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

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 Google’s 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.

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. 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:

AnnexSupport for MIUIFeaturesCons
Cube ACRYes (including Android 14)Recording on both sides, cloud storage, speech recognitionPaid version for advanced functions
Call Recorder by LovekeshYes (except for some models with pure Android)Automatic recording, spam filter, export to MP3Advertising in the free version
Boldbeast RecorderPartially (requires manual settings)Works on root devices, VoIP supportA complex setup for beginners
TruecallerYes (but only for Premium users)Integration with spam call database, recording notificationsLimitation on the number of records
OTT Call RecorderYes (specializes in VoIP)WhatsApp recording, Telegram callsDoes not record regular voice calls

To install any of these applications:

  1. Download APK from an official website (such as Cube ACR) or from Google Play.
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access β†’ Install unknown applications.
  3. 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 can’t 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 β€œRecord from the start of a call” 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:

  • πŸ“ž Only outgoing calls are recorded.
  • 🎀 The sound quality depends on the phone's microphone (can capture echoes).
  • ☁️ Files are saved in the cloud, not on the device.

Instructions for setting:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.
  2. Activate Backup on Google Drive.
  3. Enable the Call Log option (if available).
  4. Make a test call – 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?
1. Open Google Drive in your browser. 2. Go to Backups. 3. Find a file with the.vmsg extension (this is the call record). 4. Download the file and rename it to.mp3 or.m4a for playback.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ“± Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with recording mode enabled.
  • πŸ”Š External microphone (optional, for better sound).
  • 🎧 Headphones with microphone (if you record from your phone in hands-free mode).

Step-by-step:

  1. Put the second phone next to the main one (microphone to speaker).
  2. Enable recording on the second device (for example, through the standard Dictaphone application).
  3. Make or receive a call on the main phone, putting it in hands-free mode.
  4. At the end of the conversation, save the recording and, if necessary, process it in an audio editor (such as Audacity) to remove noise.

πŸ’‘

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:

  • βœ… It works on all Xiaomi models, including new ones.
  • βœ… Does not require root rights or special applications.
  • βœ… Recording is done on both sides without delay.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ We need an extra device.
  • ❌ 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:

  • πŸ› οΈ Magisk module "Call Recorder" - integrated into the system application Phone.
  • πŸ“± Xposed Framework + Native Call Recorder Module – works on older versions MIUI.
  • πŸ”§ Tasker + AutoTools – for automatic recording of triggers.

Instructions for Magisk:

  1. Install Magisk and check root status.
  2. Download the Call Recorder for Magisk module from the repository.
  3. Install the module through Magisk β†’ Modules β†’ Install from storage.
  4. Reboot the phone.
  5. After rebooting, a recording button will appear in the Phone application.

πŸ’‘

Root access gives maximum control over the record, but deprives of warranties and can disrupt the operation of banking applications (due to SafetyNet triggers).

⚠️ 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).

Before you record conversations, make sure that it is not against local law.

Country/RegionConsent requiredPenalties for violation
RussiaYes (second party notice)Up to 80,000. β‚½ orthopedic
UkraineYes (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 company’s global revenue
KazakhstanYes (oral notice)Administrative fine

How to legally record calls:

  • πŸ“’ Oral Notice: At the beginning of the conversation, say, "I'm recording this conversation for documentation. You don't mind?"
  • πŸ“„ Written consent: If a business call, get consent in advance in a chat or email.
  • 🚨 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).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi

Can I record a call to Xiaomi without apps?
Yes, but only on older models with MIUI 11 and below, where there is a built-in feature. On newer devices (with Android 12+) without apps, recording is possible only through Google Drive (see section 3) or a second phone.
Why aren’t the recording apps working on my Xiaomi?
The reasons may be as follows: πŸ”• Android 13+: Google has blocked access to the API call records for third-party applications. πŸ›‘οΈ MIUI Optimization: Some firmware versions block the recording modules. πŸ”Š No permits: Check if microphone and call log access is granted.Solution: try Cube ACR with Recording through Availability mode enabled or use the method with the second phone.
How to record a WhatsApp call on Xiaomi?
Standard recording apps don't work with VoIP calls. Use: πŸ“± OTT Call Recorder (specializes in messengers). 🎀 External recording via second phone. πŸ’» Android emulator on PC with screen recording enabled (e.g. BlueStacks) + OBS Studio).
Where are the phone records for Xiaomi stored?
Depends on the recording method: πŸ“ Built-in function MIUI: Internal memory. β†’ MIUI β†’ sound_recorder or call records. πŸ“± Appendix side: Usually in the application folder (e.g, CubeACR/Recordings). ☁️ Google Drive: Backups (files with.vmsg extension).
Can I recover a remote call record?
Recovery is possible if: πŸ—‘οΈ File recently deleted: use DiskDigger or Recuva (root required for deep scanning). ☁️ Recording synced to the cloud: check Google Drive or Mi Cloud. πŸ”„ Backup enabled: Restore data from backup MIUI. ⚠️ No root chances are minimal – Android clears the place immediately after deleting audio files.