Recording calls to Xiaomi: how to turn on, configure and save conversations

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps you capture important information, evidence or just save memorable conversations. However, many users face difficulties: where to look for settings, why the option disappears after the MIUI update, or how to record calls secretly so that the interlocutor does not hear the notification. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable recordings on Redmi devices, POCO and other Xiaomi products, from standard tools to third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the legislation of many countries (including Russia) regulates the recording of conversations. According to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, recording a call without the consent of the interlocutor can be considered a violation of privacy if the information is used for harmful purposes. However, for personal use (for example, fixing agreements with a courier or a master), such recordings are usually not pursued.

Standard call recording in MIUI: where to look for settings

In MIUI firmware (versions 12-14), the recording function is built into the standard Phone app, but it varies by region and device model. For example, on smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM), the option may not be available due to local laws, but on global versions (Global ROM) it is usually available.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Dial a number or select a contact to call.
3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a Record button (mic icon or mug) at the bottom or in the menu (three dots), the function is active.

If the button is not available, the recording is disabled in the settings or is not available for your model. In this case, move to the next section with alternative methods. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the recording is automatically turned on when you press 3 points → Record during the call, but the file is saved only after the conversation is over.

Where are the recorded calls stored?.amr files or.mp3 stored in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Check through the files. → Internal storage. You can listen to them through any audio player or send them via messenger. Please note that if you don't set up automatic backup, the recordings will only remain in the memory of the phone.

How to turn on call recording if there is no button

If your Phone app does not have a recording option, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Regional restrictions: on devices with China ROM For some countries (for example, India) the function is disabled.
• ⚙️ Lack of permission: the application is not given access to microphone or storage.
• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI: firmware MIUI 12 The record can work differently.
• 🚫 Operator Policy: Some Mobile Operators Block Network Level Recording.

Solutions for each case:

1. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → Update System and install the latest version. After the update, check for the recording button.
2. Change region: If you have China ROM, you can try switching to Global ROM via Settings → Additional → Region (select India or Russia).
3. Check permissions: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions and enable access to Microphone and Storage.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the permissions for the phone application"|Make sure there is enough memory on your phone.|Change the region to India or Russia (if China) ROM)-->

If standard methods don’t work, move on to using third-party apps – they often offer more features (like automatic recording of all calls or cloud storage).

Top.-3 Applications for recording calls to Xiaomi

Third-party programs allow you to record calls even on devices that are disabled in MIUI, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones:

To install any of these applications:

1. Download it from Google Play (links in the table).
2. Open and provide all the requested permissions (microphone, contacts, storage).
3. In the application settings, enable Automatic Recording or select Manual Mode.
4. Make a test call to check the quality of the recording.

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If the app doesn’t record calls, try turning off battery optimization for it in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the programme] → Battery → No restrictions.

Important! On Android 10+, many call recording apps are restricted by Google's privacy policy. If the app doesn't see incoming/outgoing calls, try:

• Set it as the default application for calls (in the phone settings).
• Use root access (not recommended for beginners).
• Switch to firmware with recording support (e.g. MIUI EU).

Hidden Call Recording: How to Record Without Notifications

By default, MIUI and many third-party applications play the beep at the beginning of a recording (e.g., "Conversation is recorded"), which is done to comply with privacy laws, but sometimes a hidden recording is required - without notifying the interlocutor. Here's how to implement this:

1. Use Cube ACR: Open the app settings. Go to Record Settings → Record Notice. Select No Sound or Vibration Only.

Turn off system sounds in MIUI

Settings → Sound and vibration → System sounds → Turn off “Bell recording”

This method doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth a try.

Use the second device.

If the software methods don't work, put a second phone next to it with the voice recorder on (e.g., Google Drive or Voice Recording) and the lesser sound quality.

Technically, on Android 12+, Google blocks apps from accessing the microphone when calling without special permissions. If the hidden recording doesn't work, try:

• Install the application through ADB with the team: adb shell pm grant com.catalinagroup.callrecorder android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
• Use Magisk and Call Recorder Patch (requires root).

Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, call records are stored in the phone's internal memory, but they're easy to lose when you reset or change your device.

Standard storage in MIUI

The path to files:

Internal storage device → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec

The files are either.amr (lightweight but mediocre) or.mp3 (if you use third-party applications) to transfer to your computer:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Copy the folder. call_rec safe-haven.
3. To save space, you can convert.amr to.mp3 via Audacity or online converters.

Automatic backup

In order not to lose records when your phone breaks down, set up automatic synchronization:

• 📁 Google Drive: in the Cube app ACR Enable Autoboot in Google Drive.
• ☁️ Dropbox/OneDrive: similarly configure in the recording parameters.
• 📱 Mi Cloud: Standard records MIUI You can sync through the settings. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Call records (not available on all models).

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Check your records folder regularly and clean it up – files take up space and their accumulation can slow down your phone.

How do you recover deleted records? If files were accidentally erased, try:

1. Use data recovery software (DiskDigger, Recuva) – connect your phone to your PC and scan your internal memory.
2. Check the cart in Google Drive or other cloud storage if sync has been enabled.
3. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – sometimes records remain in service memory (relevant for the last 30 days).

Solving Call Recording Problems

If the record is not working or files are not saved, the reasons may be different.

A common question is, "Why is recording only on speakerphone?" This is a restriction of Android 9+, which blocks apps from accessing the microphone during a standard call.

• Use Cube ACR with the option of Recording through speaker (sound will come from the speaker, but the quality is worse).
• Install MIUI EU (European firmware without restrictions).
• Connect a Bluetooth headset – some apps record sound from it.

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If the recording is interrupted, try turning off the “Smooth Call” function in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Smooth call.

The “failed to save record” error is often associated with a corrupted folder. call_rec. To correct:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and rename the folder call_rec into call_rec_old.
2. Make a test call and the system will create a new folder.
3. Transfer old files from call_rec_old newfold.

Legal aspects: can the records be used in court

In Russia, telephone records can be used in court, but with reservations:

• ⚖️ Civil disputes: records are accepted as evidence if they are relevant (e.g. confirmation of contractor agreement).
• 📄 Documentary confirmation: it is better to notify the interlocutor in advance (for example: “The conversation is recorded to fix the terms of the transaction»).
• 🚫 Prohibited cases: records may not be distributed with the aim of humiliation, blackmail or violation of privacy (Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

An example: if you recorded a conversation with a master who promised to repair the phone in 3 days, but did not perform the work, the recording can be presented to Rospotrebnadzor or the court as evidence of violation of the agreement. However, if you secretly recorded a personal conversation of a friend without his consent and distributed it, it can be qualified as a violation of the right to privacy.

What if you were recorded without consent? If you learned that your conversation was recorded and used against you:

1. Require the original entry (by law you have the right to see the material that concerns you).
2. Contact a lawyer if the recording was obtained illegally (for example, through a phone hack).
3. Submit a counter-report to the police or the court about the violation of Art. 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (if the recording was used for blackmail).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi