How to record phone conversations on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways with pros and cons

The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, the call recording feature in this model is not as obvious as in newer Xiaomi devices. Depending on the version of MIUI (from 10 to 14) and the firmware region, the recording methods can be radically different — somewhere it is an integrated option, and somewhere you will need third-party software.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recording conversations on the Mi 8: from hidden system settings to reliable applications from Google Play. We will focus on the legal aspects of recording in Russia and CIS countries, so that you can not only save important dialogues, but also do it without violating the law.

1. Built-in MIUI recording function: where to look and how to turn on

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a native call recorder to the firmware, but its availability depends on the regional version of the software. On the Mi 8 with global or European firmware, the option may be hidden or absent at all.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Recording Conversations section (if there is no item, proceed to Method 2).

If the option is available, you can:

• 🔄 Automatically record all calls or only selected contacts.
• 📁 Select a storage location: internal memory or microSD (if available).
• 🔊 Set up a recording notification (sound signal for the interlocutor).

⚠️ Note: Mi 8 with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Call recording can be blocked by the operator, in which case only the flashing to the global version or the use of third-party applications will help.

2. Third-party applications: TOP-3 for Xiaomi Mi 8

If the built-in feature is missing or is not stable, specialized applications will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of recorders and selected the three most reliable for the Mi 8, given the compatibility with Android 8-10 and the minimal impact on autonomy.

🔹 Important: Before installing, check the permissions of the application:

• Sound recording (microphone).
• Reading contacts (to link records to numbers).
• Storage (file retention).

Download APK from official source |

Provide all the permissions requested |

Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB) |

Disable battery optimization for the application-->

Manual recording through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If you're not afraid to dig deeper, you can activate the hidden recording function through the Engineering Mode, which works on the Mi 8 with MIUI 10-11, but you need to be careful - incorrect settings can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Go to Phone Information → Settings (in some versions of Engineer Mode → MTK Settings).
3. Find VoIP Call Recording or SIP Recording and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: After activating the recording through the engineering menu, all calls will be saved in the folder. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/ Files take up little space, but you will need a player that supports this format to listen (for example, VLC).

4. Recording calls via Google Drive (alternative method)

Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record audio when making calls via Google Meet or Google Voice.This is a good way to use the Mi 8 if you need to save an important conversation but don’t want to install third-party apps.

How it works:

1. Start a call through Google Meet (you can create a meeting for yourself and the person you are talking to).
2. During the conversation, click on three dots → Record the meeting.
3. Once completed, the record will automatically be saved to your Google Drive in the Meet Recordings folder.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Security: Files are stored in the cloud with encryption.
• 📤 Easy access from any device.
• 🎙️ High quality sound (no noise).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires an Internet connection during the call.
• ⏱️ Recording begins with a delay 5-10 seconds.

💡

If the person is against the recording, offer him an alternative: keeping text notes in real time using Google Docs (Tools menu → Voice input).

5 Legal nuances: is it possible to record calls in Russia and the CIS

The issue of the legality of recording telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence") and the Federal Law "On Communications".

• 📞 Personal conversations: Recording without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (i.e., recording your own call).
• 🏢 Business negotiations: Notification of the second party is required (e.g. voice message at the beginning of the call: “Conversation is recorded").
• ⚖️ Use in court: A record may only be accepted as evidence if it does not infringe the rights of third parties.

🔹 Exceptions:

• Recording conversations with fraudsters (for submission to the police).
• Fixing threats or insults to your address.
• Calls to support (usually companies notify about the recording in advance).

⚠️ Note: Belarus and Kazakhstan have stricter rules – recording without consent can be classified as a violation of confidentiality (a fine of up to 50 base values.

6 Where records are stored and how to export them

Depending on the method of writing, files can be saved to different folders. Here are the main ways for Xiaomi Mi 8:

🔹 Tip: To avoid losing important records, set up automatic backups:

1. For Cube Call Recorder: Settings → Cloud → Autoboot to Google Drive.
2. For built-in function: use Mi Cloud (enable folder sync) sound_recorder).

⚠️ Note:.amr files may not be played on some devices.mp3 Use applications like Audio Converter or online services like Online-Convert.

💡

On Xiaomi Mi. 8 s MIUI 12+ Records are automatically archived through 30 To turn this off, go to Settings. → Warehouse → Autocleaning → Exceptions and add a folder sound_recorder.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi Mi 8