How to record phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8: everything from built-in tools to hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the question: how to save an important phone conversation? Unlike flagship models, there is no built-in voice recorder in calls, but this does not mean that the task is impossible. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record conversations, from hidden MIUI functions to third-party applications, and also talk about the legal subtleties that are important to consider in 2026.

The thing about Redmi 8, codenamed olive, is that it runs Android 10 with MIUI 11-12, where the call recording is limited compared to the newer versions. But there are workarounds, and we've tested them all. Importantly, some methods require root rights, but most work without them. Let's start with the simplest ones!

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

Check question: is there a built-in recording feature in Redmi 8? Answer: yes, but with reservations. In the standard MIUI 11/12 firmware for Redmi 8, call recording is hidden, but it can be activated via an engineering menu or upgraded to MIUI 13/14 (if available for your model).

Check the MIUI version first: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a MIUI 12.5 or newer, try this way:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select a Record of conversations (if there is no item, read on).
4. Activate the switch and select the save format (.amr by default).

If you don't have a Call Record, your version of MIUI doesn't support it, then move on to the next one, the Engineering Menu, and it's important that this only works on firmware up to MIUI 12.0.3, and newer versions may not allow access.

Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version, tap 7 times)

Remember the IMEI of the phone (Settings → About the phone → General information)

Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (engineering menu requires a stable connection)

Backup of contacts (Settings) → System and device → Backup)-->

2. Engineering menu: hidden way to enable recording (without root)

This method is suitable for Redmi 8 on MIUI 11-12 and does not require superuser rights. However, be careful: improper actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the phone.

1. Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##36446337## (this is the code to access EngineerMode).
2. In the menu that opens, select MTK Settings → Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. Scroll to the Normal Mode section and find Sph Record.
4. Set the Type value on the Mic1 (main microphone) and activate the recording.

Now, when calling, the recording will be automatically, but with nuances:

• 🔊 Files are saved in a folder /sdcard/Media/Audio/.wav.
• 📱 Recording is conducted only through the main microphone - the voice of the interlocutor may sound quieter.
• ⚠️ After restarting the phone, the setting will have to be repeated.

⚠️ Warning: If the speaker is missing after changing the settings in the engineering menu, return the Sph Record setting to Off and restart the phone. 10% of the time, you need to reset the network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).

3. Third-party apps: top-3 call-recording

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 15 programs and selected the three most reliable ones for Redmi 8:

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
2. In Settings → Applications → Special Access → Record sound, allow the application to use the microphone.
3. In the application settings, select the write format (.mp3 or.wav) and the folder to save.

⚠️ Attention: Cube-type applications ACR You can conflict with Redmi 8's energy-saving modes. If the recording is terminated, add the app to the battery exceptions: → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find your recorder. → Turn off optimization.

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If the app doesn't see calls, check if the "Show Call Notifications" option is enabled in its settings. Without that, recording won't start automatically.

4. Recording via second phone or headset

If the software isn't working, you can do a trick: use a second phone or a headset with a recording function, which is 100% workable, but requires an additional device.

• 📱 Second phone: Put it next to you and turn on the recorder (like the standard Xiaomi Sound Recording app.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headset: Some models (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM4 or JBL Live 660NC) They have a built-in conversation record. Connect the headset to Redmi 8 and activate the recording through its app.
• 🔌 Audio splitter: Buy a splitter for a 3.5mm connector (about 300) ₽) And you plug in a second phone or a voice recorder, so it's clean.

For better quality:

• Use a room without echoes (such as a small room with a carpet).
• Place the second phone 30-50 cm away from the Redmi 8 speaker.
• Turn off the speakerphone on the main phone – so the voice of the interlocutor will be recorded through the microphone, not the speaker.

5. Root Methods: Full Control of Recording

If you're willing to take drastic measures, root access will open up all the recording possibilities. On Redmi 8, it's done through:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP).
3. Magisk firmware to get root.
4. Installation of the Call Recorder for Magisk module.

Advantages of root method:

• 🎛️ Recording both sides of the conversation without restrictions.
• 📁 Automatic Save to the Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔍 The ability to record calls from any application (including WhatsApp, Telegram).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• 🔄 The risk of “bricking” the phone with a firmware error.
• 🛡️ Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) will stop working.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 8 with Snapdragon 439 processor with incorrect firmware TWRP To avoid this, use the official version of the olive recovery from twrp.me.

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Root access is the best option, but it's only for power users, and most tasks will be filled with third-party apps or engineering menus.

6.Legal aspects: Can conversations be recorded in 2026

The technical part is solved, but the main question remains: is it legal? In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

• 📜 Article 23 of the Constitution states that everyone has the right to privacy of correspondence and telephone conversations, and that this right may be restricted only by a court decision.
• 📜 Article 138 of the Criminal Code: Violation of the secrecy of correspondence is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 ₽ or compulsory.
• 📜 Article 9 of the Federal Communications Act: Operators are obliged to ensure the confidentiality of communications, but users may record their conversations subject to the conditions.

Key rules:

• ✅ You can record: Conversations you participate in if the person verbally agrees (for example, saying, "I'm recording the conversation, you're happy with it?").
• ❌ You cannot record: Other people’s conversations (for example, through listening devices) or without notifying the interlocutor, unless it is provided for by law (for example, for journalistic investigations).
• ⚖️ Exceptions: If the conversation is conducted for official purposes (for example, a call center), the employer must notify you in advance.

In 2026, court practice shows that recordings of conversations are accepted as evidence in court if:

1. They do not violate privacy.
2. The interviewee was notified of the recording (even after the fact).
3. The record was not edited (the original metadata file).

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To avoid problems, at the beginning of the conversation, say, "I'm going to play the record. Do you mind?" and that will protect you legally.

7 Where records are stored and how to protect them

By default, records files are stored in different places depending on the method:

To protect records from loss or theft:

• 🔐 Encrypt files with the help of 7-Zip VeraCrypt (at least 12 characters password).
• ☁️ Automatically upload them to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) with two-factor confirmation enabled.
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary records – they take up space and can become a vulnerability in case of loss of the phone.

If your phone is stolen or lost, remotely delete your records through Google Settings → Security → Find your device → Erase your data. This will clear all memory, including hidden folders.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi 8