Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi: from built-in tools to hidden chips

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business information to proving in controversial moments. However, not all users know that the ability to record in MIUI depends heavily on the firmware version, device model and even the region of sale. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard tools to bypass solutions for devices where the recording function is disabled by default.

Xiaomi is a feature that often restricts call recording on European and global firmware versions due to local privacy laws, but even in such cases there are legal ways to turn on the record — we will explain this in detail below. And if you are the owner of Redmi, POCO or the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series, then you probably already have a built-in notebook — you just need to know where to look for it.

Built-in call recording in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on

On most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-15 firmware (including Redmi Note 11/12, Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5), call recording is implemented at the system application level Phone.

• 🌍 Global/European version MIUI: The function of the records is often hidden or disabled (because of the GDPR). To activate it, you will need to change the region of the device to India or Russia (instruction below).
• 🇷🇺 Russian firmware: recording is available “out of the box” – the microphone icon appears during the call.
• 🇮🇳 Indian version MIUI: full recording with notification of the interlocutor (requirement of local laws).

If your smartphone supports the default recording, you will see the Record button on the screen during the call. Click on it and the conversation will start recording. All records are saved in the Mi Sound Recorder folder (or Call Records in the Phone menu → History → Records).

How to check for a function:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial a number and make a test call (or call another phone).
3. Look at the screen while you talk – if there’s a microphone button, the function is active.

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If there is no record button but you are sure it should be (for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with Russian firmware), try resetting the Phone app to Settings → Apps → App Management → Phone → Storage → Clear data. Sometimes this returns hidden features.

How to Unlock Call Recording on Global MIUI

If your Xiaomi is on global firmware (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite or POCO F5) and there is no write button, there are two working ways to return it:

Method 1: Change of region to India or Russia

This method does not require root rights and works on most devices with MIUI 13-15.

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Region.
2. Choose India (India) or Russia (Russia).
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Open the phone and check for the recording button.

Important: After the region change, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) can start to appear in the local language. You can return English in the language settings, but the record button will remain.

Method 2: Install a modified APK application "Phone"

If the region change didn’t help (for example, on Xiaomi 12 Pro with MIUI 14), you can manually install the phone application version from Indian or Russian firmware:

• 📱 Download. APK-com.android.dialer application file for your model from APKMirror (look for versions marked India or Russia).
• 🔧 Install. APK via any file manager (pre-allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Make a backup copy of contacts

Check the MIUI version (must match the APK version)

Disable automatic update of the application "Phone"

Make sure it's downloaded APK fits your model-->

⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party APK This can cause unstable phone operation or conflicts with system updates.Before the procedure, back up your data via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods don’t work or you need advanced features (such as cloud storage or automatic decryption), you can use third-party apps.

Before installing, check the app's permissions: it must request access to Microphone, Phone, and Storage. Android 10+ will also require permission to display over other windows (to display recording notifications).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14/15 Some recording applications may not work due to system limitations. In this case, try disabling the Microphone Filter in Settings → Sound and vibration → Microfilter.

Where records are stored and how to export them

By default, call records on Xiaomi are saved in one of two places:

• 📁 Inside the app Phone: Phone → History → Records (or Menu) → Recorded Calls in English version).
• 📁 In the file manager: Internal memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec (files in.amr format or.mp3).

To export the records:

1. Open the file manager (Files or Mi File Manager).
2. Go to the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.
3. Select the desired files, click Share and select the method of sending (email, cloud, messenger).

Format Conversion: If records are saved to.amr (low quality), they can be converted to MP3 using applications like Audio Converter or online services like Online-Convert.

Legal aspects: can you record calls without consent

Telephone records are governed by the laws of your country, and in most cases the following rules apply:

• 🇷🇺 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.
• 🇪🇺 European Union (GDPR): In most countries (e.g. Germany, France) recording is prohibited without the consent of all participants.
• 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state; California and Washington require consent from all parties; Texas only one.
• 🇮🇳 India: Recording is permitted, but the interlocutor must be notified (by automatic voice message or tonal signal).

⚠️ Note: Even if the recording is allowed, its publication or distribution without the consent of the interlocutor may be considered a violation of the right to privacy (Article 152.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

How to legally notify the interlocutor:

• 🎤 At the beginning of the conversation, say, "The conversation is recorded to record information?"
• 📢 Use automatic notification (available in apps like Cube) ACR).
• 📋 In business correspondence, please specify in advance: “All telephone conversations may be recorded for documentation purposes".

Problems and Solutions: Why Xiaomi Calls Are Not Recorded

If the recording does not work, the reasons may be as follows:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes the record returns after the update).
• 🛠️ Reset the settings of the Phone application (see the instructions above).
• 📱 Make sure that the device does not have “clean” firmware like Pixel Experience – they remove all branded Xiaomi features.

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On Android 12+ and MIUI 13+ devices, call recording may be blocked due to Google’s new restrictions on accessing the microphone during calls, in which case only a third-party root-access app or a firmware change will help.

Hidden Call Recording: Risks and Workarounds

In some situations, users want to record conversations without notifying the other person, which is technically possible, but comes with legal risks and limitations of MIUI:

• 🔇 Disable system notifications: In the Phone app settings (if recording is supported), you can turn off the caller's notification of the record.
• 📵 Using a second device: Recording via another phone or voice recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) So, the downside is the low-quality sound.
• 🔌 Hardware solutions: Connecting an external recording device through USB-C (For example, Olympus. TP-8). Suitable for important negotiations.

⚠️ Caution: Hidden recording in Europe and some states of the United States can be considered a criminal offense (penalties range from fines to imprisonment.

Alternative legal: If you need to record a conversation but don’t want to break the law, use speakerphone and record the sound on a voice recorder (for example, the built-in Xiaomi Sound Recording app), while notifying the interlocutor of the recording in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi