How to set up a recording of conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to keep important phone calls, whether it’s negotiating a deal, talking to tech support, or just having a memorable conversation with loved ones, the ability to return to audio recording is invaluable. However, in the Redmi 8 Pro, as in many modern Android devices, the recording process has its own nuances, depending on the version of the installed MIUI firmware.

Complicating matters, Google’s privacy policy is constantly changing, forcing manufacturers to implement complex recording notification systems or block the feature in stock β€œcalls.” If you just purchased a device or upgraded to the latest version of the system, the standard method may not work as you are used to, and in this article we will discuss all the available ways to activate the record, including hidden settings and third-party solutions.

Before we get to specifics, it’s worth noting that the functionality of your Redmi 8 Pro is directly dependent on the region the device is designed for. Global firmware versions often have limitations that are not found in Chinese builds. However, there are several workarounds to achieve the desired result without losing the guarantee or stability of the system.

MIUI features built-in for Redmi 8 Pro

The first thing you need to do is check the standard settings of the system. In most cases, Xiaomi leaves the recording feature available, but hides it deep enough in the menu. On the Redmi 8 Pro, which originally shipped with MIUI 10 or 11 based on Android 9, this option is often active by default, but requires manual activation by the user.

To check, go to the standard Phone app (green handset). Notice the three dots in the top right corner of the screen are the settings menu. Inside you are interested in the "Call Record" item. If there is one, you're lucky enough to switch the switch to the active position, and automatically record it as soon as the next call arrives.

However, if you upgrade to MIUI 12, 13 or later, the interface may have changed, and in some regions, instead of a simple switch, a warning about the laws of your country appears, in which case the system may require the voice notification to be played to the interlocutor before recording begins, a requirement of Google Dialer, which cannot be circumvented by regular means without special manipulation.

πŸ“Š What's your version? MIUI Redmi 8 Pro?
MIUI 10-11 (Android 9)
MIUI 12 (Android 10)
MIUI 13 and higher
I don't know/I haven't checked.

Also, note that recording quality depends on the load on the processor and codecs used. If there are many heavy applications running in the background, the recording may be interrupted or contain artifacts. It is recommended to close unused programs before important calls to ensure stable operation of audio codecs.

Google Dialer Problems and Their Solutions

Starting with certain versions of Android, Google has strongly recommended and then obligated manufacturers to use their own Google Phone app instead of branded shells. On Redmi 8 Pro, this has led to the fact that in many updated firmware, the native MIUI "calling" was replaced by Google Dialer.

Why is this happening? Google cites privacy laws in different countries, and as a result, even if the phone's settings allow recording, the app's interface can hide this feature, the user sees only the receive or pull button, which raises a lot of questions for Xiaomi owners, who are used to the convenience of previous versions.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to install older versions of Google Phone from unverified sources could lead to personal data leakage or unstable communication system.

Is there a solution? Yes, but it requires care. One method is to change the region of the device, go to settings, select "Additional" and change the region to a country where the record is legally allowed (for example, India or Indonesia), sometimes return functionality, but this can affect the operation of other services, such as Mi Pay or news feed.

Another option is to use special patches or modified versions of applications, although this is already an advanced level and requires obtaining superuser rights (Root).

Alternative applications for recording calls

If the Redmi 8 Pro does not work properly, third-party apps come to the rescue. The market offers many solutions, but not all of them work correctly on modern versions of Android due to the limitations of access to the microphone during the call.

One of the most reliable options is NLL's Call Recorder - ACR app, which can bypass system constraints by recording sound directly from the internal channel rather than the microphone, which provides high quality, but often requires special permissions or accessibility settings to work properly.

Another popular option is the Cube. ACR. This app is known for its ability to record not only the usual GSM-Calls, but also conversations via messengers (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), which is critical for many, and installing such programs requires careful attention to permission requests.

  • πŸ“± Call Recorder - ACR: Market leader, supports many formats and cloud storage, but requires careful configuration of sound sources.
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Cube ACR: It handles VoIP calls well and has flexible trigger settings to start recording.
  • πŸ“Ό Automatic Call Recorder: Simple interface, automatic sync with Google Drive, but may be inferior as a recording on some models.

When installing third-party software, be sure to check your power saving settings. MIUI is known for its aggressive optimization, which can kill background recording processes. You will need to prevent the system from closing the voice recorder application.

β˜‘οΈ Set-up of a third-party recorder

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Configure automatic recording and formats

Once you have chosen the recording method (station or third-party), it is crucial to set up the saving options correctly. On the Redmi 8 Pro with its good screen and multimedia capabilities, users often forget that audio files also take up space and require the right format.

You can usually choose the file format in the recording settings. The most versatile is MP3 or AAC. They provide good quality at a relatively small size. The WAV format gives you better quality, but the files take up many times more space, which can quickly exhaust the internal memory of the device if you record a lot of conversations.

You also need to set up automatic recording rules, so you can choose to record all incoming and outgoing, only certain contacts or numbers that aren't in the phone book, and that helps you avoid overflowing with unnecessary dialogue with advertising robots.

ParameterRecommended valueImpact on the system
Audio formatMP3 (128 kbps)Optimal balance of quality and size
Sound sourceVoice Call (Voice Call)Recording of the interlocutor without room noise
StorageInternal memory/SDSD-The card can work slower.
NotificationNo Sound/VibrationNot to distract during the conversation.

Remember to check the records folder periodically. Files tend to accumulate, and after a month of active use they can take several gigabytes. Embedded MIUI tools usually have the function of automatically deleting old records, but in third-party applications this must be configured manually.

Where are the records stored?
By default, MIUI Files saved along the way: Internal memory -> MIUI -> sound_recorder -> call_rec. In the Google Phone app, the path may be different: Internal memory -> Call. If you're using SD-map, folder structure may repeat there.

Where to look for saved records and how to transfer them

There are a number of ways to find a recorded conversation on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, the easiest way is to open the File Manager or Explorer app. In the Audio category, a separate Call Record or Call folder is often created, where all your files are sorted by date.

If you use a standard MIUI call, the record history is often integrated directly into the call log. Click on a specific number in the history, and if that call was recorded, there will be a voice recorder icon or play button nearby, which is very convenient for quick verification of information.

To transfer records to a computer or the cloud, the best way to use a USB cable or the proprietary Mi PC Suite utility (although support for the latter is limited), simply copying the folder with records to your computer will free up space on your smartphone, and many applications support synchronization with Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive.

⚠️ Note: When transferring files through USB Make sure you select the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP), Not Charge Only, otherwise the computer won’t see the Redmi 8 Pro’s internal memory.

It is important to keep in mind the legal side of the matter: the storage and distribution of recordings of conversations is regulated by the laws of your country, and the use of records as evidence in court also has its own procedural features, which are worth knowing about in advance.

πŸ’‘

Tip: To quickly access the latest records, add a Dictophone widget or a folder shortcut to the home screen, which will save you time searching for the desired file in the depth of the menu.

Optimization of the voice recorder and elimination of errors

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the recording seems to be going, but the file is empty or contains only silence. On Redmi 8 Pro, this is often associated with noise cancellation. The system tries to remove background noise, but with it it can cut the voice of the interlocutor if the algorithm is not working correctly.

To minimize errors, try turning off the Noise Reduction feature in the audio settings if this option is available in your firmware version. Also check if the bottom microphone is covered with a cover or fingers during a conversation.

Another common problem is application conflict: If you have multiple voice recorders or audio-screen recording apps installed, they can block access to each other's audio stream, and only keep one active call recording app.

  • πŸ”‹ Energy saving: Make sure the application is not limited in background work.
  • πŸ”Š Volume: Check that the volume of the media is not twisted to zero, some programs depend on this setting.
  • πŸ“Ά Network: If the network signal is bad, the recording may be interrupted along with the conversation itself, this is normal.

If nothing works, try resetting the Phone app through the app menu, which will return it to its original state, but will not delete your contacts. After reset, re-activate the recording function.

πŸ’‘

The main key to successful recording on Redmi 8 Pro is the correct choice of sound source in the settings and the elimination of conflict between the system recorder and third-party applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did the recording button disappear after the MIUI update?
After upgrading to newer versions of MIUI (12, 13 and above), Xiaomi often changes the default regional settings or moves to Google Dialer, which hides the write button in a number of countries.
Is the sound of the interviewer recorded or just mine?
If you're properly tuned (Voice Call source), both people are recorded, and if you're the only one listening, you're recording through the microphone, and the speaker is too quiet, try to turn on speakerphone or change the recording app.
How much space does 1 minute of conversation take?
In MP3 format with a bitrate of 128 kbps, one minute of conversation takes about 1-1.5 MB. An hour-long conversation will "eat" about 60-90 MB of memory. WAV format will take 5-10 times more space.
Can I record conversations from WhatsApp and Viber?
Xiaomi's regular means -- no, just regular GSM calls. To record instant messengers, you'll need to install a specialized application, like Cube ACR, and give it permissions to access the microphone and screen.
Where is the Redmi 8 Pro folder?
The Standard Way: Internal Memory/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. If you have changed the settings of the save to SD-map, look for a folder with a similar structure on the external media.