Recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways to turn on and save conversations

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still popular due to its balanced features and support for current versions of MIUI. However, the feature of recording phone conversations in this model does not work as clearly as in newer devices of the brand.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can enable Redmi Note 8 call recording, from standard MIUI tools to third-party application bypassing restrictions. We’ll focus on the nuances of record retention, compatibility with different versions of Android, and the legal aspects of using the feature. If you’ve experienced a record button disappearing or a record interruption, here you’ll find solutions.

Why Redmi Note 8 may not have a call record?

Before you get to the settings, it's important to understand why the recording function is sometimes missing or not working properly, and the reasons fall into three categories:

• 📱 Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. the EU), call recording is disabled by default due to privacy laws.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12 the call recording interface is very different. MIUI 11 button recording appeared only after the first call.
• 🔒 Google policy: Starting with Android 9, Google has imposed restrictions on app access to the microphone during calls, making it difficult for third-party recording software to work.

Another common case is that there's no record button in the call interface, and this happens when you:

• 📞 It is not the standard Phone app that is used, but an alternative dialer (for example, Truecaller or Google Phone).
• 🔧 Security settings disable microphone access for system applications.
• 📲 The smartphone is stitched with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the recording function is removed.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI For Russia, call recording is automatically disabled when you connect to mobile networks of MTS and Beeline operators due to confidentiality agreements. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Method 1: Enabling recording through the standard “Phone” application

If your Redmi Note 8 is running MIUI 12 or later, the most reliable way is to use the built-in recording feature.

1. Open the phone application (icon with a handset).
2. Go to the Journal tab (the icon of the clock at the bottom of the screen).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
4. Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section and tap it.
5. Activate the call recorder switch.
6. Choose which calls to record: 📞 All calls – automatic recording of incoming and outgoing; 🔍 Only the chosen ones - a record only for contacts from the chosen ones; 📵 Disabled – Manual recording control during a call.

When activated during the call, a Record button (mic icon) will appear in the interface. Click on it to start or stop recording. Finished files will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec inner-memory.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 11 the record button may not show up until the first successful call. First, call any number (such as voicemail) to unlock the feature.

Free memory (minimum 500 MB)

Access to microphone for the Phone application is enabled

Power saving mode disabled for system applications

The smartphone is not connected to VPN (can block the record)-->

Method 2: Alternative applications for recording calls

If the standard feature doesn't work or isn't available, you can use third-party apps. However, due to the limitations of Android 9+, most programs require manual recording or workarounds.

For installation and configuration:

1. Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from unverified sources!).
2. Launch the program and provide access to: 📞 Phone (to manage calls); 🎤 Microphone (for recording sound); 📁 Storage (to save files).

MP3

WAV

Automatic recording

⚠️ Attention: Applications for recording calls on Android 10+ may require the inclusion of the Developer Mode and activation of the Debugging option USB. Without this, the recording may be interrupted or not started.

💡

If the app doesn’t see calls, try installing it as the default app for phone calls in Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Phone.

Method 3: Manually enable via engineering menu (for power users)

On some Redmi Note 8 firmware, call recording is hidden in the engineering menu, a method only suitable for users with experience with MTK settings (the Helio G85 chipset in this model), and improper actions in the engineering menu can cause modem malfunctions!

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## This will open the EngineerMode (MTK) menu.
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
3. Select Normal Mode and find the Voice Call Record option.
4. Set the Enabled value and save the settings.
5. Reboot your smartphone.

After the reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button, and if it is not, check the settings in EngineerMode → Telephony → Call Settings and activate the Call Recording option.

Where are the records of calls stored and how do you keep them?

Default call records on Redmi Note 8 It is stored in internal memory along the way: /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

The files are.amr or.mp3 and are named by the template:

Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr

YYYYMMDD

HHMMSS

To transfer the recordings to your computer or to the cloud:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable in file transfer mode.
2. Open the folder. MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
3. Copy the necessary files to a hard drive or to cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).

💡

If you run a business and record business calls frequently, add the phrase "All conversations are recorded to improve service," to your answering machine's greeting, which will protect you from legal risks.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the call recording on the Redmi Note 8 correctly, it can be unstable.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Perform a reset of the application Phone: Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Clear data Attention: this will delete the call log!
3. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where the recording function is unlocked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions