How to record a call on the phone Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi is a useful feature that can be used to record important conversations, interviews or just save memorable conversations. However, not all users know that recording capabilities depend on the version of MIUI, smartphone model and regional restrictions. In some countries (for example, in the EU), recording calls is disabled by default due to privacy laws, and in Russia and the CIS it is often available out of the box.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to record conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from built-in tools to third-party apps with advanced features, learn how to enable manual recording, automate the process, where files are stored, and how to protect them from accidental deletion, and talk about the legal nuances that are important to consider so as not to break the law.

1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: how to enable and use

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12 and later) have a built-in conversation recording feature, but it can be hidden or disabled.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Record of Conversations section (if not, see the next section).
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.

If there is no record of conversations on the menu, it may mean:

• 📱 Your model does not support the feature (e.g. Xiaomi Mi). A1/A2 pure Android).
• 🌍 You use firmware for a region where recording is prohibited (EU, USA).
• 🔄 You have an outdated version. MIUI (Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

When you activate the call, a Record button (usually next to the hands-free and hold keys) will appear on the screen. You click on it, you will start recording the conversation. All records are stored in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Access through Files or Explorer).

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To quickly find records, type a request in the file manager search call_rec — The system will show all saved conversations.

2. Hidden MIUI settings: how to unlock call recording

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the recording function is hidden, but it can be enabled through an engineering menu or editing configuration files.

Method 1: through the code of the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (for MTK-processors) or #4636## (for Snapdragon).
3. Select Audio → Call Settings from the menu.
4. Find Voice Call Record and set the Enable value.

Method 2: editing a build.prop file (requires root rights):

1. Install a file manager with root access (e.g., Root Explorer).


2. Go to /system/build.prop.




3. Find ro.miui.region= and change it to ro.miui.region=IN (India) or CN (China).




4. Save the file and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system files may disrupt your phone or cause you to lose warranty.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls: TOP-5 solutions

If the built-in feature is not available or not satisfied with the quality, use third-party programs. We tested dozens of applications and selected the best for Xiaomi:

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it must request access to the Microphone, Warehouse and Phone.

Important: On Android 10 and later, many apps can’t record calls without root rights due to Google restrictions, in which case only Boldbeast or manually enable via the engineering menu will help.

4 Where records are stored and how to protect them

By default, calls to Xiaomi are stored in internal memory along the way:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/


or




/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/

To avoid losing important files:

• 📁 Backup: Copy the folder call_rec to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or to your computer.
• 🔒 Encryption: Use a File Manager with encrypted archive creation (e.g. ZArchiver).
• 🗑️ Autoclean: Set up automatic deletion of old records over 30 days in the recorder app settings.
• 📱 Hiding from outsiders: Move the folder to a secure storage (e.g. Settings) → Password and security → Private vault).

If the records are Suddenly disappeared, check:

1. The Recycle Bin folder is in the file manager.
2. Sync settings with Mi Cloud (Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync).
3. Have you deleted the cache of the Phone or Recorder app?

⚠️ Attention: Record files take up a lot of space, such as an hour of conversation in a format MP3 weight ~10-15 MB: Clean up unnecessary files regularly to avoid clogging your phone’s memory.

5. Legal aspects: when recording calls is legal

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the secrecy of correspondence) and Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (protection of private life).

• ⚖️ Consent: Recording a conversation without notifying the other person is only allowed if you are one of the parties to the conversation (i.e., recording your call).
• 📢 In business correspondence (for example, when recording an interview), it is better to warn the interlocutor in advance.
• 🚫 Distribution ban: You can use the record for public purposes (social networks, court) only with the consent of the second participant.
• 🛡️ Exceptions: Recording without consent is permissible if it is necessary to protect your rights (e.g. proof of threats or fraud).

In other countries, the rules differ:

• 🇺🇸 Most states require consent from all participants in a conversation ("two-party consent").
• 🇪🇺 EU: Recording without consent prohibited (regulation) GDPR).
• 🇨🇳 China: Allowed to record conversations without notice.

If you plan to use the record in court, make sure that:

1. The file was not edited (original format without slices).
2. Voices and date/time are clearly audible on the recording (turn on the time display in the recorder settings).
3. You can confirm that the conversation was conducted from your number (for example, through the details from the operator).

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Even if the recording is allowed by law, its publication on the Internet without the consent of the interlocutor may become the basis for a claim for the protection of honor and dignity (Article 152 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often have difficulty recording calls, and we have collected common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).
3. Install an alternative dialer (such as Google Phone) with recording support.

7.Alternative methods: recording via a second device

If the software methods do not work, use the hardware solutions:

• 🎧 Headphones with recording: Some models (e.g. Sony) ICD-TX800) have a built-in voice recorder and connect to the phone through a 3.5 mm connector.
• 📱 Second Device: Put a second phone or recorder (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Recorder) next to you and turn on the record.
• 💻 Computer: Connect your phone to your PC via Bluetooth and record audio using Audacity or OBS Studio.
• ☎️ Headset with USB: Headsets with connector USB-C (Plantronics Blackwire can record sound directly.

Advantages of hardware methods:

• 🔊 Best sound quality (no compression like in software recorders).
• 🛡️ Works on any model, even without recording support.
• 📡 It does not depend on the Android version or limitations. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Additional equipment costs.
• 🕒 Less comfortable (you need to carry a second gadget with you).

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To record via computer, use Scarlett (free) or Voicemeeter (for advanced users), and set up a sound source like Stereo Mix or Microphone Login.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions