Have you ever noticed a screen recording button in the notification curtain of a Xiaomi smartphone and wondered what it was? Or suddenly found a strange Screen Recorder program in the application list that you didn't install? This built-in utility is on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but not all users understand its purpose and capabilities.
In this article, we'll go into detail about what screen recording on Xiaomi is, how it works under the hood, whether it's safe for privacy, and where it's really worth using. And then compare it to the popular alternatives from Google Play, because it's not always the standard solution that's the best. If you've ever tried to record gameplay, save streaming, or make a tutorial from your phone, this information will be useful.
What is a built-in screen recording on Xiaomi and why you need it
Screen Recorder is a system application pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12 and later, which allows you to capture everything that happens on the device’s display in video format, including:
- 🎮 Gameplay from mobile games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings)
- 📱 Demonstrate the operation of applications (for example, to create training videos)
- 📹 Broadcasts from social networks (TikTok, Instagram Live, YouTube)
- 💬 Video calls (with the permission of the interlocutor!) in WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom
Unlike third-party programs, the built-in recorder from Xiaomi does not require root rights, does not show ads and is integrated into the system at the Android level. This means that it can record even those applications that block screenshots (for example, banking or some messengers).
It's important to understand that this is not a separate application, but part of MIUI firmware. You can't remove it completely without superuser rights, but you can disable it or hide it.
How to enable and use screen recording on Xiaomi
There are two main ways to start recording: through the notification bar or directly from the app menu. Let's look at both.
Method 1: Quickly run through the curtain
The easiest way to use the button in the notification panel is to:
- Swipe your finger down to open the curtain.
- Find the Screen Record icon (if not, click on the pencil to edit the panels).
- Slap the button - the countdown will begin 3 seconds, after which the recording will begin.
To stop recording, roll the curtain again and click on the Screen Record notification or the floating button (if it is enabled in the settings).
Method 2: Through the Application Menu
If there is no button in the curtain, look for the Screen Recorder app in the menu:
- Open the list of all applications.
- Find Screen Recorder (may be called Screen Recorder in English firmware).
- Launch the program and press the big red button.
Before the first run, the system will request permissions to record sound and display over other windows – be sure to confirm them.
☑️ Preparation for screen recording
Where records are stored and how to find them
By default, all videos are saved to the DCIM → ScreenRecordings folder on the internal drive, but you can change the path in the application settings to quickly find the record:
- Open the gallery.
- Go to Screen Records (or Screen Recordings).
- Or use the Mi File Explorer file manager and follow the path /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ScreenRecordings/.
The file format is.mp4, the resolution corresponds to the screen resolution of your device (for example, 1080×2400 for Xiaomi 13).
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended settings |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | Auto (like a screen) | 1080p for balance of quality and size |
| Bitreit | 8 Mbps | 12–15 Mbps for games, 6–8 Mbps for interface |
| Sound source | Microphone | Internal sound (if you need to record music/game effects) |
| Show touch | Off. | Including for training videos |
Important: If you record gameplay with internal sound, some games (such as Free Fire or Call of Duty Mobile) may block the audio stream due to cheating protection, in which case you will have to use an external microphone or a separate sound recording.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
Many users fear that the built-in screen recording could transfer data to Xiaomi or third parties, and we will see how this is justified.
Safety benefits:
- 🔒 No Ads and Trackers – Unlike Many Third-Party Apps.
- 📱 System-level integration: No additional permissions are required, except for standard.
- 🛡️ Videos are saved locally and not sent to Xiaomi servers (unless sync with Mi Cloud is enabled).
Potential risks:
- 🚨 Screen recording can accidentally capture confidential information (passwords, bank data).
- 🎤 When recording sound through the microphone can get extraneous conversations.
- 📲 Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) block the record because DRM-defense.
⚠️ Note: Recording video or audio calls without the consent of the interlocutor may violate privacy laws in your country, for example, in Russia this is regulated by Art. 138.1 of the Criminal Code ("Violation of the secrecy of telephone conversations»).
If you are concerned about privacy, check the video for any additional information after recording and edit it before sending or publishing it if necessary.
Comparison with third-party applications: which is better?
Xiaomi’s built-in recorder is convenient, but it doesn’t always cover all your needs.
| Criteria | Built-in Screen Recorder | AZ Screen Recorder | DU Recorder | Mobizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No advertising. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (in the free version) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Recording of internal sound | ✅ Yes. MIUI 12+) | ✅ Yes, on Android 10.+) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Video editor | ❌ No. | ✅ Basic | ✅ Expanded | ✅ With credits and effects |
| Support for high FPS | ❌ Up to 30. FPS | ✅ Up to 60. FPS | ✅ 120. FPS | ✅ Up to 60. FPS |
When to use third-party applications:
- 🎥 I need a record. 4K high-end FPS (For example, for professional streaming).
- 🎬 Requires a built-in video editor with effects and text overlay.
- 🔊 You need a separate sound recording from the microphone and system sounds at the same time.
But remember, many popular recorders (like DU Recorder) collect user data for targeted advertising, and if privacy is critical to you, it’s best to stay with Xiaomi’s standard solution.
💡
If you need to record a screen with internal sound, but the game blocks it, try to turn on the developer mode and activate the option “Debug Sound via USB” (requires a PC connection).
Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them
Even embedded tools sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1.The screen recording button is missing from the curtain
Decision:
- Unwrap the notification curtain and click on the pencil icon ("Edit").
- Find the Screen Recording list and drag it to the active area.
- If there is no button at all, check if the Screen Recorder app is disabled in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management).
2.The recording is interrupted or lags
Causes and solutions:
- 🔋 Lack of memory: Free up storage space (needs at least 1-2 GB).
- 🔄 Background Processes: Close Unnecessary Applications Before Recording.
- 🔧 High bitrate: Reduce quality in recorder settings to 720p.
3. The internal sound is not recorded.
This is a limitation of Android and MIUI for some applications.
- Enable the option to "Record internal sound" in the Screen Recorder settings.
- Use an external microphone or a separate sound recording.
- For games: Some titles (such as PUBG Mobile) block audio recording, a measure against cheating.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Screen recording stopped working, reset the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Screen Recorder → Warehouse → Reset. Often this helps to return functionality.
How to completely remove or disable screen recording
If you don’t use this feature and want to make room or hide it from outsiders, there are a few ways to do it.
Method 1: Disconnect (without root)
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Screen Recorder (or Screen Recorder).
- Click “Disable” (the application will remain in the system, but will not work).
Method 2: Removal (root or ADB required)
To completely remove the system application, you will need the rights of the superuser or ADB team:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.screenrecorderWithout root, you can not completely remove the application, but you can hide its icon with the launcher or disable it, as described above.
💡
Even a disabled Screen Recorder app doesn’t take up much space (around 10-15 MB), but deactivating it can free up a bit of RAM.