Introduction: Why the topic of recording conversations is relevant for Xiaomi owners
Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users a wide range of media experiences, but the feature of recording phone conversations is often questionable. Unlike some brands (such as Samsung or Huawei), where call recording is built-in by default, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi have to look for workarounds, especially the problem of hidden recording — when the interlocutor does not receive notifications about conducting audio recording.
It is important to understand that the technical ability to record is not always the same as legal norms. In Russia (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation) and EU countries (GDPR), secret recording of conversations without the consent of the interlocutor can be qualified as a violation of the right to privacy. However, there are legal scenarios: fixing threats, evidence for court or preserving important business information (subject to subsequent notice). In this article, we will discuss unique recording methods for Xiaomi that do not require root rights and work on MIUI 14/15, including hidden firmware functions and verified third-party solutions.
1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
Although there is no explicit "Write" button in the standard Phone app, some Xiaomi models support this feature at the firmware level, for example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T, the option can be hidden in regional settings to activate it:
- Open the phone application and go to ⋮ → Settings → Recording calls.
- If there is no option, check the MIUI version: in global firmware, the feature is often disabled, and in Chinese or Indian it is available.
- Activate Automatic Recording Switch or select Record all calls.
Note that even when successfully enabled, MIUI will notify the user by default when recording is started by voice message, and this restriction can only be circumvented by using third-party tools (see Section 3).
2 Hidden MIUI codes for recording activation (without root)
Xiaomi firmware has service commands that allow you to unlock additional features. To record calls without warning, a combination of:
##6484##Once you enter this code in the Phone app, the MTK Engineer Mode menu will open (available on devices with MediaTek processors, such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro).
- 📱 Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Phone Call.
- 🔊 Select Normal Mode and activate Voice Recording.
- 📤 Save the settings and restart the phone.
⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all models and may reset after the update MIUI. In addition, in Qualcomm devices (for example, Xiaomi 12), a similar menu opens with the code # # #4636##, but the option of writing there is not available.
What if the code doesn't work?
3. Third-party applications for hidden recording: TOP-3 solutions
If the built-in methods don't work, Google Play or third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of programs and selected those that:
- 🔒 Don't require root rights.
- 📴 Work on MIUI 14/15 conflictless.
- 🎤 Record sound from the microphone and speaker (two-way recording).
The best options in 2026:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | Automatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP support (WhatsApp, Telegram). | The paid version is unlimited, sometimes it doesn’t catch calls to MIUI. | Google Play |
| Call Recorder – Automatic | Simple interface, MP3 recording, integration with Google Drive. | Advertising is free, there is no support for MIUI 15 on some models. | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Free recording (with restrictions), spam blocking, number identification. | Recording only incoming calls requires registration. | Google Play |
⚠️ Note: Google Play apps are required to comply with privacy policies, so most of them notify the interlocutor of the recording. APK from third-party sources (such as APKMirror), but this increases the risk of installing malware.
Make sure your phone is allowed to install from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Apps)
Check out the app reviews on the forums (4PDA, XDA-Developers)
Backup your contacts and calls (Settings → System → Backup)
Turn off battery optimization for the app (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)
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4. ADB-commands to unlock the record (advanced method)
If you are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can activate hidden recording functions without root.This method is suitable for Xiaomi based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5).
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times; then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
After connecting the phone to the PC, perform in the command line:
adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1
adb shell settings put global call_recording_notification 0The first command activates recording support, the second one disables the interlocutor's notification, and the Phone app will be rebooted with a write button, but this method may not work on newer versions of MIUI due to security constraints.
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If ADB does not recognize the device, try installing Xiaomi USB Driver drivers from the official website or using the Mi PC Suite program.
5. Alternative methods: recording via a second phone or voice recorder
If the software methods are not suitable, then the "hardware" solutions remain:
- Recording via second phone: Put a second smartphone (like an old Redmi) next to it with the recorder running, and the downside is low sound quality and noise risk.
- Use of a headset with recording: Some Bluetooth headsets (such as Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones) have a built-in recorder.
- External voice recorder: Professional devices (such as Sony ICD-UX570) capture high quality sound but require time synchronization.
⚠️ Note: When using the second phone, turn off mobile Internet and Wi-Fi on it to avoid interference. Also note that in Russia recording a conversation without notice is permissible only in cases provided for by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (for example, to protect your rights in case of threats or blackmail).
6.Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal
Before you record conversations, check the laws of your country:
- 🇷🇺 Russia: Recording without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation and record it for personal needs (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
- 🇪🇺 European Union: Pos GDPR recording without notice is considered a breach of confidentiality and may result in a fine of up to 4% of the company’s annual income (for individuals – up to the maximum amount of the amount of the company’s income). €20 million).
- 🇺🇸 In most states, there is a one-party consent rule – only one participant (your) consent is enough).
In business correspondence or when communicating with customers, always notify the recording in advance, for example, at the beginning of the call, say: "The conversation is recorded to improve the quality of service. By continuing the conversation, you agree to the fixation." This will protect you from legal risks.
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Even if the recording is conducted legally, its distribution without the consent of the interlocutor may qualify as a violation of Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of privacy”).