Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways from A to Z

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business information to fixing evidence in controversial situations. However, it is not so simple: the manufacturer does not always provide built-in tools for this feature, and third-party applications can work unstable or require root rights. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record calls on this model, from hidden MIUI capabilities to bypassing the limitations of Android 10.

The peculiarity of Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is that it runs Android 10 with MIUI 11/12, where Google has tightened its privacy policy, which means that many Google Play call recording apps simply won't be able to access the audio stream during a call, but there are workarounds β€” and we'll analyze them in detail. It's important to understand that the legality of recording conversations depends on the laws of your country, so check local regulations before using any methods.

1. Built-in MIUI recording feature: is it on Redmi 8?

To start with, the Xiaomi Redmi 8 doesn’t officially have a built-in call recording feature in standard firmware, which has appeared in some regional versions of MIUI (for example, India or China), but it’s not in global builds. However, there’s a caveat: if your phone was bought in Asia, it may be hidden in the settings.

To check for her presence:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Then, call the number and call it (or call it in).
  3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a button with a microphone icon or recording at the bottom or in the drop-down menu, the function is active.
πŸ“Š Have you ever tried to record a conversation on Xiaomi?
Yeah, it worked.
Yeah, but it didn't work.
No, I haven't.
I don't know if there is such a function.

If there is no button, don’t worry: below we will look at alternative methods. In the meantime, remember: on Redmi 8 with global firmware, there is no built-in call recording – this is not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi’s policy.

2. Call Recording Apps: Which ones work on Android 10?

Google Play is full of applications for recording conversations, but most of them will not be able to capture audio on Redmi 8 due to the limitations of Android 10. API. However, there are exceptions:

  • πŸ“± Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” One of the few applications that can work through a workaround (recording from the built-in microphone.
  • πŸ”Š Call Recorder by Lovekesh - uses an alternative recording method but requires manual activation before each call.
  • πŸ› οΈ Boldbeast Call Recorder is the most powerful solution, but for full-fledged work you need root rights or installation through the Internet. ADB.

Important: Before installing any app, check the reviews of Redmi 8 users - some programs may conflict with MIUI. Also remember that recording via microphone (without root) will capture extraneous noises.

Install the application from the official source (Google Play or APKMirror).

Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, access to calls)

Check the recording settings (file format, save folder)

Make a test call to check the quality

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3. Recording via second telephone or recorder

If the software isn't right, you can always use hardware, and it works on any phone, including the Redmi 8.

  1. Take a second smartphone (or voice recorder) and place it next to the main one.
  2. Enable voice recording on it through the standard Dictaphone app or any other (for example, Easy Voice Recorder).
  3. Activate speakerphone on Redmi 8 and start the conversation.

Advantages of the method:

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

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ The quality of the recording depends on the acoustics of the room.
  • ❌ The interviewer may hear echoes or extraneous noises.
  • ❌ Inconvenient for long conversations (the battery of the second phone is drained).

πŸ’‘

If you use a second phone to record, place it on a soft surface (such as a pillow) to avoid vibrations and noises.

4.Using Google Drive to Record Incoming Sound

Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record sound from a microphone directly in the browser, a method that is suitable if you only need to record your part of the conversation (for example, to fix verbal agreements).

  1. Open the Chrome browser on Redmi 8 and go to the Google Drive website.
  2. Click Create β†’ More β†’ Voice Record (if the option is not available, update Google Drive).
  3. Allow access to the microphone and start recording before the call.
  4. Turn on speakerphone and have a conversation next to the microphone.

The file will automatically be saved to your Google Drive in.mp3 format. The quality will be acceptable, but depending on the level of external noise, this method is not suitable for hidden recording, since the interlocutor will hear an echo on speakerphone.

How to improve the quality of recording through Google Drive?
Use headphones with a microphone to reduce extraneous noises. Close all other tabs in the browser to avoid strain on the processor. Place the phone in a quiet place or use soundproofing (such as a blanket).

5. Root access: Full control of recording

If you are willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will open up all the possibilities for recording calls on Redmi 8.

