How to enable permanent call recording on Xiaomi: a complete guide with nuances

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving memorable conversations with loved ones. However, not everyone knows that MIUI devices have the ability to automatically record all incoming and outgoing calls without having to manually turn it on each time, a feature hidden in the depths of settings and often disabled by default due to legal restrictions in some regions.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate persistent call recording on different Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO You'll learn which firmware versions support this, how to circumvent regional restrictions, and what to do if the option suddenly disappears after the update. MIUI, which are not dokumented in official manuals, but allow you to flexibly customize the record to your needs.

What Xiaomi models support constant call recording

The automatic call recording feature is available on most Xiaomi smartphones, but its implementation depends on the MIUI firmware version and regional settings.

• 📱 All models on the MIUI 12 and later: Full support with flexible settings (except for devices for the European market, where the function can be blocked).
• 🔄 Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5: It works stable but requires manual activation in a hidden menu.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi 12/13/14 On some firmware for the EU, the record is disabled at the kernel level - you will need a change of region or custom software.
• 🚫 Devices for India (MIUI IN): The feature has been completely removed due to local privacy laws.

It is important to consider that even on supported models, the option may disappear after updating the firmware. For example, in MIUI 14.0.5 for Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the call recording temporarily disappeared due to a bug fixed only in patch 14.0.7. Before setting up, check the version of your software in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Where is the call record on Xiaomi stored and how much space is occupied

All audio files with default conversation records are stored in the device’s internal memory along the way:

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

Each record takes an average of 1-3 MB per minute of conversation (depending on the quality of the codec). For example, an hourly call "weighs" about 60-180 MB. If you do not clean the folder, for six months of active use, 5-10 GB of data can accumulate.

• 📁 Set up automatic cleaning in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Select data → Call records.
• ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud (only available on Chinese firmware).
• 🗑️ Use third-party applications like Call Recorder with recording compression function.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) encrypt records and do not play on other devices. PC Suite.

* On the Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 13.2, the recording time is limited to 1 hour due to the hardware features of the Dimensity 8100-Ultra chip.

Step-by-step: how to turn on automatic recording

The activation algorithm depends on the firmware version, and below is the universal method for MIUI 12-14 (works on 90% of devices):

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Call Record (if no item, see the section on hidden settings).
4. Activate the Automatic Recording Switch.
5. In the section Recording mode select: 🎤 All calls - recording incoming and outgoing; 📞 Only incoming; 📱 Selected contacts (must be manually specified).

Save the settings and restart the phone.

Check the MIUI version (not lower than 12.0)

Free up 1-2 GB of memory

Turn off the power saving mode for the Phone application

Synchronize contacts with Mi Account (in case of resetting)-->

If the phone does not have a Call Record setting, it means one of three:

1. Your firmware is either the European or Indian version (the feature is blocked).
2. An update has been installed that has removed the option (e.g. MIUI 14.0.3.0 for Redmi K50).
3. Incognito mode is activated in the privacy settings.

Hidden MIUI settings for recording calls

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro or POCO F4 GT), the recording option is hidden in the engineering menu to activate it:

1. Enter the combination in the Phone app: ##6484## (some models run ##64663###).
2. In the menu, select Audio → Call Record Config.
3. Set the settings: Call Record Status → Enabled; Record All Calls → On; Record Format → AAC (optimal balance of quality and size).

Save the settings and restart the device.

After this manipulation, the call record will appear in the standard settings of the phone. If the engineering menu does not open, then:

• 🔒 On your model, it is blocked by the manufacturer (relevant to Xiaomi 13 Pro and newer).
• 📱 The device runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the engineering menu is disabled.

💡

If you don't have an option after you activate the entry in the engineering menu, try resetting the Phone app to Settings → Apps → App Management → Phone → Storage → Clear the data. This will reset all user settings, but often helps to "exhibit" hidden features.

Solving problems: the record is not working or disappears

Even after you set it up properly, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), recording may be interrupted due to hardware limitations on processing audio streams.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔊 Is the microphone switched off in Settings? → Annexes → Permits → Microphone for the phone application.
• 📵 Do not disturb during calls (it can block the recording).
• 🔄 Does the recording conflict with other applications that use the microphone (e.g. Google Assistant or Shazam).

Legal aspects: can you use the call records

Before you activate a permanent record, it is important to understand the legal implications. In most countries, recording conversations is only allowed with the consent of the interlocutor.

• 🇷🇺 Russia: It is allowed to record calls without notice if you are a participant in a conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
• 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state, California requires consent of all participants, Texas only one.
• 🇪🇺 EU: Pos GDPR Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality (fixed up to 4% of global revenue).
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording permitted, but not distributed without consent.

On Xiaomi’s European-market smartphones (MIUI EU), the recording feature is often disabled for legal reasons, and if you use a device with firmware for another region (e.g. China), when crossing the EU border, the recording can be automatically blocked due to geolocation.

(1) Both interlocutors are clearly audible;

(2) No evidence of installation (original metadata file);

3) Recording is made legally (you are a participant in the conversation).-->

To minimize the risks:

• 📢 Notify the interlocutor about the recording (for example, by voice message at the beginning of the conversation).
• 🔒 Store your records in encrypted form (use Mi Cloud or Cryptomator).
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary records after 30 days (requirement) GDPR for business users).

Alternative ways to record calls on Xiaomi

If the standard feature does not work or is missing, you can use third-party solutions.

To install Boldbeast or Mi Call Recorder (mod) you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Manually configure the write parameters in /system/build.prop file (instructions are available on 4PDA).

⚠️ Note: Using modified firmware or root rights will void Xiaomi's warranty.On devices with Knox-like protection (e.g., Knox-like protection, POCO F5 With HyperOS, this can lead to blocking some features, such as Mi Pay or Face Unlock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi