How to record all conversations on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on Android and the MIUI or HyperOS shell, have a wide range of functionality that is often hidden in the depths of system settings. One of the most popular features for business people and ordinary users is the ability to record phone calls. Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi has retained the native ability to record calls, although it has made access to it less obvious in recent firmware versions.

While there are regular occasions to record an important bank conversation, customer engagement, or just a memorable conversation, standard methods that worked years ago may not work on new models due to Google’s tightening privacy policies, we’ll explore all the current ways to enable automatic or manual recording of audio on Redmi devices, including hidden settings and third-party solutions.

It should be noted that the configuration process can vary depending on the version of the operating system installed. If you have MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 or the latest HyperOS, the algorithm of actions will have its own nuances.

Built-in recording function in the Phone application

The most reliable and high-quality way to capture a conversation is to use the regular capabilities of the system. Xiaomi developers built a special module directly into the call app, which is installed by default on all devices of the brand, this tool does not require the installation of additional software and works stably, recording sound from the microphone and internal communication channel.

To activate this option, the user needs to go to the call settings. The interface may be slightly different visually, but the logic remains the same. Find the gear icon or three dots in the corner of the dial screen, and that's where the key parameters for automating the process and managing the record archive are hidden.

You can find the settings menu for Call Record (or "Autosecretary" in some localities), which gives you access to a detailed configuration, so you can choose whether to record all incoming and outgoing calls, or only archive contacts from a particular group, which saves space in the device's internal memory.

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Use the "Record Selected Numbers" feature to automatically record conversations only with courier services or banks, ignoring personal conversations.

It is important to keep in mind the legal aspect of using this feature: different countries have different laws governing recording conversations without warning the interlocutor, and in some regions, the system can automatically play a voice alert when a subscriber is connected.

Set up automatic recording and exceptions

For those who want to make sure that no important call is missed, there's a full automation feature, and unlike manual activation, where you have to press a button every time you talk, automatic mode takes control, which is especially useful in stressful situations, when you don't have time to think about turning on the recorder.

In the recording settings menu, you'll see the "Automatically Record Calls" switch, which you can activate, and you can choose a system strategy, and you can record all or only unknown numbers, and the latter is extremely useful for spam and fraud, allowing you to have an evidence base when you need it.

There's also the ability to create exception lists, so if you don't want to save conversations with loved ones or certain contacts, you can add them to the blacklist of the record function, so the system will ignore those numbers even if global automation is enabled.

Pay attention to the format of the stored files. By default, the system uses a compressed format that takes up little space but can be of average quality. If every detail of the intonation is critical to you, check the quality settings in the same menu. However, note that high quality consumes more storage resources.

⚠️ Warning: When you update your firmware or reset your settings to factory settings, the autosecretary configuration may be reset.Always check the record status after a major system update.

Using a voice recorder during a conversation

In situations where the built-in call recording feature for some reason doesn’t work or has been removed in your firmware version (which sometimes happens in global versions for markets with strict privacy laws), a standard voice recorder comes to the rescue.

The algorithm is simple, but it requires manual activation. When an important call comes in, you need to put it on speakerphone or use a headset so the microphone can pick up, then you need to turn off the call app (without hanging up) and start the Dictophone app.

When you record in a tape recorder and you go back out the window, you get a record of everything that happens in the dynamics, and the quality of that recording will depend on the external factors, the noise level in the room, the quality of the speakers, and the position of the smartphone, which is less convenient, but it remains a working crutch in desperate situations.

Some users use third-party voice recorder apps that can intercept system audio. However, in modern versions of Android (starting at 10 and above), access to internal audio streams for third-party applications is severely limited by Google's security policies, so often only silence or sound from an external microphone is recorded.

To improve the quality of recording through a voice recorder, it is recommended:

• 📱 Use a wired headset if the phone supports the transmission of sound from the microphone of the headset to the voice recorder.
• 🔇 Stay in a quiet room to avoid extraneous noise.
• 🔋 Make sure that the energy saving mode does not limit the operation of the background processes of the recorder.

Third-party applications for recording conversations

If you don’t like or have regular funds, you can always turn to third-party developers. Google Play and alternative directories have many apps that promise quality recording. But choosing a reliable tool is not an easy task, since many of them stopped working after the Android security policy update.

One of the most sustainable solutions has long been the Call Recorder app, Cube ACR. It uses complex circumvention mechanisms, including access and telephony services, and often requires extended access rights to work properly.

Other popular options include Appliqato's Automatic Call Recorder or TapeACall.The principle of their operation often comes down to organizing a conference call with a recording server, which can be paid or require stable Internet.

When installing these applications, be prepared for the MIUI security system to actively resist: you will have to manually allow auto-start, background and microphone access. Without these permissions, the application will be unloaded from memory by the battery optimization system.

Comparison of popular solutions:

Problems with recording on Android 13, 14 and 15

Owners of new Redmi smartphones such as Redmi Note 13, Redmi 13C The main problem is that, after upgrading to Android 13 or Android 14, the recording function disappears or stops working correctly. API, enabling applications to access the audio stream.

The main problem is that third-party apps can no longer listen to system sound, and they have to rely on a microphone to make their voices barely audible, especially if you don't use speakerphones. Xiaomi's built-in app bypasses this limitation because it has system privileges, but it can also be subject to restrictions depending on the region.

If you upgrade and lose the feature, try clearing the phone and contact data, sometimes it returns hidden menus, changing the region in your phone settings helps, switching the region to a country where recording is allowed (for example, India, Indonesia or Serbia) can unlock the functionality.

To change the region, perform the following actions:

• 🌍 Go to the main menu settings.
• 📍 Select the item Additional or immediately Region.
• 🇮🇳 In the list of countries, select, for example, India or Indonesia.
• 🔄 Restart the device and check the call settings.

⚠️ Warning: Region change may affect some localized services, widgets, and news feeds in the system. Once the recording function is checked, the region can be returned, but the function may disappear again.

Where are the records stored and how to transfer them

Once you've set up a record, it's important to know where to look for the files you've received. By default, all audio recordings of conversations are stored in the device's internal memory in a hidden or open directory. The path to them can vary, but most often it's a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec or Recordings/call_rec.

You don't have to search files through Explorer to listen to records. The Phone app has a separate tab or menu that stores a history of recorded conversations tied to a contact or number, and you can rename a file, delete it, or share it through a messenger.

If you plan to keep the archive for a long time, it is recommended to periodically transfer files to your computer or to the cloud storage. Xiaomi or Google Drive built-in cloud service can automatically sync the folder with the records if you configure the appropriate rule in the Explorer or Gallery app.

The file format is usually.m4a or.mp3, which ensures compatibility with most media players and computers.If you use third-party applications, they can save data to their own folders, which can also be found through a file manager by the application name.

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Regular backup of conversation records in the cloud will protect you from losing important information in the event of a smartphone breakage or loss.