Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi: where to find the built-in app and how to activate it

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that periodically raises questions among users. Despite the fact that the manufacturer has integrated this tool into the MIUI firmware, it is not always easy to find it: the menu is hidden in the depths of settings, and in some regions the option is completely blocked due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will analyze where to look for a standard application for recording calls on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, how to turn it on, and what to do if the function is not in your firmware version.

It is important to understand that the recording capabilities depend on three key factors: the version. MIUI (starting MIUI 12 menu logic changed), phone models (e.g. on Xiaomi) 13T The Pro and Redmi Note 12 have different settings and regions (in the EU and the US, the record can be disabled by default). MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (HyperOS), so all the steps apply to most of the brand’s modern devices.

If you’ve tried to find conversations through Settings Search before and haven’t succeeded, don’t be surprised. Xiaomi regularly moves options in new updates, and in some localizations removes them from the interface altogether. Next, we’ll show you all the possible ways to activate the recording, including hidden methods for firmware without an explicit option.

Where is the built-in application for recording calls on Xiaomi

The standard Xiaomi chat app doesn't appear as a separate item in the app menu, it's built into the iPhone and activated through its settings. Here are the exact paths for different versions of MIUI:

• 📱 MIUI 14/15 (HyperOS: Open the phone app → three-point (⋮) top-right → Select Settings → Recording of conversations.
• 🔄 MIUI 12/13: Phone. → Settings (cog icon) → Recording calls → slide on.
• 🌍 Global firmware (EEA): Some European versions have the option hidden.Try the path: Phone → Settings → Additionally. → Call recordings.
• 🔍 If not: Your firmware may not support the function. Check the region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (must be Global, Russia or India; EEA recording often blocked).

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12 Lite), after enabling the record in the call settings, a notification will appear that the feature works only for incoming calls or requires manual start-up during a call.

If you don't find the option on these paths, don't rush to look for third-party apps. First, check the hidden settings:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial the combination: ##4636## (test menu opens).
3. Go to the Usage statistics tab → Phone.
4. Scroll down and find the Call recording item, and if it's active, it means it's supported, but hidden in the interface.

⚠️ Note: Using codes like ## can cause failures if you type them at random.

How to enable automatic recording of all calls

By default, Xiaomi offers to record conversations manually (by pressing a button during a call) or only for selected contacts. To activate automatic recording of all calls, follow the following steps:

1. Open the phone → Settings → Record conversations.
2. Turn on the slider Record automatically.
3. Select the type of call: 📞 All calls (incoming and outgoing); 📥 Only incoming; 📤 Only outgoing; 👥 Selected contacts (you will need to specify a list).

Save.

After activation next to the hands-free button during the conversation, a recording icon will appear (🎤). The files will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec Note that on some firmware (e.g., internal memory, MIUI EEA) Automatic recording can only work for incoming calls – this is a software level limitation.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12+)

Make sure your phone has enough memory (records take ~1MB/minute)

Turn off power saving modes for the Phone application

Add the phone app to the battery optimization exceptions

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If the option to record is not automatically available, this may mean:

• 📵 Your firmware does not support the function (for example, MIUI EEA custom-assembly).
• 🔒 The function is blocked by the operator (check if the mode is active). VoLTE/VoWiFi — Sometimes he's in conflict with the record).
• 🛠️ Software update required (check in Settings) → Updating the system).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and MIUI 13+ Automatic recordings may not work due to Google’s tightening privacy policy, in which case only manually running the recording during a conversation will help.

Where are the records of conversations stored and how to find them

All calls on Xiaomi are saved in a standard folder, but the location depends on the firmware version.

To quickly find the records:

1. Open the Files app (or any file manager).
2. Go to the Category section → Audio.
3. Filter it by folder. call_rec or Recordings.
4. Records are sorted by date and phone number in format PhoneNumber_Date_Time.amr.

If the folder is empty, check:

• 🔊 Is the recording included in the call settings;
• 📁 Are files deleted by an optimizer (e.g. Security or Cleaner);
• 🔄 Are your phone settings reset after the update.

💡

To prevent the records from being deleted automatically, add a folder. call_rec Exceptions to the Security Appendix → Cleanup → Ignore folders.

