Recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on, where files are stored and how not to break the law

Why do we need to record calls and what the law says

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones can be useful in dozens of situations, from fixing important business agreements to proving disputes with carriers, but before setting up this feature, you need to understand two key aspects: technical implementation and legal restrictions.

In Russia, recording conversations is only allowed with the notification of the interlocutor (Article 23 of the Russian Constitution on the right to privacy of correspondence), which means that automatically recording all calls without warning is a direct route to lawsuits. Except for cases where the interlocutor has previously given consent (for example, in business correspondence or in the registration of services); In Europe, the rules are even stricter: under the GDPR, recording without consent is considered a violation of confidentiality.

On the technical side, Xiaomi does not include the built-in MIUI firmware recording feature for European and Russian regions due to these legal nuances, but you can get around the restriction in three ways: through hidden MIUI settings, third-party applications or manual patching of the system (for advanced users).

Method 1: Enabling Hidden Write Function in MIUI (without root)

MIUI firmware for some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 12) has a hidden recording option that can be activated via an engineering menu, which does not require superuser rights and works on most devices with MIUI 12-14.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Auto Call Recorder (if not, the method is not supported by your model).
3. Activate the Enable Call Recording switch and select the save format (.amr or.mp3).
4. Reboot your smartphone.

After the restart, a write button (usually indicated by a red circle) will appear in the call interface. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec If you don't have a folder, you can create it manually.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make a backup copy of contacts

Free 100-200 MB of memory

Charge your phone at least 30 times%-->

⚠️ On Redmi models for the Chinese market (China) ROM) This method may not work because there is no engineering menu, so use Method 2 with applications.

Method 2: Call recording applications (TOP-5 verified)

If the built-in feature is missing or not working, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 15 apps from Google Play and selected the 5 most reliable ones that:

• 🔹 No root rights required (except Cube Call Recorder) ACR for extended functions).
• 🔹 Save records in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔹 Support automatic transcription (transformation of speech into text).
• 🔹 Work on MIUI 14 without conflict.

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
2. In Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights allow the application to access the microphone and phone calls.
3. In the application settings, select the recording format (.mp3 is recommended for better quality).
4. Activate Automatic Recording or set rules (e.g., write only unknown numbers).

Where are the records stored and how to transfer them to the PC

By default, call records files are saved in different folders depending on the method:

• 📁 Built-in function MIUI: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
• 📁 Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecorder/
• 📁 Truecaller: /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.truecaller/
• 📁 RMC: /storage/emulated/0/RMCRecordings/

To transfer the recordings to the computer:

1. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
2. Open the folder with records (see the list above) and copy the files to the hard drive.
3. Use Google Drive or Dropbox to automate: In the settings of the recorder application, specify the path for auto export.

If the files are not displayed on the PC:

• 🔧 Make sure that the phone settings include the display of hidden files (Settings) → Warehouse → Storage settings → Show hidden files).
• 🔧 Check if the antivirus is blocking folder access (for example, Avast may flag records as suspicious).

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If records take up too much space, convert them to.ogg format using the Audio Converter app – this will reduce file size by 40-60% without loss of quality.

Solving the Problem: Why Calls Are Not Recorded

Even when you set it up properly, the recording may not work, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

1. Check if there is a second launcher on the phone (like Nova Launcher) that can block system functions.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (older versions had bugs with microphone access during the call).
3. Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).

Legal Risks: How to Record Calls Legally

As mentioned earlier, recording conversations without the consent of the person involved can have legal consequences.

• 📜 Notification before calling: Start the conversation with the phrase, "The conversation is recorded to record information. Do you mind?" - that removes the claims.
• 📜 Business negotiations: Include a record clause in the contract or agreement (e.g.: “Parties agree to fix the negotiations»).
• 📜 Personal Use: Recordings for personal needs (reminders, memos) are not prohibited by law, but they cannot be distributed.
• 📜 Service calls: If you record job conversations, make sure the company has a record consent policy (usually spelled out in the employment contract).

What if you were recorded without consent?

If you find that your conversation has been recorded and used without permission:

1. Delete the entry (in writing if it is business correspondence).
2. If the record is distributed publicly, please contact Roskomnadzor with a complaint about a violation of 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.
3. In disputable cases (blackmail, slander) – file a lawsuit for the protection of honor and dignity (Article 152 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

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Recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor may be used in court only if it proves the commission of a crime (Article 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation).

Alternative methods: recording from another device or via Bluetooth

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to legal limitations or technical issues), consider hardware solutions:

• 🎤 External voice recorder: Connect a digital voice recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) You can go to the phone through a 3.5 mm connector or Bluetooth, and the recording quality will be higher than the built-in microphone.
• 📱 Second Device: Put a second phone next to you with your voice recording turned on (Detophone or Voice Recorder apps).
• 🖥️ PC recording: If you call via WhatsApp Web or Skype, use programs like OBS Studio for sound capture.
• 🔊 Bluetooth headset with recording: Some models (such as Plantronics Voyager 5200) have built-in conversation recording feature.

Advantages of hardware methods:

• ✅ No risk of conflict with the firmware MIUI.
• ✅ Higher sound quality (especially when using directional microphones).
• ✅ No dependency on access rights in Android.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional equipment is required.
• ❌ Less convenient for automatic recording of all calls.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Xiaomi Redmi