Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business negotiations to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, the standard features of MIUI are not always obvious, and after updating the interface, the record menu can move or disappear. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record calls on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices β from built-in functions to third-party applications, and also explain how to avoid typical errors and save records for a long time.
It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of conversations. According to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording is permissible only with the consent of the interlocutor, except when you are a participant in a conversation and record it for personal needs (without distribution).
If your Xiaomi doesnβt have a built-in recording feature, donβt rush to install the first app you see. Many of them contain ads, collect data, or require unnecessary permissions. Below, weβve selected only proven methods that run MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).
1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
On most Xiaomi smartphones (except for some regions), the call recording feature is built into the standard Phone app, but its location varies depending on the MIUI version and the firmware region.
On MIUI 14 (Global/European version) the path is as follows:
- Open the Phone app.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Select Call Recording (or Call Recording in English localization).
- Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.
On MIUI 12/13 (or Chinese firmware), the menu may differ:
- π± In some versions, the option is hidden in Settings. β Additionally. β Recording calls.
- π If there is no item, try to enter the request βrecordβ in the search by settingsΒ».
- βοΈ Nana POCO and Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) recording can be disabled by default β manual activation is required in Settings β System applications β Phone. β Permits.
When you turn on the function, you'll see a Record button when you call, and you'll click on it to start recording the conversation. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Access through Files or Explorer).
2.Why Xiaomi doesnβt have a call record and how to fix it
If there is no recording option in the Phone menu, the reasons may be as follows:
| Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|
| Regional restrictions (firmware for EU/India) | Install global or Chinese firmware through Fastboot. |
| Outdated version of MIUI (below 12) | Update the system in Settings β About phone β Software update. |
| Lack of permissions for the phone application | Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management β Phone β Permissions and enable access to microphone and storage. |
| Custom firmware (such as LineageOS) | Use third-party applications (see section 4). |
On Xiaomi smartphones for the European market (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G EU) Call recording is often blocked because of GDPR. This can only be done by re-flashing to the global version (not bypassing it). EU).
If the problem is the permits:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the phone and select Permissions.
- Make sure it's on: π€ Microphone π Warehouse π Telephone (to access calls)
π‘
If the call record is missing after the MIUI update, try resetting the Phone app to Settings β Apps β Phone β Storage β Reset. This will return the standard settings without losing data.
3. Manual recording of conversation via voice recorder (if the built-in function does not work)
If the built-in recording is not available, you can use the standard Dictaphone (or Sound Recorder) application, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but has nuances:
πΉ Pros: does not require root rights, works on any firmware.
πΈ Cons: only your voice is recorded (if you do not turn on the speakerphone), interference is possible.
Instructions:
- Open the Dictaphone app (if not, install it from Google Play).
- Start recording before the call starts, so you wonβt miss the start of the conversation.
- Turn on the speaker (the speaker icon in the call interface) so that the voice recorder captures the voice of the interlocutor.
- At the end of the conversation, stop the recording and save the file.
π Important: in hands-free communication, the quality of the recording depends on the microphone of the smartphone. K60 With four microphones, the sound is cleaner than on budget models like the Redmi. A2.
Close the background applications (especially messengers)
Check the free space on the device (1 minute of recording β 1-2 MB)
Turn on Do Not Disturb mode to minimize interference
Use headphones with a microphone for better sound-->
4. Third-party applications for recording calls: TOP-3 verified versions
If the built-in methods don't work, look at third-party apps, and we tested dozens of programs and selected the three most reliable ones:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | π― Records both voices without a speakerphone. π Automatic Save to the Cloud π‘οΈ Encryption of records | Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Call Recorder β ACR | π± Works on MIUI rootless π Filtering spam calls π€ Exports to MP3/WAV | Requires manual permissions settings | Google Play |
| Truecaller | π Identifies spam and scammers πΌ Built-in call recording π Support for the Russian language | The recording is only available for Premium users | Google Play |
π§ How to set up a Cube ACR Xiaomi:
- Install the application and open it.
- Enable permissions for Microphone, Phone and Warehouse.
- In the settings, select Record Source β Voice Call.
- Activate Automatic Record for all or selected contacts.
Why can't apps record calls to MIUI?
5 Where are the records of calls to Xiaomi stored and how to save them
By default, records from the built-in voice recorder or application Phone are saved in:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
or
/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/The files are.amr or.mp3 and named by template: Recording_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_name contact.amr.
πΉ How to transfer records to PC:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder.
- Copy files anywhere on the PC.
πΉ How to send a record through the messenger:
- π Open the file in Explorer, click Share and select messenger.
- π If the file is large, use cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
- β οΈ Before sending, make sure the record does not contain confidential information.
π‘
Clean the folder of records regularly - they take up space and can become a vulnerability in case of data leakage. Set up automatic deletion of old files in the recorder application.
Legal aspects: when it is possible to record conversations
In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:
- π Article 23: Guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and negotiations, but allows one of the participants to record a conversation without notifying others if it does not apply.
- π Criminal Code (Article 138.1): Illegal distribution of records is punishable by a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles.
- π 152.2: Record may be used in court as evidence if it is legally obtained.
π΄ When recording a conversation is prohibited:
- β Without your involvement (hearing other people's conversations).
- β For the purpose of blackmail or distribution on the network.
- β For official purposes without the consent of the interlocutor (for example, recording negotiations with customers without notice).
β When recording is allowed:
- βοΈ For personal use (for example, fixing agreements with a master).
- βοΈ If the interviewer orally agreed to the recording.
- βοΈ In litigation (provided that the record does not violate the law).
π‘
To avoid problems, at the beginning of the conversation, say, "I'm recording our conversation to record the arrangements. Do you mind?" This will protect you from accusations of illegal recording.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
When you record calls on Xiaomi, users encounter common errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes | Restriction of background activity in MIUI | Add the recorder app to Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β All Apps β Select the app β No restrictions. |
| The voice of the interlocutor is not recorded. | No access to the audio stream of the call | Use speakerphone or VoIP-enabled apps (like Cube ACR). |
| Records are not retained. | Lack of space on the device or reset permissions | Check the vacant space and re-access the storage. |
| App doesn't see calls | Call log access disabled | Enable the resolution of the Call Log in the application settings. |
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) will no longer be able to record through third-party apps after upgrading to Android 13, due to Googleβs tightening privacy policy. In this case, only a built-in voice recorder with a hands-free connection or flashing on a custom version remains. MIUI.
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Is the charge saving mode activated (it can block background processes).
- π Is the microphone switched off in Settings? β System system β Gestures β Availability.
- π΅ Are there any conflicts with other applications (for example, Truecaller can block the recording).