  • πŸ”§ Install Boldbeast Call Recorder with both sides recording without echo.
  • πŸ“ Save files in any format (including compressed.ogg or.aac).
  • πŸ”„ Set up automatic recording for specific contacts.

However, there are risks:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
  • ⚠️ Possible problems with updates MIUI.
  • ⚠️ The risk of β€œbricking” the phone with incorrect root.

If you do, here is a brief instruction:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires binding Mi Account).
  2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
  3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
  4. Install Boldbeast and set up the recording manually (select Root Mode mode).

πŸ’‘

Root access is the best option, but it requires technical skills, and for most users, alternative methods are sufficient.

⚠️ Note: Getting root rights to Redmi 8c MIUI 12+ This can lead to blocking certain functions (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 viewable HD-Weigh the pros and cons before the procedure.

6.Alternative solutions: SIM-cards with recording and cloud services

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider non-standard options:

MethodHow it worksPlusesCons
SIM-card with record (for example, from operators in the UAE or India)Some operators provide a service to record all incoming / outgoing calls on the server.No need to install software, the recording is conducted by the operator.High rates, not available in all countries, may be legal restrictions.
Cloud PBX (such as Zadarma or Mango Office)Redirect the call through a virtual PBX that records the conversation.High quality, automatic storage in the cloud.Requires redirection settings, paid tariffs.
Bluetooth headset with recording (e.g. Plantronics Voyager)Some headsets have a built-in feature of recording conversations.Convenient for business calls, good quality.Expensive, limited compatibility with MIUI.

These techniques are suitable for business users or those who often conduct important negotiations, such as virtual PBXs, which often use realtors or lawyers to record conversations with clients.

Before you record calls, make sure it is not against your country's laws.Here's a quick overview of the key regions:

  • 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), however, using the recording in court may require proof of its reliability.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine: Similar to Russia, but recording cannot be used as sole evidence in court.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Most countries (e.g. Germany, France) require the consent of both parties, and a violation may result in a fine.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US: Laws vary by state, some (e.g. California) require the consent of all parties, others (e.g. Texas) require only one.

If you are recording a conversation for personal use (for example, to keep important information in mind), the legal risks are minimal, but if you plan to use the recording in court, for blackmail or public distribution, be sure to consult a lawyer.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or Switzerland), even storing a recording of a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor may be considered a violation of data protection law.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 call recording

Can I record a conversation on Redmi 8 without root and third-party apps?
No, the standard MIUI firmware for Redmi 8 doesn't have a built-in call recording feature, and the only way without root is to use a second phone to record through a microphone, or to turn on speakerphone and record via voice recorder, and the quality will be lower than with software recording.
Why don't the call recording apps work on my Redmi 8?
You probably have a MIUI running Android 10 or later, and since that version, Google has blocked apps from accessing the audio stream during calls for privacy reasons, only by root rights or recording via a microphone (which gives worse quality).
How do I know if someone is recording my conversation?
It is impossible to determine this with 100% accuracy, but there are indirect signs: You hear echoes or extraneous noises (if the recording is through a microphone); pauses in conversation (the interlocutor may turn the recording on / off); In some countries, operators are required to notify the recording (for example, in the United States, an audible signal is heard); If you suspect that your conversation is being recorded, behave correctly and do not disclose confidential information.
Can I recover a randomly deleted recording of a conversation?
If the record was stored on your phone (for example, in the write application folder), try file recovery software such as DiskDigger or Recuva (you need a PC connection). Note: The less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery. Files recorded through the microphone are harder to recover than those saved directly (for example, through Boldbeast root). If the record was stored in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox), check the service basket.
Which Call Recording App Is the Most Reliable for Redmi 8?
The most stable options are: No root: Cube Call Recorder ACR (recording through the microphone, requires customization). With root: Boldbeast Call Recorder (full recording of both sides without echo). For business users: Otter.ai (speech recognition and text saving). Before installing, check the reviews of Redmi 8 users - some applications may conflict with MIUI 12+.