Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving memorable conversations with loved ones. However, the standard settings of MIUI are not always obvious, and in some regions the recording function is completely hidden due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to activate recordings — from embedded tools to third-party applications — and also tell you how to adjust the sound quality and where to look for saved files.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) is powered by the Mediatek Helio G90T processor and supports call recording via embedded software, but with nuances. For example, on the European firmware (MIUI EU), the feature can be disabled by default, and on the global versions (MIUI Global) it can require additional manipulation. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 12.5-14 and identified those that are guaranteed to work in 2026.
Before you start, note that recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws of your country. In Russia, for example, according to article 138 of the criminal code, recording negotiations is allowed only with the notification of the second party.
1. Built-in call recording: where to look for settings?
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the conversation recording feature is integrated into the standard Phone app, but its location depends on the MIUI version and the firmware region.
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu) and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (or Call Recording in English firmware).
- Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.
If you don't have a Record conversation on the menu, your firmware doesn't support out-of-the-box. This is typical for European builds (MIUI EU), where the record is disabled for legal reasons, then go to the hidden method or use third-party applications.
Important: Even if the feature is activated, the recording may not be triggered for some types of calls:
- 📞 VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype) – not fixed by the built-in voice recorder.
- 🔒 Calls from private numbers or through record-blocking operators (e.g. some corporate lines).
- 🎧 If you use a Bluetooth headset, the sound can be recorded with interference.
2. Hidden method: activation of recording through the engineering menu
On MIUI Global firmware and some custom builds, the recording of conversations is hidden in the engineering menu, which works on the Redmi Note 8 Pro regardless of region, but requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the phone.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##6484## (or ##MTK## to check for Mediatek support).
- You'll see the EngineerMode menu. Select MTK Settings → Telephony.
- Go to Call Recording and activate Enable Call Recording.
- Go back to the basic phone settings and check for the appearance of the Record conversations item in the Phone app.
Critical detail: once activated through the engineering menu, the recording will only work for incoming calls, and outgoing conversations will not be recorded without additional manipulation of root rights.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Customization of recording quality: microphone, format, storage
By default, the Redmi Note 8 Pro saves.amr recordings with a bitrate of 12.2 kbit / s. This provides a compact file size (about 1 MB per minute of talk), but the sound quality leaves much to be desired. You can change the settings through hidden settings or third-party utilities.
To improve the sound:
- 🎙️ Microphone: Enable the option to Amplify voice in recording settings (if available).This will reduce noise, but may distort the voice of the interlocutor.
- 📁 Format: Apps like Cube Call Recorder let you choose between.mp3 (Best quality and.amr (saving space).
- 📱 Storage: By default, files are saved to internal memory along the way /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. Redirect them to SD-The card can only be root-righted.
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended value | How to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| File format | .amr (12.2 kbit/s) | .mp3 (64-128 kbit/s) | Third-party applications (e.g. Boldbeast) |
| Sound source | Microphone + speaker | Direct capture from the line (requires root) | Engineering menu or Magisk modules |
| Preservation site | Internal memory. | SD-map | Settings of the recording application |
| Auto-removal | Disconnected. | Delete files older than 30 days | Settings → Memory → Autocleaning |
Tip: If the recording is too quiet, try turning off Noise Reduction in the microphone settings, which often eats away at the useful signal along with the interference.
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Before an important call, reboot your phone – this will reset the microphone’s temporary errors and increase the chances of a clear record.
4. Third-party apps: TOP-3 for Redmi Note 8 Pro
If the built-in recording doesn't work or the quality doesn't work, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of apps and selected those that work well on the Redmi Note 8 Pro without root rights:
- Cube Call Recorder ACR Pros: Recording both sides of the conversation (even on unrooted devices), cloud backup, integration with Google Drive. Cons: advertising in the free version, sometimes "losing" calls. Link: Google Play
- Boldbeast Call Recorder Pros: support for.mp3, manual bitrate setting, work with VoIP. Cons: complex interface, premium version fee. Link: Official website
- Call Recorder by Lovekush Pros: minimalist design, automatic transcription (premium).Cons: only records your voice without root.
⚠️ Note: Google Play apps may stop working after updates MIUI, If Xiaomi tightens security policy, for example, after the release MIUI 14 Some utilities lost access to the microphone during the call, in which case a rollback to the previous firmware version or the use of Magisk modules will help.
✅ Check the version. MIUI (Settings → The phone)
✅ Allow access to microphone and memory in the application settings
✅ Disable battery optimization for the recording program
✅ Restart the phone after installation-->
5 Where records are stored and how to transfer them to PC
Default conversation records files on Redmi Note 8 Pro is saved in a folder: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
File names have a format call_YMD_HMS.amr, where YMD — date, HMS — start-of-the-conversation.
To transfer the recordings to the computer:
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ conductor Windows/macOS.
- Copy the necessary files to the hard disk.
- For mass export, use Xiaomi File Manager or Total Commander.
If the folder sound_recorder missing, check in:
- 🔍 Settings for the visibility of hidden folders (enable the display of hidden files in Explorer).
- 📂 The records may be stored elsewhere, for example, /Recordings/ (third-party).
- 🗑️ Files could be deleted automatically due to memory shortage.
⚠️ Note: When connecting to a PC through MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) Some.amr files may not be displayed. ADB-Copying commands: Adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\Backups\calls\ Or archive the folder directly on your phone through Xiaomi Archive.
6. Problem Solving: Why is the record not working?
If you have activated a record but the files are not saved, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | No right to access the microphone | Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Rights and turn on the microphone |
| Files are empty (0 KB) | Conflict with another recording application | Remove all third-party recorders and use only the built-in recorder |
| Only your voice is recorded. | MIUI Limitations for Unrooted Devices | Install Boldbeast with the "Record Mode = 1" setting |
| The app flies out when you call. | Battery optimization | Add the app to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization |
A special case is Android 12+ firmware (MIUI 13-14), where Google has tightened its privacy policy, and even third-party apps may not see incoming audio on these versions.
- 🔄 Back on. MIUI 12.5 (Stable version for begonia).
- 🛠️ Get root rights and install a Magisk module to bypass restrictions.
- 📱 Use a second phone to record (for example, via speakerphone).
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On MIUI 14, recording conversations without root is only possible for outgoing calls. Incoming calls require Magisk or firmware rollback.
7 Legal aspects: what does the law say?
In most countries, recording telephone conversations is regulated by privacy laws. In Russia, according to FZ-152 "On personal data" and article 138 of the criminal code, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is considered a violation if:
- 📜 The recording is used for blackmail or distribution.
- 🕵️♂️ Information contains personal data of third parties.
- 🏛️ The conversation is conducted for official purposes (for example, with a colleague or client).
Exceptions:
- ✅ Recording for personal use (for example, memorable conversations with relatives).
- ✅ Fixing threats or criminal acts (can serve as evidence in court).
- ✅ Consent of the interlocutor received in advance (orally or in writing).
In Europe, the GDPR is even stricter on recording conversations, for example, in Germany, recording calls without consent is punishable by a fine of up to €300,000.