Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi 8 Pro: all methods and settings

Xiaomi 8 Pro is a flagship smartphone with advanced features, but the feature of recording calls in it is not always available out of the box. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI or HyperOS), regional restrictions and the operator, this tool may be hidden or absent. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of recording conversations, from activating the built-in feature to using third-party applications with legal nuances.

It is important to understand that the recording of calls is regulated by the laws of your country. Most jurisdictions require notification of the interlocutor about the recording. For example, in Russia, according to Art. 23 of the Constitution and Art. 138 of the Criminal Code, recording of negotiations without consent is allowed only in cases provided for by law (for example, for security purposes).

If you own a Xiaomi 8 Pro based on MIUI 10–14 or HyperOS, this guide will help you set up a record regardless of the software version. We will also consider circumventing restrictions for models with “cut” features (for example, for European or global firmware).

Verification of the built-in recording function

Before installing third-party apps, check if call recording is available in your firmware. In some versions of MIUI for Xiaomi 8 Pro, the feature is hidden, but it can be activated through settings or an engineering menu.

Open the Phone app and make a test call. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen:

• 🔴 No recording button – the function is disabled at the firmware or regional settings level.
• 🟢 There is a button "Record" (usually in the form of a microphone) - the function is active, you can immediately use it.
• ⚪ The button appears but does not work – additional settings are required (see next section).

If there is no button, go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Permissions and check if the microphone and storage permissions are enabled. Sometimes the problem is solved by resetting the Phone application settings (in the same permissions menu).

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI EU (European version: Call recording is often blocked due to GDPR. Bypassing is possible only through root rights or third-party applications.

Activation of hidden recording function through engineering menu

Some versions of MIUI for Xiaomi 8 Pro have hidden call recording, but it can be enabled via an engineering menu, which works on firmware up to MIUI 12.5 and requires caution – incorrect settings can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
2. In the engineering menu, select Audio → Normal Mode → Type.
3. Find the Voice Call Recording option and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

After the reboot, the Phone app should have a write button. If it is not, check the Settings → Additional → Record conversations – sometimes the function is activated there.

⚠️ Note: HyperOS and new versions MIUI (13+) The engineering menu may be missing or otherwise, and the codes on the informal firmware can be disruptive!

Enable debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 7 times)

Check the firmware version (Settings → About the phone → MIUI version)

Backup data (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Charge your phone at least 50%

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Set up recording through the application "Phone"

If the recording function is available, you can configure it directly in the standard Phone app. Here is a step-by-step instruction for the Xiaomi 8 Pro:

1. Open the Phone app and go to Recent (calling history) section.

2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.

3. Find the item Record conversations (on some firmware it may be called Auto Record).

4. Activate the slider and select the recording conditions:

• 📞 Record all calls – automatic fixation of incoming and outgoing.
• 🔍 Only selected contacts - entry only for numbers from "Favorites".
• 🚫 Exclude contact – record all except those listed in the blacklist.

Records are saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/calls (The files are available through any file manager, and by default, the files are.amr or.mp3 occupy ~1–2 MB in a minute of conversation.

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If recording is interrupted after 5-10 minutes, check the energy saving settings for the Phone app. Add it to the exception list: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Phone → Unlimited

Use of third-party applications for recording

If the built-in feature is not available, third-party apps will be an alternative. For Xiaomi 8 Pro, you can:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports automatic recording, cloud storage and transcription (premium version). runs on Android 8-13.
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – simple interface, recording format MP3/WAV, Integration with Google Drive.
• 🔊 Truecaller – in addition to determining numbers, has a built-in record (premium subscription is required).
• 🛡️ Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps running Android 10+ rootless.

Installation and configuration (as in the example of Cube ACR):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, grant permissions to access the microphone, contacts, and storage.
3. In the settings, select Record → Audio Source → Voice on both sides (VOIP).
4. Activate AutoWrite and specify the file format (MP3 is recommended for compatibility).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 9+ Google has restricted apps from accessing phone calls.Cube works properly ACR Boldbeast may need to be installed through ADB Commands: adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorderandroid android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorderandroid android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE

Solving Call Recording Problems

If the record is not working or files are not saved, check the following points:

• 🔇 No sound on the recording – turn on speakerphone or check microphone (test: record voice memo in the Dictaphone app).
• 📱 The app doesn’t see calls – add it to auto-start (Settings) → Annexes → Autostart control).
• 🔄 Recording is terminated – disable battery optimization for the recording app.
• 📁 Files are not saved – check the free space on the device or change the way you save in the application settings.

For the Xiaomi 8 Pro on MIUI 12+, a common problem is the lack of audio in the recording, due to the limitations of Android 10+, where applications are not allowed access to the call stream.

• Use Boldbeast with Basic Record setting (Root not required).
• Turn on speakerphone during the conversation (the sound will be recorded through the microphone).
• Install Magisk and CallRecorderPatch module (requires root rights).

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On HyperOS, built-in call recording only works for operators that support VoLTE. If your carrier does not provide this service, use third-party applications.

Legal aspects and ethics of recording

Telephone recording is regulated by the laws of your country, and in most cases, you need to notify the person you are recording the conversation.

• 📜 Consent of the interlocutor – explicit or implied (for example, in business correspondence).
• 🛡️ Self-defense – if the conversation contains threats or evidence of wrongdoing.
• 🏛️ Court proceedings – records can be used as evidence while observing the collection procedure.

In Russia, according to Art. 23 of the Constitution, recording without consent is allowed only if you are a participant in a conversation and record it for personal needs (without distribution (GDPR), where explicit consent is required.

Ethics recommendations:

• 🗣️ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example, “I am recording our conversation for the record").
• 🔒 Keep records confidential – do not distribute them unnecessarily.
• ⏳ Delete unnecessary records to avoid data leakage.

Alternative ways to capture conversations

If software methods don’t work, consider hardware solutions:

• 🎧 Record headset – some Bluetooth headsets (like Sony) WH-1000XM5) have a built-in dictaphone.
• 📻 External voice recorder – connect the device to the audio output (3.5 mm) or use a wireless microphone.
• 💻 Recording via PC – connect your phone to your computer and use programs like Audacity (requires to turn on speakerphone).

For Xiaomi 8 Pro without a 3.5 mm connector, a Bluetooth transmitter with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, Creative BT-W5) will suit. Connect it to an external voice recorder or PC for synchronous recording.

On MIUI 14+ and HyperOS firmware, the built-in call recording can be blocked at the kernel level, and the only reliable way to get around this is by using the Magisk CallRecorderPatch module or flashing it to custom software (like LineageOS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Xiaomi 8 Pro