On MIUI 15 (HyperOS), records are also duplicated to the Xiaomi Cloud if synchronization is activated.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll to the Sync section and find the Call Record item.
3. If the option is enabled, the files are available at i.mi.com in the Records section.

What to do if records are not saved or missing

Problems with saving records on Xiaomi are usually associated with one of four factors: lack of memory, conflict with other applications, firmware failures or operator limitations.

1.The records don't appear in the folder

If you have turned on the record but no files:

• 📂 Check if the path of preservation has changed. MIUI 15 file moved into Recordings/Call).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the recording buffer doesn’t reset without a reboot.
• 🛠️ Remove the cache of the application Phone: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Clear the cache.

2.The recording is terminated or does not begin

The following are common issues on the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X4 Pro:

• 📶 Turn off VoLTE and VoWiFi in Settings SIM-Maps – These technologies can block the recording.
• 🔋 Disable battery optimization for the Phone app.
• 🎧 Try using headphones - sometimes the phone's microphone conflicts with the recording.

3.There are records, but they are not lost.

.amr files may not be opened by standard players.

• 🎵 Install a player with support AMR (for example, VLC or MX Player).
• 🔄 Convert files to.mp3 Using the Audio Converter app.
• 📱 Nana MIUI 15 records are retained in.m4a — They are compatible with most players.

⚠️ Note: If the records are missing after the update MIUI, check the folder /MIUI/backup/AllBackup — Sometimes files are transferred there automatically. It is also worth checking the Recycle Bin in the Files app (keep your finger empty). → Basket).

Best Third-Party Call Recording Apps on Xiaomi

If the built-in recording function doesn't work or doesn't work (for example, because there's no automatic mode), you can use third-party applications. 10 popular solutions and selected the top-3, which are stable with Xiaomi MIUI 14/15:

Before installing a third-party application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application permissions → Microphone and provide access.
2. In the same settings, find Special Access → Record audio and turn it on for the selected application.
3. Android 10+ requires permission to Overlay over other apps (for a write button during a call).

⚠️ Warning: Third-party call recording apps may conflict with Xiaomi's built-in feature. Before installing, disable the standard call recording in your call settings, or you may overlay or crash.

Legal aspects of recording telephone conversations

Before activating call recording, it is important to understand the legal implications: in most countries, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is considered a violation of privacy law.

• 🇷🇺 Russia: It is allowed to record conversations if you are a participant, but using the recording in court requires proof that the interlocutor was notified (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
• 🇪🇺 European Union (GDPR): Recording without consent is prohibited and punishable by fines of up to 20 million €. Xiaomi blocks the function on firmware MIUI EEA precisely for this reason.
• 🇺🇸 Laws vary by state, most require at least one-party consent).
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording conversations for personal use is allowed, but distribution without consent is prohibited.

To avoid problems:

• 📢 Notify the interlocutor about the recording (for example, by voice message at the beginning of the conversation).
• 📝 Keep records for no longer than necessary (e.g. until dispute resolution).
• 🚫 Do not distribute posts in social networks or messengers without consent.

On MIUI firmware for Russia and CIS, when you turn on a record, the voice notification automatically plays: "Conversation is recorded." This is done to comply with local law. If the notification does not sound, check the settings in Phone → Recording of conversations → Recording Notice.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after you set up your recording correctly, Xiaomi users are faced with typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1. Recording is enabled, but files are empty (0 KB). Cause: conflict with VoLTE or VoWiFi. Solution: disable these options in Settings SIM-map → Challenges.
2. The recordings are saved, but only my voice is heard, and the reason is that Android 10+ is limited to recording system audio, so you can use third-party root-enabled apps or record it on speakerphone (but the quality will deteriorate).
3. The recording app crashes when you call. The reason is: lack of permissions. Solution: in Settings → Applications → Special access, enable all permissions related to the microphone and overlay to call.
4. The records were lost after the settings were reset. call_rec Solution: create it manually through the file manager or run a test call, the folder will appear automatically.

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the call settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (Warning: This Will Delete Call History!).
4. Reboot the phone and set up the recording again.

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If the record doesn't work on MIUI 15 (HyperOS), try rolling back on MIUI 14 or using third-party apps.In new versions, Xiaomi is tightening control of the feature due to Google's and local laws.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions