How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi: all ways with instructions

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from preserving important business negotiations to recording evidence in controversial situations. However, not everyone knows that recording capabilities depend on the version of MIUI, device model and regional restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to record calls on Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, including hidden system functions and reliable third-party solutions.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of conversations. According to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording negotiations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, except when you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is conducted for personal purposes (without distribution).

Xiaomi technically offers built-in recording tools, but their availability varies. For example, on devices for the European market, the feature is often disabled due to local laws, whereas on global and Chinese firmware it can be active. If there is no built-in recording module, no problem: we tested 10 applications and selected the best ones that work stably even on MIUI 14/15.

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

On some Xiaomi models (especially firmware for India, China and the global version), the recording feature is built into the standard Phone app to check for it:

  1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
  2. Dial a number or select a contact to call.
  3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a β€œRecord” button (usually red with a microphone icon), the function is active.
  4. Press it to start recording. Pressing it again will stop the process.

If there is no button, check the settings:

  • πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Recording conversations. If no point, the function is disabled at the firmware level.
  • 🌍 On European firmware (MIUI EU) This entry is often hidden. Try changing the region of the device to India or China (via Settings). β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region).
  • πŸ“± Nana POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and New Models can only be accessed after an update to the MIUI 15.
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model supports built-in call recording?
Yeah, there's a button.
No, no button.
I don't know, I haven't.
I use third-party apps.

Where are the records stored? Files are saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec They can be played through any audio player or sent via messenger β€”.m4a (AAC-codecs, which ensures good quality with a small size.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the built-in record may automatically notify the interlocutor of the beginning of the recording of the conversation (requirement) GDPR). Disable notification is impossible without root rights.

2. Hidden recording function via engineering menu (for advanced)

If there is no built-in button, but your device is running a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), you can activate the recording via the engineering menu. This method requires caution, since improper actions can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Turn on/off call recording block and activate the option.
  4. Reboot the device. After that, the phone application should appear a recording button.

If the combination doesn’t work, try an alternative code for MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 10C):

##36446337##

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 and older) the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case an attempt to enter the code will result in a message "Connection problem or invalid". MMI code." Solution - installing a patch through Magisk (requires root rights).

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
If the codes do not work, the reason may be: - Customized firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU); - Blocking by the operator (on branded devices from MTS / Beeline); - Deleting the engineering menu in the latest versions of MIUI. In this case, it remains only to use third-party applications or reflash the device to the global version.

3.The best applications for recording calls on Xiaomi (TOP-5)

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we tested 15 apps from Google Play and selected those that:

  • 🎯 They're working steadily on MIUI 14/15;
  • πŸ”‡ Do not give themselves away during a conversation (no voice notifications);
  • πŸ“± Supports Dual-SIM and VoLTE;
  • πŸ”’ No Root Rights Requirement (except for one exception).
AnnexRatings.FeaturesCons
Cube Call Recorder ACR4.7 β˜…Automatically record all calls; Cloud backup; MIUI 15 support.Paid version for recording VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Call Recorder – Automatic4.5 β˜…Integration with Google Drive; Contact Filter; Low Battery ConsumptionThe commercial is free.
Boldbeast Call Recorder4.3 β˜…It runs on Android 13/14; supports manual and automatic modes; and records on both sides (even on the Redmi A2).Tough settings for beginners.
RMC: Android Call Recorder4.2 β˜…Minimalist interface; Export to MP3; No duration restrictions.He doesn't record VoIP calls.
Call Recorder by Lovekara4.0 β˜…Free Ads-free; Encrypt Records; Powers POCO M5 and Redmi 12.There's no cloud sync.

To install any of the applications:

  1. Go to Google Play and find it by name.
  2. Download and install.
  3. Launch the application and grant permissions to access the Microphone, Warehouse and Call Log.
  4. Configure the recording settings (automatic/manual, file format, save folder).

Install the application from an official source

Provide all requested permits

Check the recording settings (format, quality)

Create exceptions for important contacts (if necessary)

Test call to check the performance-->

Important: Apps like Cube ACR and Boldbeast may conflict with battery optimization in MIUI. Once installed, add them to the exception list: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All applications β†’ Select recording software β†’ No restrictions.

4. Recording calls without apps: alternative methods

If you don’t want to install third-party software or it doesn’t work on your model (like the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12), there are workarounds:

Method 1: Use of the second device

The most reliable, but inconvenient method is to record a conversation on another phone or tablet.

  • πŸ“± Turn on speakerphone on Xiaomi;
  • 🎀 Bring a second phone with a voice recorder running (for example, recording voice on your iPhone);
  • πŸ”Š Make sure the microphone of the second device is not blocked.

Method 2: Google Drive + speakerphone

If you have access to a computer:

  1. Turn on speakerphone on Xiaomi.
  2. Open your browser on your PC and go to Google Drive.
  3. Create a new record: Create a new one β†’ More. β†’ Vote recording.
  4. Click Start recording and hold the computer microphone to the phone speaker.

Method 3: Bluetooth headset with recording

Some Bluetooth headphones (such as Sony WH-1000XM5 or JBL Live 660NC) have built-in conversation recording.

  • 🎧 Connect the headset to Xiaomi;
  • πŸ”„ Activate the recording mode in the manufacturer's application;
  • πŸ“€ The file will be saved in the headphone memory or synced with the cloud.

⚠️ Attention: When recording via speakerphone or external devices, the sound quality will be worse than when recording directly through the microphone of the phone. In addition, the interlocutor may hear echoes or extraneous noises.

5 How to Preserve and Protect Call Records

Recorded conversations may contain sensitive information, so it's important to keep them properly stored. Here are some tips:

Organization of files

  • πŸ“ Move the records to a separate folder (for example, Documents/Calls);
  • 🏷️ Rename files by template: Date Name Teme (for example, 2026-05-15_Ivanov Treaty);
  • πŸ” Use tags in the file manager (for example, in Files by Google).

Backup

To avoid losing records when resetting your phone:

  • ☁️ Upload files to the cloud: Google Drive, Yandex Drive or MI Cloud;
  • πŸ’Ύ Copy on a flash drive or external SSD;
  • πŸ“§ Send important messages to your email (e.g., to your Gmail account).

Protection from outsiders

If sensitive records are stored on the phone:

  • πŸ”’ Set a password to the folder (applications like Folder Lock);
  • πŸ” Encrypt files (for example, through the 7-Zip password-wise);
  • 🚫 Turn off the entries folder in the gallery (create a.nomedia file inside it).

πŸ’‘

To quickly find a contact record, use a file manager search for the name of the person you are talking to. For example, in MI File Manager, type the contact name in the search bar and the system will find all the associated files, including the call records.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right settings, recording calls on Xiaomi can malfunction. Consider the typical errors and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The recording button is there, but not pressed.Limitations of operator or firmwareTry changing. SIM-map to another or update MIUI
Recording ends in 1-2 minutes.Battery optimization kills the processAdd the app to battery exclusions (see Section 3)
The interviewee is not heard (only your voice)Misconfigured microphone settingsIn the app, select the sound source: Mic + Speaker
Record files are not savedThere's not enough disk space.Clear your memory or change the way you save it SD-map
App doesn't see callsNo permission for the journalReinstall the app and provide all permissions

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“΅ Is there a lock on the record at the operator level (for example, MTS or Beeline may limit the function);
  • πŸ”„ Is there a need for a firmware update (on the MIUI 12 and older recording is more stable);
  • πŸ› οΈ Is there any physical damage to the microphone (check if it is in voice recorder mode).

1. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU);

2. Use the CallRecorder Magisk module (requires a root);

3. Buy an external recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570).-->

❓ Can I record calls to Xiaomi without notifying the interlocutor?
On most MIUI firmware for the European market, the system automatically notifies the interlocutor of the recording (the GDPR requirement). This can only be avoided by installing custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU); Using third-party applications like Boldbeast with Hide recording notification setting; Recording a conversation through a second device. However, from a legal point of view, a hidden recording can be regarded as a violation of the right to privacy of correspondence (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
❓ Why my Redmi Note 10 Pro doesn't have a record button?
The reasons may be: Regional restrictions: Europe firmware is disabled. The solution is to change the region to India/China or install global firmware. MIUI version: MIUI 12.5 and below may be hidden. Update to MIUI 14/15. Modified firmware: If the phone is purchased with rooted or custom firmware, the feature may have been removed. Check for recording through the engineering menu (see section 2).
❓ Where do you keep your phone records on Xiaomi?
The default files are stored in: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ If you used a third-party app, the path may be different. ACR record-keeping: /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/ To find a folder, open any file manager (for example, MI File Manager) and enter in the search call_rec or.m4a.
❓ Can I record calls? WhatsApp/Telegram Xiaomi?
Standard recording methods (built-in function or engineering menu) only work for regular calls through the Internet. SIM-You'll need a map to record VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber: πŸ“± Cube Call Recorder ACR (plugin); 🎧 External recorder or second device; πŸ’» PC programs (e.g. Audacity) + Please note that recording messengers may violate their terms of use (for example, paragraph 5.2 of the WhatsApp User Agreement).
❓ How to improve the quality of your Xiaomi recording?
If recordings are quiet or noise-free: In the app settings, select the maximum quality (e.g., 192 kbps instead of 96 kbps); Turn off noise-cancelling in Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Voice Improvement; Use headphones with a microphone (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro); Process recording in an audio editor (e.g., Audacity) – remove noise with the Noise Reduction filter.