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 details of negotiations, confirm agreements or simply save memorable conversations. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere the option is hidden in the depths of MIUI, somewhere requires additional settings, and in some regions it is completely blocked due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable recordings on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices (including models from 2023-2026), and also explain how to circumvent typical problems and legally use the feature without violations.

It is important to understand that recording capabilities vary by MIUI version (12 to 14), smartphone model and firmware region. For example, on global versions of MIUI Global, the feature may be disabled by default due to privacy laws in the EU or the US, whereas on Chinese (MIUI China) or Indian (MIUI India) firmware it is available out of the box. We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, as well as alternative solutions for cases where standard settings are not available.

1. Check call recording support on your Xiaomi model

Before you try to turn on a record, make sure your smartphone supports this feature at the firmware level.

• 📱 Full support models: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12/11 Pro+, POCO F5/X5 Pro, Mi 11/11T (on MIUI 13/14). Here's the recording built into the phone app".
• ⚠️ Models with limitations: Redmi 10A/9A, POCO M4/M5 — The function may not be available in global firmware, but is available after switching to MIUI China or through third-party applications.
• 🚫 Models without support: smartphones for the European market (marking) EEA) often deprived of records because of GDPR. Example: Xiaomi 12T (Global EEA).

To find out the firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If there is a Global, EEA or RU version in the title, the probability of blocking the record is higher. On Chinese firmware (China), the function works always, but requires registration of a Mi Account account for the region of China.

2. Standard way to include recording (for MIUI 12–14)

If your model supports recording out of the box, follow this instruction:

1. Open the Phone app (the phone icon on the home screen).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Call Record section (on some firmware - Record conversations).
4. Activate the call recorder switch.
5. Select the recording mode: 🔄 All calls – automatic recording of incoming and outgoing. 📞 Only selected contacts – manual selection from the address book. 🚫 Disabled – manual recording during conversation.

After activation during the call, a recording button will appear (🎤) You can click on the call screen to start or stop the call. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (Available through a file manager or gallery in the Audio section").

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Global recording option is hidden. To unlock it, go to Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → System settings and enable Show call recording (if there is a item).

3. Alternative recording methods if the standard does not work

If there is no recording option in the phone settings, try these methods:

Method 1: The Dictator application with call recording function

In MIUI 14, a built-in voice recorder (Sound Recording) can record conversations in the background:

1. Open the "Dictophone" application (mic icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Recording calls.
3. Turn on the option and select the sound source: Microphone + phone (for recording both interlocutors).

Limitation: The method doesn’t work on all models and can only record your voice (without an interlocutor) if there’s no VoIP recording support.

Method 2: Third-Party Apps from the Play Market

If built-in tools are not available, install one of the verified apps:

• 📲 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports VoIP recording, works on Xiaomi with Android 10+. Requires permission to access calls.
• 🎧 Call Recorder by Lovekesh is a simple interface, saves records to the cloud. 10/11.
• 🔊 Automatic Call Recorder – Automatic recording with contact exception settings.

⚠️ Note: Apps from the Play Market may stop working after Android updates 13/14 Because of the tightening of privacy policy, check the reviews of the latest ones before installing. 2–3 month.

Method 3: Rooting and Modifying System Files

For advanced users: If you have root access, you can activate the hidden recording function by editing the build.prop file:

Add a line to the end of the file (Root Explorer required):


ro.config.call_recording=enabled

Once saved, restart the device.Risk: Incorrect changes can cause the system to crash.We recommend backing up build.prop before editing.

4 Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, calls to Xiaomi are stored in internal memory along the way:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.m4a. To transfer them to the PC or cloud:

• 📁 Through File Manager: Open the folder call_rec, highlight files → Share. → Select the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or send it by email.
• 🖥️ Through USB-cable: connect your phone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP) And copy the folder manually.
• ☁️ Automatic synchronization: in the recording settings (Settings) → Recording calls → You can enable autoboot in Mi Cloud (requires a Xiaomi account).

Tip: To save space, select.amr in your recording settings, which takes 3-4 times less memory, but the sound will be less clear. For important conversations (for example, legal ones), you should use.m4a.

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If the Suddenly records are missing from the folder, check the memory cleanup settings in Settings → Memory. → Auto-cleaning. Add a folder. call_rec excepted.

5. Legal aspects: Can calls be recorded legally?

Recording telephone conversations is governed by privacy laws that vary by country, and here are the key points for popular regions:

• 🇷🇺 Russia: according to Article 23 of the Constitution and Article 138 of the Criminal Code, recording of a conversation is allowed if you are a participant, but distribution of the recording without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited (a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles.).
• 🇪🇺 European Union (GDPR): The recording is allowed only with the prior consent of both interlocutors, and the violation is punishable by a fine of up to 4% of the annual turnover of the company (for individuals - up to 20 million). €).
• 🇺🇸 The laws vary by state, most require at least one-party consent, and in California and Washington, all-party consent is required).
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording is allowed if you engage in conversation, but you cannot use it for blackmail or public defamation (penalty for the use of the video). IT Act, 2000).

Recommendation: If you're recording a conversation in a business or legal context, notify the interviewee in advance with the phrase, "The conversation is being recorded to record an agreement. Do you mind?" This will protect you from potential lawsuits. For personal purposes (such as saving a prescription from your grandmother), the notice is not necessary, but ethical.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the call recording on Xiaomi correctly, it can malfunction. Let’s look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The recording button does not appear during the call

Causes and solutions:

• 🔕 No permission: go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permits and enable access to Microphone and Warehouse.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Operator-Blocked: Some mobile operators (e.g. T-Mobile in the U.S.) block the recording at the network level, and the solution is to use VoIP applications (Google Voice, Skype).

Problem 2: Recording is terminated or not saved

If the recording is interrupted or the files are empty:

1. Check the available space on the device (requires a minimum of 500 MB).
2. Turn off the power saving mode for the Phone application in Settings → Battery → Energy consumption of applications.
3. Reset the settings of the Phone app: Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Clear the data (Warning: call histories will be deleted!).

Problem 3: The interviewee is not heard on the recording (only your voice is recorded)

This is a typical problem for Android 10+, where Google has restricted apps from accessing the call stream.

• 🔊 Use a headset with a microphone – some apps (like Cube) ACR) They can record sound via Bluetooth.
• 📞 Turn on speaker while talking – the microphone will record the sound from the speaker.
• 🛠️ Install a modified firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where restrictions are removed.

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If neither method worked, try recording the conversation on another device (tablet, second phone) via speakerphone, which is the most reliable method, independent of the limitations of MIUI.

7. Comparison of recording methods: which to choose?

The choice of recording method depends on your Xiaomi model, MIUI version and usage goals.

For most users, the best option is an embedded record (if available) or the Cube Call Recorder ACR app (if there is no built-in feature), routing should only be considered in case of emergency, as this voids the warranty and can lead to problems with updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions