Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from storing important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI features do not always include a built-in voice recorder for calls, especially in the latest versions of firmware due to Googleβs tightening privacy policies and local laws. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to record conversations, from hidden system functions to third-party applications, including bypassing restrictions on new Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi 13/14 series models.
It is important to understand that the legality of recording conversations depends on the jurisdiction: in some countries (for example, Russia) you need to notify the second subscriber about recording, in others (the United States, individual states) - the consent of one of the parties is sufficient.
1. Built-in call recording function in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
Some versions of MIUI (especially older models before MIUI 12) have a built-in recording module, but it is often hidden or disabled by default.
- Open the Phone app.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Scroll down to the Record conversations section (if there is no item, the feature is disabled at the firmware level).
On new smartphones (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and later), this section may be missing due to the limitations of Android 13+.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Install India region in Settings β Additional β Region (record option may appear)
Reboot your phone after changing the region
Open the phone. β Settings β Recording of conversations-->
Please note that changing your region may affect some services (e.g. Google Pay) and return the original settings after activating the record.
2. applications for recording calls: TOP-5 proven solutions
If the built-in feature is missing, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of options and selected those that work on Xiaomi with Android 12/13/14:
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Yes (including Android 14) | Recording on both sides, cloud storage, speech recognition | Paid version for advanced functions |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Yes (except for some models with pure Android) | Automatic recording, spam filter, export to MP3 | Advertising in the free version |
| Boldbeast Recorder | Partially (requires manual settings) | Works on root devices, VoIP support | A complex setup for beginners |
| Truecaller | Yes (but only for Premium users) | Integration with spam call database, recording notifications | Limitation on the number of records |
| OTT Call Recorder | Yes (specializes in VoIP) | WhatsApp recording, Telegram calls | Does not record regular voice calls |
To install any of these applications:
- Download APK from an official website (such as Cube ACR) or from Google Play.
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β Applications β Special Access β Install unknown applications.
- Launch the application and provide access to the Microphone, Warehouse and Call Log.
Cube ACR|Call Recorder by Lovekesh|Boldbeast|Truecaller|Other/Do not use-->
Important for Android 10+: Due to Google restrictions, apps canβt directly record audio from a line. Solutions like Cube ACR use a workaround through accessibility, but this can result in missing the start of a conversation (the first 3-5 seconds). To minimize losses, enable the βRecord from the start of a callβ option in the app settings and provide all the permissions requested.
3. Record calls via Google Drive (no root)
A little-known way to record conversations on Xiaomi is to use Google Drive to back up calls, which works on devices with MIUI 12.5+ and does not require additional apps to be installed, but has limitations:
- π Only outgoing calls are recorded.
- π€ The sound quality depends on the phone's microphone (can capture echoes).
- βοΈ Files are saved in the cloud, not on the device.
Instructions for setting:
- Open Settings β Google β Backup.
- Activate Backup on Google Drive.
- Enable the Call Log option (if available).
- Make a test call β after the conversation is over, the record will appear in Google Drive β Backups β Application Data β Phone.
How to Retrieve a Record from Google Drive?
β οΈ Note: This method may not work on Android 13 devices+ In addition, Google periodically updates its backup algorithms, so functionality is not guaranteed.
4. Recording via a second telephone or external device
If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to legal restrictions or technical problems), the most reliable way is to use a second phone or voice recorder, which is versatile and works on any Xiaomi models, including the POCO F5 or Redmi K60.
You'll need:
- π± Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with recording mode enabled.
- π External microphone (optional, for better sound).
- π§ Headphones with microphone (if you record from your phone in hands-free mode).
Step-by-step:
- Put the second phone next to the main one (microphone to speaker).
- Enable recording on the second device (for example, through the standard Dictaphone application).
- Make or receive a call on the main phone, putting it in hands-free mode.
- At the end of the conversation, save the recording and, if necessary, process it in an audio editor (such as Audacity) to remove noise.
π‘
For better recording quality, use a directional microphone or place a second phone 10-15 cm from the main speaker. Avoid echoes: reduce the volume on the main phone to 70-80%.
Advantages of the method:
- β It works on all Xiaomi models, including new ones.
- β Does not require root rights or special applications.
- β Recording is done on both sides without delay.
Disadvantages:
- β We need an extra device.
- β There may be noise when recording in a noisy place.
5. Recording calls to Xiaomi with root rights: advanced features
If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root access, you can use system tools to record calls at a low level.This allows you to bypass Android restrictions and record audio directly from the line, without loss of quality.
Popular solutions for root devices:
- π οΈ Magisk module "Call Recorder" - integrated into the system application Phone.
- π± Xposed Framework + Native Call Recorder Module β works on older versions MIUI.
- π§ Tasker + AutoTools β for automatic recording of triggers.
Instructions for Magisk:
- Install Magisk and check root status.
- Download the Call Recorder for Magisk module from the repository.
- Install the module through Magisk β Modules β Install from storage.
- Reboot the phone.
- After rebooting, a recording button will appear in the Phone application.
π‘
Root access gives maximum control over the record, but deprives of warranties and can disrupt the operation of banking applications (due to SafetyNet triggers).
β οΈ Note: Using root rights on Xiaomi may lead to:
- Block MIUI OTA-Updates (you will need to update manually).
- Google Pay, Netflix and other services that check SafetyNet.
- Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty).
Legal aspects: can calls be recorded without consent
Before you record conversations, make sure that it is not against local law.
| Country/Region | Consent required | Penalties for violation |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Yes (second party notice) | Up to 80,000. β½ orthopedic |
| Ukraine | Yes (written consent) | Administrative responsibility |
| United States (federal law) | No (consent of one party is sufficient) | In some states (such as California) the consent of both parties is required. |
| EU (GDPR) | Yes (explicit consent) | Fines up to 4% of the companyβs global revenue |
| Kazakhstan | Yes (oral notice) | Administrative fine |
How to legally record calls:
- π’ Oral Notice: At the beginning of the conversation, say, "I'm recording this conversation for documentation. You don't mind?"
- π Written consent: If a business call, get consent in advance in a chat or email.
- π¨ Exceptions: Some countries allow recordings if they are in the public interest (e.g. for fraud investigations).
Critical information: In Russia, with 2026 Tightened rules apply: recording a conversation without notifying the second party can be regarded as a violation of the Federal Law-152 "Personal data" even if the recording is for personal purposes, except in cases where the recording is the only evidence of an offence (e.g. threats or extortion).