Recording calls to Xiaomi Mi 8: all working ways in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, the feature of recording phone conversations in this model is not as obvious as in newer devices of the brand. Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (10, 11 or 12) and regional settings, the process of turning on may differ – or not at all in the standard interface.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to activate the recording of calls on the Mi 8, from hidden settings MIUI to the use of alternative applications.

If you are faced with the message "Call recording is not available" or simply can not find this option on the menu - do not rush to install questionable APKs. First check our recommendations!

1. Standard call record in MIUI: where to look?

In MIUI 10-12 firmware for Xiaomi Mi 8, the conversation recording function can be hidden or disabled by default.

• 📱 Regional version of firmware (Global, China, EEA). In European assemblies, the record is often blocked because of GDPR.
• 📞 Phone versions. Older versions may not have had an option.
• 🔧 Operator policies: Some mobile networks prohibit recording at the level SIM-map.

To check for the presence of the function:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points. ⋮ top-right → Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Call Record section (if not, read on).

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If your phone doesn’t have a Call Record option in your settings, try updating the Phone app via Google Play. Sometimes the feature appears after an update.

In MIUI 12.5+ firmware for Mi 8, call recording can be blocked at the core level, in which case only custom software installation or use of third-party applications will help.

2. Alternative method: Google Phone (for MIUI Global)

If Xiaomi’s standard Phone app doesn’t support recording, you can replace it with Google Phone (also known as com.google.android.dialer), a method that works on most versions of MIUI but requires pre-preparedness.

Installation instructions:

1. Download Google Phone from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and make it the default app for calls: Settings → Apps → App management → Phone → Default → Select Google Phone
3. Open Google Phone, click on three dots. ⋮ → Settings → Recording calls.
4. Activate the option to Always record or select Record only selected numbers.

Install APK source|Make the app standard for calls|Checking permissions to access the microphone|Set up automatic saving of records in Google Drive (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. the EU), Google Phone may not show the recording option due to legal restrictions, in which case, try changing your Google account region to the United States or India (where the feature is unlocked).

Third-party annexes: TOP-3 verified options

If neither the standard settings nor the Google Phone work, we're left with third-party apps, and we've tested dozens of programs and selected the three most reliable ones:

Before installation, check:

• 🔒 Permissions: The application must have access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
• 📱 Compatibility: Some programs do not work MIUI Due to the limitations of Xiaomi.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: in the EU and the US, some functions may be blocked.

Standard (MIUI/Google Phone)|Cube Call Recorder|ACR|Truecaller|Other |I don't record calls-->

⚠️ Note: Apps like Boldbeast or Call Recorder Automatic require root rights to run on the Xiaomi Mi 8. Without root, they can only record your voice, but not the interlocutor.

Manual inclusion through the engineering menu (for advanced)

On the Mi 8 with MIUI 10-11 firmware, you can try activating the recording through an engineering menu, which is risky — wrong actions can disrupt your phone. Use it only if other methods have failed!

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information → scroll down to Start in Record Mode.
3. If you have an option, turn it on. If you don't, try another code: ##8351## (this is a audio testing menu where the recording is sometimes hidden).

🔧 Important: After activation through the engineering menu, the recording may not work stable, for example, only saving fragments of conversations or skipping incoming calls.

5. How to save and manage records?

Even if you manage to turn on the record, it is important to properly configure the file storage. By default, the records are stored in the phone's internal memory along the way:

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

or (for Google Phone):

/storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/

To avoid data loss:

• 📁 Automatic Sync: Configure uploading records to Google Drive or Mi Cloud (in the recording app settings).
• 🔄 Backup: Once a month, copy the folder with records on the PC.
• 🗑️ Cleanup: Old records take up space – use date filters to delete unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: If you use dual-sim mode on the Mi 8, records can be saved separately for each. SIM-Check both folders:

/call_rec/sim1/

/call_rec/sim2/

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Record files are usually.amr or.mp3. You may need to convert to.wav via programs like Audacity to listen to your PC.

Legal aspects: can the calls be recorded?

Before you activate the recording, make sure that it does not violate local law.

• 🇷🇺 Russia: It is allowed to record conversations without notifying the interlocutor if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court requires proof of its reliability.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): In most EU countries, recording is only allowed with the consent of the interlocutor, and the violation can be fined up to 20 million euros.
• 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state, California and Illinois require consent from all participants in a conversation.
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording is permitted without notice, but you cannot distribute recording without consent.

📜 Recommendation: If you're recording a business or important conversation, notify the person in advance with the phrase, "I'm turning on a recording to record our agreement. Do you mind.

Also remember:

• 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute records without the consent of the participants (even if the recording itself is legal).
• 📵 In some countries (e.g. Germany) recording conversations with government officials is strictly prohibited.
• 💼 For business calls, it is better to use specialized services (for example, Zoom or Skype with recording function).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi Mi 8 users often encounter the following errors when recording calls:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: at a level below 15% MIUI can block background processes, including recording.
• 📶 Communication quality: in areas of poor signal recording may be interrupted.
• 🛠️ System Updates: Sometimes recording bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI.

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If the recording is unstable, try turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during the call, and some Mi 8 users note that this reduces the number of crashes.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions