How to turn on the recorder on Xiaomi during a conversation: all the ways and nuances

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that can be useful for storing important information, evidence or just for convenience. However, not all users are aware that the standard voice recorder application on devices with a MIUI shell does not always allow you to record conversations directly during a call. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.) and the firmware version (MIUI 12-14), the activation methods may vary.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from embedded tools to third-party applications, as well as the legal aspects of recording conversations in Russia and other countries, you will learn how to set up automatic recording, where files are stored and how to protect them from accidental deletion.

⚠️ Important: In some regions, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the law. Before using the function, read local legislation (for more information, see the section "Legal nuances»).

1. Xiaomi’s built-in voice recorder: opportunities and limitations

Xiaomi’s standard Dictophone app (com.android.soundrecorder) allows you to record sound from a microphone, but it’s not always integrated with the call module. In recent versions of MIUI 13/14, the call recording feature can be hidden or disabled by default due to Google restrictions and local laws.

Here’s what you need to know about the built-in voice recorder:

• 📱 Supported models: The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO, Released after 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T). On older models, before MIUI (11) third party software may be required.

To check if your model has built-in support for recording conversations, open the Phone app and look at the screen during the call – if there is a Record button (mic icon), then the function is active.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on a recording of a conversation

If your device supports built-in recording, follow this instruction:

1. Make or receive a call through the standard “Phone” app**.
2. During the conversation, click on the “More” icon** (three dots) in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. In the menu that appears, select Record** (or Record in English firmware) and start recording with the "Conversation is being recorded" alert.

📌 Where do you look for recorded files? All audio files are saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (You can open it through Files or Explorer. File name format: Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.m4a.

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

Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 100MB)

Turn off Do Not Disturb (can block notifications)

Close background apps (such as music players)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi 9A) post-update MIUI 14 recording button may disappear, in which case resetting the settings of the application "Phone"** (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Reset).

3. If there is no built-in record: third-party applications

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a built-in conversation recording feature, you can use third-party programs.

🔹 How to set up Cube Call Recorder on Xiaomi:

1. Install the application and provide all the permissions requested (microphone, call access, storage).
2. Select Record calls → Automatic recording → All calls.
3. Activate VoIP recording if you are using WhatsApp or Telegram calls.
4. Restart your phone to apply the changes.

⚠️ Note: Call recording applications may not work MIUI Due to the limitations of Android 10+. If the recording does not start, check if Battery Optimization blocks it (Settings) → Battery → Optimization → Find the app → No restrictions).

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If a third-party app doesn’t record the voice of the person, try turning on speaker mode for 1-2 seconds at the beginning of the conversation – this often helps activate the microphone for recording.

4. Automatic recording of all calls

To avoid manual recording every time, set up automatic mode, which works for both the built-in voice recorder (on supported models) and third-party applications.

For built-in voice recorder (MIUI 12-14):

1. Open the phone» → «Settings" (icon) ⚙️).

For Cube Call Recorder:

• 📞 Go to the app settings → Recording → Automatic recording.
• 🔄 Select Record all calls or provide specific contacts.
• ☁️ Activate Cloud Backup so files automatically upload to Google Drive.

📌 Important: Automatic recording can quickly fill up your phone's memory. Set up automatic deletion of old files (e.g., older than 30 days) in the app settings.

5 Legal nuances: can conversations be recorded?

In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the secrecy of correspondence”) and the Federal Law “On Communications»** (№Basic rules (FZ:

• ⚖️ Without consent: Recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is for personal purposes (for example, to fix agreements).
• 🚫 Prohibited: Distribute the recording without the consent of the second participant (for example, upload it to social networks or use it in court as evidence without permission).
• 📢 Mandatory Notification: If the recording is for commercial purposes (e.g., a call center), the interlocutor must be notified in advance.

In other countries, the rules may differ:

• 🇺🇸 In most states, at least one-party consent is required).
• 🇪🇺 EU: Stricter requirements – all participants must agree (GDPR).
• 🇨🇳 China: Recording conversations without consent banned and punishable by fine.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the recording in court, ask your lawyer in advance if it will be accepted as admissible evidence.

Problems and Solutions: Why is the record not working?

If the recording of conversations is not started or files are not saved, check the following points:

🔧 Additional advice:

• 🔄 After the update MIUI The recording stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version (instruction: how to roll back) MIUI).
• 📱 In some models (POCO X3 Pro) helps reset settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
• 🛠️ If the problem is in the hardware (the microphone is not working), check the phone at the service center (possible breakdown after a fall or moisture hit).

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On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (for example, Xiaomi 11T, POCO F4), recording conversations usually works more stable than on models with MediaTek (for example, Redmi 10C), due to the peculiarities of processing audio streams.

7. Alternative ways to record conversations

If none of the above methods worked, try alternatives:

1. Recording through the second device

Use a second phone or voice recorder to record a conversation on speakerphone, and the downside is the poor sound quality and the need to synchronize devices.

2. Google Assistant

Activate the voice assistant (OK, Google, record the conversation) and place the phone next to the speaker.

3. Calling through a computer

If you are calling via WhatsApp Web or Skype, use software to record audio from your PC (such as Audacity).

4. Cloud telephony services

Services like Zadarma or Mango Office offer conversation recording for business users, and are suitable for virtual number owners.

⚠️ Note: When using alternative methods, make sure that the recording does not violate the law. For example, in Russia, a hidden recording of a conversation through a connected device (without notifying the interlocutor) can be regarded as a violation of the secrecy of correspondence, if the purpose of the recording is blackmail or dissemination of information.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi