Recording conversations on Xiaomi: everything from built-in features to third-party apps

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that business and consumer alike face: some want to preserve important negotiations, some want to record evidence for legal disputes, and some just record podcasts on the phone. But if on iPhone or Samsung this feature is often available out of the box, owners of MIUI devices often face restrictions. Why this happens and how to circumvent these restrictions legally, we will examine in this guide.

Note that the recording capabilities vary depending on the MIUI version, the firmware region and the smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with global firmware, the built-in recording may not be available, whereas on the Redmi Note 12 for India it is available by default. We tested all the current methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 and collected working solutions from hidden settings to alternative applications that bypass the restrictions of Google Play.

Why Xiaomi removed the recording of conversations from MIUI?

Before the version MIUI 12 On most Xiaomi smartphones, there was a built-in call recording feature that saved audio files to a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/calls. However, with the release of updates, this option disappeared for users from Europe, the United States and other regions:

• 📜 Legal restrictions: in the EU and some US states, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited (for example, the law). GDPR Or California Penal Code 632). Xiaomi removed the feature to avoid lawsuits.
• 🔒 Google Play Policy: Apps in the Play Market can’t be used from 2022 API Recording calls without special permission, and this also affected the built-in functions. MIUI.
• 🌍 Regional firmware: on Indian, Chinese and some Asian versions MIUI Call recording saved but requires manual activation.

Important: Even if the feature is hidden, it can be returned through editing system files (requires root) or installing alternative firmware like Xiaomi.EU. But these methods are suitable only for advanced users and are not warranty.

⚠️ Note: In Russia, recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor is allowed only for personal use (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation). Distribution of such records without consent may entail liability under Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of privacy").

Method 1: Built-in firmware recording for India and Asia

If your Xiaomi is bought in India, Pakistan or China, chances are that the recording feature is already in the system.

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Go to Settings. → Recording of conversations.
3. Turn on the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.
4. Specify which numbers to write down: all, only unknown or from the favorite.

Records will be saved in.amr or.mp3 along the way, internal memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → The files are automatically named by date and phone number.

On some models (for example, the POCO X3 Pro) the option is hidden, but it can be enabled through the codes of the engineering menu:

##6484## → Audio → Call Record → Enable

⚠️ Attention: On the firmware with MIUI 14 for the global region (EEA) This code may not work, so use third-party applications (Method 3).

Method 2: Write via Google Drive (for MIUI 13-14)

Little-known life hack: Google allows you to record calls through the Google Drive app, but only for devices with Android 9 and below. On newer versions of MIUI, this method works unstable, but it is worth trying:

1. Install Google Drive (if not already installed).
2. Open the phone and dial ##4636##.
3. Go to Phone Information → Menu (three dots) → Call settings.
4. Enable Call Recording via Google Drive.

After that, when the call will appear a notification about the record, and the file will be saved to your Google Drive in the Call Recordings folder.

• ❌ Not all models (for example, Redmi Note 11 may not have a menu item).
• ❌ It only records your voice, not your interlocutor (due to Android limitations).
• ❌ Files take up space in the cloud.

Method 3: Best Third-Party Recording Apps

If the built-in methods don't work, you'll have to use apps from Google Play or third-party sources, and we tested 15 programs and selected the 3 most reliable ones:

Important: Since May 2023, Google has been blocking updates to apps to record calls in the Play Market. If the app stops working, download APK from the developer's official website (such as Cube ACR).

💡

Before installing the app, check the permissions: it must request access to the microphone, storage and phone calls, and if you ask for access to SMS or contacts without explanation, it is suspicious.

Method 4: Recording through a second device (100% working method)

If all the software didn't work, the hardware method is to record the conversation to another device.

• 📱 Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with the air mode enabled (to avoid interference).
• 🔊 External microphone (optional, for better sound).
• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (if you record on the same phone).

Instructions:

1. Put the second phone next to the main one (microphone to speaker).
2. Enable voice recording through the standard Voice Recorder or Voice Recorder app.
3. Use headphones with a microphone if you record on the same Xiaomi (please hold the microphone to the speaker).
4. After the call, cut the recording in any audio editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

Pros of the method:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models (including the ones you see here). POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T).
• ✅ Does not require root or firmware modification.
• ✅ Both voices are recorded with good quality (with the right microphone positioning).

⚠️ Attention: Recording through the microphone may cause echoes or noise, and to reduce them, use a noise program like Krisp or record in a quiet room.

How to improve the quality of your recording on Xiaomi?

Even if you've managed to turn on the recording, the sound quality is often poor.

• 🔊 Turn off noise reduction: in the phone settings (Settings) → Sound. → Improve Sound) Turn off Call Cancelation and Sound Effects – They distort the recording.
• 📶 Use it. 4G/VoLTE: when calling via VoLTE (voice on the phone) 4G) The quality of the recording is higher than through 2G/3G.
• 🎙️ Adjust the microphone: If you record through a second device, use a directional microphone (e.g., Boya) BY-M1) and place it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the speaker.
• 🔄 Convert the format:.amr files from MIUI They're of poor quality. Convert them into MP3 via Audacity or online converters.

To automatically improve the sound after recording, use:

• Adobe Podcast Enhance (Free Online Service)
• Auphonic (automatic volume normalization)

Legal nuances: can conversations be recorded?

Before you record calls, study the laws of your country, and here are the key points for popular regions:

Recommendations for legal registration:

• 📢 Notify the interviewee (e.g., “I am recording the conversation for the record").
• 📝 Keep records for no longer than necessary (e.g. until dispute resolution).
• 🚫 Do not distribute social media posts without the consent of participants.

💡

In Russia, recording a conversation without consent is legal only for personal use, and it is better to obtain consent from the interlocutor or record it in the presence of witnesses for legal proceedings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi