Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8 may be necessary to record important agreements, interviews or just save memorable conversations. However, standard MIUI features on this model are limited β unlike the flagship devices of the brand, there is no built-in voice recorder for calls. This does not mean that the task is impossible: there are workarounds through third-party applications, engineering menus and even cloud services.
In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to record conversations on Redmi 8, including legal aspects (so as not to break the law), microphone technical nuances and tips for improving sound quality. Special attention will be paid to free solutions that do not require root rights or complex firmware manipulation. If you are looking for a reliable method without risk to warranty, you are on the right track.
Before you get into the instructions, note that the recording capabilities vary depending on the MIUI version and the firmware region. For example, on Chinese versions of MIUI, the functionality may differ from the global ones. You can check your version in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version.
1. Standard MIUI features: Is there an embedded record?
The Xiaomi Redmi 8 with factory firmware does not have a built-in call recording feature in the Phone app, which came later in MIUI 12.5+ for some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3). However, there is a hidden nuance: on certain regional firmwares (e.g., Indian or Chinese), recording can be activated via an engineering menu.
To check for hidden function:
- Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
- Go to the Usage statistics section (if available).
- Try to find the Call recording option - its availability depends on the version of the software.
If this method didn't work, don't worry: we'll look at more general methods below, and in the meantime, an important warning about the legal aspects.
β οΈ Note: In Russia, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by Article 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the secrecy of negotiations); the exception is recording conversations for personal use if you are a participant in the conversation. In other countries (for example, the United States or the EU), the rules may differ. Always notify the interviewee about the recording to avoid legal problems.
2. applications for recording calls: TOP-3 proven solutions
The most reliable way to record a conversation on Redmi 8 is to use third-party apps, and we tested dozens of programs and selected those that:
- πΉ They work without root rights.
- πΉ No fee for basic functions
- πΉ Keep records in accessible formats (MP3, AAC)
- πΉ Minimize the risk of data leakage
Here are the best options with setup instructions:
| Annex | Rankings (Google Play) | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | 4.3 β | Automatic save by number VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber) | Advertising in the free version |
| Call Recorder β Automatic | 4.1 β | Integration with contacts Flexible quality settings (64 to 256 kbps) | Does not record some VoIP calls |
| Truecaller | 4.5 β | Record + Block Spam Definition of Unknown Numbers | Requires registration by number |
The following is a Cube Call Recorder ACR:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Launch and provide access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
- In the settings (βοΈ β Recording) select format MP3 128 kbps quality for size/quality balance.
- Activate Auto Record for all or selected contacts.
β οΈ Attention: On Android 10+ So all programs use the microphone of the phone, which means that the quality of the recording depends on the volume of the speaker and the surrounding noise.
3.Write through the Engineering Menu: Hidden MIUI Functions
Xiaomi Redmi 8 with MIUI 11-12 firmware has a hidden call recording option that can be activated via the engineering menu. This method does not require root rights, but does not work on all versions of the software. Before you start, back up the data - changes to the engineering menu can lead to failures.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (or #4636### on some firmware).
- Go to the Audio section (if available).
- Find the Voice Call Recording option and set the Enabled value.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
After the reboot, the Phone app may have a recording button during the call. If it is not, check the settings in Settings β Applications β Phone β Additional.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
This method is unstable and may disappear after a firmware update, so if it doesn't work, move on to the next method.
4. Recording through the second line: using a second telephone or voice recorder
If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to corporate constraints), you can record the conversation in a hardware way.
- π± Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with recording application enabled.
- π Headset with microphone (for better sound quality).
- π§ Headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (if you record directly through Redmi 8).
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the headset to the Redmi 8 and place the second phone next to the microphone.
- On the second phone, run a voice recorder (for example, the standard Dictaphone app on Android or Voice Memos on iPhone).
- Start recording before the call starts so you donβt miss important points.
- After the conversation is over, save the file and, if necessary, cut the extra snippets in the audio editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).
Advantages of the method:
- πΉ It works on any firmware and models.
- πΉ No need to install additional software on the Redmi 8.
- πΉ The quality of the recording depends only on the microphone of the second device.
β οΈ Warning: When recording via a speaker, you may experience echoes or extraneous noises. To minimize them, use a noise-cancelling headset (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Noise Cancelling Earphones) and record in a quiet room.
βοΈ Preparation for hardware recording
5. VoIP call recording (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram)
Calls via messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) are recorded differently than standard phone calls. Most recording applications (including those we discussed above) cannot intercept sound from VoIP applications due to the limitations of Android.
Method 1: Built-in feature in WhatsApp (only for Android 10+)
Some versions of WhatsApp have a hidden call recording option to activate:
- Open the contact chat and start a voice call.
- During the call, pull the notification bar down and find the Record button (if any).
- Click on it β the recording will start automatically and will be saved in the WhatsApp β Media β Voice Notes folder.
Method 2: Use of the PC
If you need to record an important VoIP call, the most reliable method is to use a computer:
- Install a program on your PC to record a screen with sound (such as OBS Studio or Bandicam).
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB-Debugging (included in Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press the build number 7 times, then return to Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- Run screen mirroring via scrcpy (free utility) and start recording in OBS.
This method guarantees 100% audio capture, but requires preparation. For fast recording, it is better to use specialized applications, such as VoIP Call Recorder (available on Google Play).
6. Legal aspects and ethics of recording conversations
Before you record a phone call, it's important to understand the legal implications.
| Country. | Conditions of legal entry | Penalties for violation |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | The consent of at least one interlocutor is required (Article 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). | Fine up to 80,000 β½ orthopedic. |
| EU (GDPR) | Notification of all participants in the conversation is required. | Fine up to 4% of the companyβs annual turnover. |
| United States (depending on state) | In most states, one-party consent is sufficient. | In California, a fine of up to $2,500 for violation. |
How to protect yourself:
- π’ Always notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (e.g., "I'm recording our conversation to record the arrangements. You don't mind?Β»).
- π Store records in a secure location (e.g., in an encrypted archive or in a cloud with two-factor authentication).
- βοΈ Do not distribute records without the consent of participants β this may qualify as a violation of the right to privacy.
In Russia, phone records can only be used in court if they are obtained legally (with the consent of at least one of the parties) and do not violate the secrecy of the negotiations, except for the fixation of threats or extortion, when the recording is evidence of a crime.
π‘
If you need to record a conversation for legal purposes, after it is over, send an SMS or a letter notifying the person: βI confirm that our conversation from [date] was recorded with your consent.β