Why You Need to Record Calls and What You Need to Know Before Setup
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a popular device with powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware, but it doesnβt work as clearly as its competitors. Many users find that the option is either missing from the menu or only records their side of the conversation, due to Android 11+ restrictions and Googleβs policy that forbids apps from recording audio streams without notifying the interlocutor.
In this article, we will examine all working methods, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party applications with circumvention of restrictions. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Poco X3 Pro: the ability to record through an engineering menu, not available on most other Xiaomi smartphones. But first, it is important to understand the legal nuances: in some countries (for example, in the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor can violate privacy laws.
Method 1: Built-in call recording in MIUI (official method)
MIUI 12.5+ firmware on the Poco X3 Pro supports call recording, but the feature is hidden behind several conditions:
- π It only works for incoming calls (outgoing calls are not recorded).
- π Only your voice is recorded β the voice of the interlocutor is not recorded (Android 11 restriction).
- π± Activation is required in the settings of the phone application.
To turn on the record:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Select Record of conversations β Enable recording.
- Check the box opposite Automatically record all calls or select specific contacts.
The microphone is on while you're talking |
The voice of the interlocutor is not muffled |
Volume level above 50% |
Free at least 100 MB of memory-->
Ready records are saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec In the internal memory, file format β.m4a (AAC-codec).
π‘
If the recording does not start automatically, try manually pressing the "Record" button during the conversation (appears in the top menu of the call screen).
Method 2: Engineering menu β hidden function of full recording
The Poco X3 Pro has an undocumented ability to activate the full recording of both voices via an engineering menu, which only works on firmware up to MIUI 13 (newer versions may have access blocked).
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##36446337###
- In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing β Audio β Loopback Mode.
- Activate the Handset Mic Loopback option (also known as Voice Call Loopback).
- Return to the call recording settings (see Method 1) and turn on the function.
After that, the recordings will contain both voices, but the quality may deteriorate due to the overlay of audio streams. There may be problems with echo - in this case, turn off Loopback Mode after the important call is completed.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
β οΈ Attention: Using the engineering menu may cause a communication module to malfunction. Do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose. 4G.
Method 3: Third-party applications for recording calls
If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party applications. X3 Pro:
| Annex | Recording of both votes | Requires root. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | β Yes. | β No. | It uses a virtual audio driver, runs on Android 11+ |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | β Yes. | β No. | Supports cloud storage but requires access configuration |
| Boldbeast | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially. | Best quality, but some firmware needs root rights |
| Automatic Call Recorder | β No, just your voice) | β No. | Simple interface, integration with Google Drive |
For installation:
- Download the app from Google Play (like Cube ACR).
- When you first start, give access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
- In the application settings, select the write format (.mp3 or.wav) and the folder to save.
- Activate the option to Record all calls or add exceptions.
When using Cube ACR or Boldbeast, the recordings will contain both voices, but this will require:
- π§ Enable the option Use the built-in recording module (in the application settings).
- π± Allow the application to run in the background (Settings) β Annexes β Permits β Auto-start).
- π Disable energy saving for the application (Settings) β Battery β Optimizing the battery).
Built-in MIUI| function
Cube ACR|
Boldbeast|
Other|
I don't record calls.-->
Optimizing the quality of recording and solving problems
Even if you set up the recording correctly, you can have problems, like noise, cliffs, or no sound, and here's how to fix them:
Problem 1: Recording is terminated in 5-10 minutes
Reason: Restriction of background activity in MIUI. Solution:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the application to record and open its settings.
- Enable AutoRun, Secondary Start, and Show Notifications.
- In the Battery section, select No Limits.
Problem 2: Only your voice can be heard.
If you use a third-party app, check:
- π Whether Recording mode on both sides is enabled in the application settings.
- π± Compatibility of the application with your version of Android (on Poco) X3 Pro is worth Android 11 in the box).
- π§ Does Google Play Play Play Security Block (check Settings) β Google β Security).
Problem 3: Heavy noise or echo
To improve quality:
- π€ Use headphones with a microphone β this will reduce interference.
- π± In the recording settings, select the.wav format instead of the.mp3 (Better quality, but larger file size).
- π Reduce the volume of the speaker during the conversation before 60-70%.
π‘
For best results, combine the built-in MIUI recording with the Cube ACR app: the first will duplicate your voice, the second will duplicate the voice of the interlocutor, then combine the audio tracks in any editor (for example, Audacity).
Legal aspects and ethics of call recording
Before you record conversations, read the laws of your country.
- π·πΊ In Russia, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
- πͺπΊ In EU countries (e.g. Germany, France) recording without notice is prohibited and may result in a fine.
- πΊπΈ In the US, the laws vary by state: California requires the consent of all participants, and Texas only one.
Ethics recommendations:
- π’ Always notify the interviewer of the recording if the conversation concerns business or confidential topics.
- π Store records in a secure location (for example, in an encrypted folder or in a cloud with two-factor authentication).
- ποΈ Remove unnecessary records so as not to violate the right to be forgotten (GDPR EU).
β οΈ Note: Call records can be used in court as evidence, but only if they are obtained legally. In Russia, such records are accepted for consideration, but the court can request confirmation of authenticity (for example, examination of the metadata of the file).
Alternative recording methods (without applications)
If none of the above methods is suitable, alternative methods can be used:
Method 1: Second line (other phone)
Call your Poco X3 Pro from another phone and turn on speakerphone. The second phone will record the conversation through the microphone.
- β Low quality of sound (echo, noise).
- β Second apparatus required.
Method 2: Computer + audio cable
Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB-C β 3.5mm jack adapter and use a sound recording software (such as Audacity) that offers better quality but is inconvenient for everyday use.
Method 3: Google Voice (for the United States)
Google Voice automatically records incoming calls after setting up.
- Install the Google Voice app.
- Go to Settings β Calls.
- Activate incoming call records.
Restriction: This only works for Google Voice numbers and is not available in most countries except the United States.