Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from storing important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. Although MIUI offers built-in recording tools, their functionality is often limited to regional settings or firmware version. In this article, we will examine all the current ways, from standard features to circumventing restrictions with third-party solutions.
It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) requires notifying the interlocutor about the recording. Violation of this rule can entail legal liability.
We tested all methods on the current Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 models with MIUI 14/15 firmware (Android 13/14). If your device is older, some features may not be available β check the software version in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version.
1. Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added native conversation recording functionality, but its availability varies by region and model. In Russia and CIS countries, the option is often hidden due to legal restrictions, but it can be activated through hidden settings.
To check for the presence of the function:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if there is no item, read the next section on circumventing restrictions).
- Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.
If the option is available, the records will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/calls (Check through the files. β Internal storage. File format β.m4a (AAC-codecs), which ensures good quality with low weight.
π‘
To quickly find records, type:audio date:today in your file manager search, which will filter out all audio files created today.
2. How to unlock hidden call recording on Xiaomi (without root)
If the phone does not have a Record conversation setting, it can be enabled via the MIUI test menu, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-15 and does not require superuser rights.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination in the number dialer: ##2663##
- Select Auto test β Single item test β Modem test.
- Scroll to the Call Recording item and activate it.
- Reboot the phone.
After the reboot, the phoneβs settings will have a Call Record section. Note that on some models (POCO X5, Redmi 12C), this method may not work due to the chipsetβs hardware limitations (for example, the Helio G85 does not support microphone recording during a call).
What if the #2663## code doesn't work?
Third-party applications for recording: TOP-5 proven solutions
If the built-in methods don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we've selected the 5 most reliable options tested on Xiaomi in 2026:
- π± Cube Call Recorder ACR β Record both ends of the conversation (your voice) + It works through a virtual audio driver, but it can conflict with the rootless devices. MIUI because of energy conservation policies.
- π Call Recorder by Lovekesh is a simple interface, automatic recording decryption (premium function). minus: does not record the voice of the interlocutor on some Qualcomm chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1).
- πΌ Automatic Call Recorder - saves records to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox). Requires setting exceptions for autorun in Settings β Annexes β Permits β Auto-start.
- π‘οΈ Blackbox Call Recorder - Password encrypts records, suitable for confidential conversations, but plugins for MIUI cost 299 β½.
- π€ Boldbeast Call Recorder is the only app that works on Xiaomi with MediaTek (Helio) G99, Dimensity 7050 Requires manually adjusting the audio source in settings.
Important: After installing any of these applications, add it to the battery optimization exceptions, otherwise MIUI will pause recording during the call. Way: Settings β Battery and Performance β Battery Consumption Management β Application Selection.
4.Write through Google Drive: Cloud-based method without apps
Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record calls through Voice Input, a method that is suitable for recording important details of a conversation, but has limitations β only your voice (phone microphone) is recorded, not the line of the interlocutor.
How to set up:
- Install Google Drive and log in.
- Open any Google Docs document on your phone.
- Click on the microphone icon in the toolbar (to the right of the formatting).
- Allow access to the microphone and start a conversation, and all your lines will be recorded and immediately decoded into text.
Advantages of the method:
- π Automatic decryption (useful for logging negotiations).
- βοΈ Files are immediately saved in the cloud and accessible from any device.
- π± No need for root or special applications.
Disadvantages:
- π« Does not record the voice of the interlocutor.
- β οΈ It works only with an active Internet connection (consumes traffic).
- π The battery is quickly depleted due to the constant operation of the microphone.
π‘
This method is ideal for journalists or lawyers who need text recording of a conversation, but is not suitable for a full audio recording of forensic evidence.
5. Rooting and modified firmware: for advanced users
If you want 100% reliable recording of both ends of a conversation without restrictions, the only option is to get root rights or install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which removes all software locks MIUI, but deprives of warranties and can disrupt the banking applications.
Step-by-step instructions for Xiaomi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model (download from the official website twrp.me).
- Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
- Install the Call Recorder for Magisk module (available in the Magisk repository).
After that, any recording application (such as Boldbeast) can capture the audio stream directly from the modem, ensuring maximum quality.
Check the compatibility of the model with TWRP at forum.xda-developers.com
Backup your data via Mi Cloud or ADB backup
Charge your phone at least 70%
Disable OEM lock in Settings β For developers
-->
β οΈ Note: Banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and payment systems (Google Pay) can block access to applications on rooted devices. Use the MagiskHide or Island module to isolate financial applications.
6. Alternative ways: from Bluetooth headset to second phone
If software methods donβt work, consider hardware solutions:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth headset with recording (for example, Sony DR-BT50QX) | Records both ends of the conversation, high quality | Requires synchronization with PC to save files | 3,500 β½ |
| External dictaphone (e.g., Olympus WS-853) | It does not depend on the phone, long autonomy | You need to keep it close to the phone, there may be interference. | 5,000 β½ |
| Second phone in hands-free mode | No need to purchase equipment | Low quality, echo, legal risks | 0 β½ |
| USB-audiocard + PC (e.g. Behringer) UMC202HD) | Studio quality, suitable for podcasts | Complex setup, binding to the computer | 8,000 β½ |
For business users, the optimal solution will be a Bluetooth headset with support A2DP. Modern models (e.g., Jabra Evolve 20) automatically save records to the cloud and integrate with the cloud. CRM-For personal use, a Sony budget voice recorder is suitable. ICD-UX570 β It weighs only 43 grams and records up to 107 hours in format. MP3.
β οΈ Note: Using a second phone to record a conversation without notifying the interlocutor can be qualified as a violation of Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence"). Always obtain consent or notify the recording in advance.