has the option to Enable Call Recording (not working on all models).

πŸ“Š Xiaomi Redmi supports built-in call recording?
Yeah, there's a button on the screen.
No, but I tried hidden codes.
I don't know, I haven't.
The model is too new, there is no function

2. Hidden MIUI settings: how to unlock a record

On some firmware MIUI 12-14 is hidden, but can be activated via the settings editor or ADB-This method is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Method 1: Activity Launcher (without root):

  1. Install the Activity Launcher app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and find it in the list of com.android.incallui.
  3. Slip on.ui.InCallActivity - a hidden call menu will open.
  4. A recording button may appear during the conversation (it does not work on all versions).

Method 2: via ADB (requires a PC):

adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1

This command includes system-level recording support, and after that, restart your smartphone and check for a button when you call.

πŸ’‘

If so, ADB-commands the record did not appear, try resetting the settings of the application "Phone" in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Phone. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clearing the data. This sometimes helps activate hidden functions.

3. Third-party applications: TOP-5 for recording calls

If the built-in methods don’t work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we’ve selected 5 proven options that work consistently on Xiaomi Redmi (including models from 2023-2026).

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube ACRHigh quality recording, cloud storage, VoIP supportAdvertising in the free version, sometimes does not catch callsGoogle Play
Call Recorder (from Lovekesh)Simple interface, automatic recording, MIUI supportPlugins for some Xiaomi models are installed separatelyGoogle Play
TruecallerRecord + number detector, spam blockingRegistration is required, the record is not available in all countriesGoogle Play
Automatic Call RecorderFlexible settings (contact recording, Google Drive cloud)In the free version, a limit on the number of recordsGoogle Play
Boldbeast RecorderSupport for root, recording on both sides (even on new Android)Complicated interface, paid for full functionalityGoogle Play

Important: Before installing, check the permissions of the application. To record calls, you need access to:

  • πŸ“ž Microphone (required)
  • πŸ“ Storage (to save files)
  • πŸ“± Telephone calls (for automatic recording)

Install the app from the official store |Provide all the permissions requested |Check the free space on the phone (1 hour of recording β‰ˆ 50–100 MB) |Configure automatic recording in the application parameters |Test the recording of the test call-->

4.Write through the second line: a method for new MIUIs

Starting with MIUI 14 and Android 13, Google has blocked third-party apps from accessing the audio stream of calls for security reasons, which means that many recording programs have stopped working. SIM-card or second-phone.

Method 1: Conference link:

  1. Start the call with the main number.
  2. From another phone (or a second SIM in the same Redmi) call your primary number.
  3. Combine conference calls (click Add Call β†’ Combine).
  4. Turn on speakerphone and record the conversation with a voice recorder or a special application.

Method 2: Bluetooth headset with recording:

Some Bluetooth headphones (such as Sony WH-1000XM5 or JBL Live 660NC) have the ability to record conversations through a companion app. Connect the headset to Redmi, start a call and activate recording in the headphone app.

Why does Google block the recording of calls?
Since 2022, Google has tightened its privacy policy in Android, banning apps from accessing the audio stream of calls without special permissions, which is associated with the risks of data leakage and espionage, except for system applications (for example, built-in β€œPhone” on some firmware) and programs for users with root rights.

5. Root access: recording without restrictions

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, root access will give you full control over call recording, a technique that works for Redmi models based on Android 10–13, but has risks:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
  • ⚠️ Risk of β€œbricking” smartphone with errors.
  • ⚠️ Vulnerability to malware.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

  1. Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires an account binding Mi).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
  3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
  4. Install the Boldbeast Recorder app and select Root Mode in the settings.

After that, the app will be able to record both sides of the conversation in high quality, even if the standard methods don’t work.

πŸ’‘

Root access is the only way to record calls on newer versions of Android (12+) without restrictions, but it is only suitable for advanced users due to high risks.

Before recording telephone conversations, read the laws of your country, and in most cases the following rules apply:

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia: recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine: recording without consent is prohibited (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), except when it is necessary to protect their rights.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: in most countries (Germany, France) recording without consent is illegal and punishable by fines.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ The laws vary by state, and some (e.g. California) require the consent of all parties.

Importantly, even if a record is allowed, sharing it without consent could be illegal, for example, by posting a post on a social network, you risk a privacy lawsuit.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording a conversation for a trial, ask your lawyer if it will be accepted as evidence.

7 Where records are stored and how to keep them

Depending on the way you write, files can be saved in different folders:

  • πŸ“ Built-in recording: usually in /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /sdcard/Recordings/.
  • πŸ“ Third-party applications: most often in /sdcard/[Title of annexes]/Recordings/ (for example, CubeACR/).
  • πŸ“ Recorder: if recorded through a loudspeaker, look for /sdcard/Recorders/ or /sdcard/Sounds/.

To keep the records from going down:

  1. Regularly copy files to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
  2. Use automatic sync applications (for example, Cube ACR can upload records to Dropbox).
  3. Set up an exception for the folder with records in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Cleanup β†’ Exceptions so that files are not deleted when cleaning up garbage.

Record formats:

  • .amr is compact but low quality.
  • .mp3 or.m4a is better for long-term storage.
  • .wav is high quality but large size.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I record a conversation if I have MIUI Global (EEA)?
On European firmware (MIUI EEA), the embedded record is usually disabled due to GDPR laws. Use third-party applications (such as Cube ACR) or the second-line method. You can also try reflashing your smartphone on MIUI Global (not EEA) or MIUI China - but this is risky and can lead to a loss of warranty.
Why is the recording app not catching incoming calls?
This is a common problem on Android 10+. Reasons: The app is not allowed to read call logs. Battery optimization blocks the application from running in the background (turn it off in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Special Access β†’ Battery Optimization).
How do you improve the quality of the recording? It's hard to hear.
If you're recording quietly or with noise: Use headphones with a microphone (they're better at picking up your voice); In the app settings, turn on microphone amplification or noise reduction; record in.wav (better quality than.amr); If you're recording through speakerphone, keep your phone closer to the sound source.
Can I record a conversation on WhatsApp or Telegram?
Standard applications for recording calls don't work with VoIP. To do this: Use Cube ACR, which supports recording VoIP on some firmware. Turn on speaker and record with a voice recorder (the quality will be worse). On a PC, use programs like OBS Studio to capture sound from a microphone. On Android 12+, recording VoIP calls is almost impossible without root rights.
How do I delete the record so it can’t be restored?
If you want to permanently erase a record: Delete the file through the record app (not through the gallery). Clean the cart (if there is one in the application); use a program to safely delete (for example, SD Maid) or rewrite the phone memory with a large file. For complete certainty, reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset). Remember: even after deleting, you can restore files with specialized software if they were not overwritten.