Recording a conversation on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI capabilities are limited by the laws of many countries, and hidden recording requires workarounds. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of recording calls on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi devices (including models from 2023-2026), compare applications, talk about microphone settings for better sound and warn about legal risks.

It is important to understand that the technical possibility of recording does not always mean its legality. In some countries (for example, in Russia under article 138 of the criminal code), the hidden recording of a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor can be regarded as a violation of the secrecy of correspondence. We do not call for illegal actions, only describe the functionality of devices and third-party programs. If you need the recording for judicial purposes, check the requirements for the evidence base with a lawyer.

Standard call recording in MIUI: where to look and why not

Since MIUI 12 (and especially in versions 14/15), Xiaomi has removed the built-in conversation recording feature from the standard Phone app, which is due to Google’s tightening privacy policy: since 2022, apps on Google Play cannot secretly record calls without notifying the interlocutor. However, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the feature may be available in regional firmware.

To check for her presence:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Settings → Recording of conversations.

If there is no item, your firmware does not support it, in which case only installing third-party applications or using alternative methods (about them below) will help.

Top.-5 Applications for recording calls to Xiaomi (2026)

The app’s side is divided into two categories: those that use the built-in Android functionality (but require root rights) and those that work through a virtual audio driver (without root, but with restrictions), and we tested dozens of programs and selected the most reliable ones:

• 📱 Cube ACR — best choice MIUI. Records both sides of the conversation (even without root), supports cloud storage and encryption (POCO F5, Redmi K60) Can not catch the voice of the interlocutor due to the restrictions of Qualcomm.
• 🔊 Call Recorder – ACR (Cube alternative with a simpler interface, supports automatic black/white listings.
• 🛡️ Boldbeast Call Recorder is the only app that works on Xiaomi with MediaTek chips (like Redmi). 12C). Requires manual audio source tuning.
• 🌐 Truecaller – in addition to the number detector, it has a built-in call record (premium users only), the sound quality is average, but legally notifies the interlocutor.
• 📲 Responsible entry (for Russia) is a domestic application with ESIA support and storage of records in encrypted form.

Warning: apps without root can only record your voice (microphone) and the voice of the interlocutor can only record through the speaker (which degrades the quality).To fully record both sides on Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors (for example, Xiaomi 14) will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

Install the program from an official source (Google Play or APKMirror).

Grant permissions to access microphone, contacts and storage

Set up application exceptions in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run

Conduct a test call to check the quality of the recording

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Hidden recording of conversations: risks and workarounds

On Xiaomi devices with standard MIUI Global firmware, hidden recording of calls without notifying the interlocutor is technically possible, but is fraught with legal risks and restrictions:

• 📵 Locking at the Android 12 level+: Google bans apps from recording audio stream of calls without user's knowledge ADB-commands or Xposed modules.
• 🔇 Chipset limitations: On the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), recording via microphone is blocked at the hardware level.
• ⚖️ Legal consequences: In Russia, a hidden record may be recognized as inadmissible evidence in court (post of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation) №1 from 2017).

If you still need a hidden record, consider these methods:

1. Second phone: Put a second smartphone (like the POCO M6 Pro) next to it with the recorder running.
2. Google Drive + Microphone: Enable recording via Google Drive → Create → Record voice and put the phone next to you. The voice of the interlocutor will be recorded through the speaker.
3. Modified firmware: Install custom software like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where Google restrictions are lifted.

Customize the microphone for better recording quality

Even with the best app, recording can be illegible due to poor microphone settings. Xiaomi has hidden settings that will improve the sound:

1. Turn off noise cancellation: Settings → Sound → Sound Improvement → Noise cancellation when calling (turn off) This will reduce voice distortion, but may add background noise.
2. Activate High Quality mode: ##4636## → Phone info → Settings → Preferred network type: LTE/5G (not "Only 3G") This improves voice over the network.
3. Use an external microphone: Connect via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.2 (like Lavalier Mike). In the recording app, select it as the primary source.

For models with IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can use an infrared microphone to pick up sound directly from the speaker, minimizing interference.

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If recording is interrupted, add the write app to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Select yours → No restrictions.

Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal

The rules for recording telephone conversations differ dramatically from country to country, and let's look at the key nuances for popular regions:

• 🇷🇺 Russia: Recording of a conversation is allowed only with the notification of the interlocutor (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), except if you are a participant in the conversation and record it for personal needs (not for distribution), in court such recording can be recognized as evidence only if the other party was notified.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Consent of at least one of the interlocutors is required (Article 31 of the Constitution) and a hidden recording is allowed if it is kept to protect their rights.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): Recording without consent violates the General Data Protection Regulation: Companies are required to notify the record, individuals – only if they plan to distribute the record.
• 🇺🇸 The rules vary by state, and 12 states (e.g. California) require the consent of all participants in the conversation.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording a conversation for a trial, ask your lawyer what format will be accepted. For example, in Russia, recordings with Truecaller (where the interlocutor is notified automatically) carry more weight than hidden recordings via Cube. ACR.

For business purposes (e.g., recording customer conversations), make sure to use an automatic notification such as, "Conversation is recorded to improve service. Press 1 to continue, or 2 to withdraw." This will protect you from lawsuits.

Alternative methods: recording via PC or cloud

If recording directly on your phone is not possible, consider these methods:

1. Through Bluetooth headset: - Connect the headset (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) to the phone and PC at the same time. - On the PC, run a program to record sound from a Bluetooth device (for example, Audacity). - Minus: sound delay ~0.5 seconds.
2. Using Google Voice (USA): - Register a number with Google Voice. - Enable the recording function in settings (available only to US residents). - All incoming calls will be automatically recorded.
3. Cloud services: - Applications like Rev Call Recorder offer transcription via the cloud (paid).

For owners of Xiaomi with MIUI for PC (Mi PC Suite function) there is another way:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).


2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times click on version, then Developer Settings → USB debugging).




3. Use the ADB- command to redirect the audio stream:




adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CALL_BUTTON -n com.android.server.telecom/.components.UserCallActivity




4. Run the recording on PC via OBS Studio or Audacity.

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Cloud recording services (e.g. Rev) are legal because they notify the other person about recording with robot voices.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes when recording conversations. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔕 The app does not record the voice of the interlocutor: - Check whether the recording does not block the battery → Optimization. - For Snapdragon devices, install the Magisk module Call Recorder Patch".
• 📱 Recording is terminated after 1-2 minutes: - Disable Adaptive Battery in Settings. - Add the application to Optimization Exceptions.
• 🔊 Only my voice can be heard: - In the app settings, select the Voice Downlink sound source + Mic. - For MediaTek chips (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Use Boldbeast in mode 6.
• 🚫 Application not installed: - Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications. - Download APK Only from verified sites (APKMirror, APKPure).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (the new shell from Xiaomi, which debuted on Xiaomi 14), standard recording methods may not work due to the changed architecture of the audio drivers, in which case only rooting or using an external recording device will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions