Why you can’t hear the interlocutor when recording a conversation on Xiaomi: a complete analysis of the problem

You turned on the recorder on Xiaomi, started recording, but in the end, the audio file hears only your voice, and the speech of the interlocutor is missing or barely distinguishable? This problem occurs on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and the reasons can lie in both the software settings and hardware limitations. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is eliminated without visiting the service center, it is enough to correctly diagnose the source.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s voice recorder doesn’t capture the voice of the interlocutor, from the banal choice of inappropriate recording mode to the hidden limitations of MIUI on recording telephone conversations. You’ll get step-by-step instructions with illustrations from real smartphone menus, a table of compatibility of microphones and models, as well as proven ways to circumvent restrictions – including using third-party applications and changing system parameters through ADB.

Special attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI function "Cancel noise during calls", which automatically turns off external microphones when you call actively - this is the most common cause of problems on new firmware (version 14+).

1. Check the basic settings of the Xiaomi voice recorder

Before you commit to hardware malfunctions, make sure that the problem is not in the wrong recording mode. The standard Dictophone app on MIUI has several key parameters that affect the quality of recording conversations.

Open the app and check:

• 🎤 Sound source: You should choose an external microphone (if you record through a speaker) or a telephone microphone (if you record while you call through a phone). 12T This section may be called the Recording Mode.
• 🔊 Sensitivity level: If the slider is kept to a minimum, the recorder will "ignore" the quiet voices — 70-85%.
• 📱 File format: MP3 128 kbps bitrate is better for conversation than for a single person. WAV (Despite its larger size, the latter can create noise when processing voices).

In the models with MIUI 13+ You've added the voice enhancement option, which you need to turn off, because the algorithm often eats away at the frequency of the person you're talking to, mistaking the person's speech for background noise. → Additionally.

⚠️ Note: If you are recording during a phone call through a standard phone application, MIUI By default, it blocks access to the microphone for third-party applications (including the voice recorder), and it's designed to protect privacy. ACR Cube Call Recorder that circumvents this restriction.

2. Hardware restrictions: why the microphone does not catch the interlocutor

The design of Xiaomi smartphones involves the use of several microphones:

• The main microphone (lower part of the case) is for telephone conversations.
• The second microphone (top part) is for noise reduction and video recording.
• The third microphone (on some flagships, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) is for spatial sound.

When recording a conversation through a speaker (loud communication), the recorder defaults to using an upper microphone, which can be covered with a finger or a case.

Problems with the hardware are divided into 3 categories:

To check if the microphone is physically working, call another phone and ask the person to rate the quality of your voice. If the sound is clean, the voice recorder settings are a problem. If the voice is interrupted or absent, you need diagnostics.

3. MIUI's Hidden Limitations on Recording Conversations

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has implemented privacy protections that interfere with recording phone calls.

• 📵 Locking the microphone while calling: If you try to record a conversation through a standard voice recorder, the system automatically disables access to the microphone for all applications except Phone.
• 🔇 Noise suppression during call: On MIUI 14+ It activates an algorithm that suppresses all sounds except the voice of the subscriber in the handset.
• 🛡️ Restrictions for third-party applications: Even if you install ACR or Cube Call Recorder, they may not work without manually granting special permissions through ADB.

These limitations can be circumvented in two ways:

1. Use specialized applications with VoIP recording support (e.g. Boldbeast Recorder – works even on Android 13).
2. Enable Developer Mode and Turn Off Noise Canceling: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 Times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Turn Off “Cancel Noise When Calling”

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If you are recording an important conversation, use a second phone in voice recorder mode – this is guaranteed to bypass all the software limitations of MIUI.

4.Firmware problems and application conflicts

In 30 percent of cases, the problem lies in conflicts between the firmware and the installed applications, for example, messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram can "take" control of the microphone, blocking it for the recorder. MIUI:

If the problem occurs after the firmware update, try:

Clear the cache of the Dictator application in Settings → Applications

Disable battery optimization for voice recorder

Remove newly installed applications (especially modified APKs)

Try recording in Safe Mode (hold the power button → "Safe Mode")

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On Android 12+ models, you may need to manually grant permission to record audio via ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.miui.voicerecord android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO


adb shell pm grant com.miui.voicerecord android.permission.CAPTURE_AUDIO_OUTPUT

5. Alternative ways to record conversations

If a standard voice recorder refuses to record the voice of the interlocutor, use one of the proven methods:

• 📱 Google Drive + Voice input: Open Google Drive and create a new document. Click on the microphone icon in the keyboard. Place the phone next to the speaker, the recording will be saved in text format.

Headphones with microphones

Xiaomi

Calling over the second line

For the POCO F3/F4 and Redmi K40/K50, Otter.ai not only records but also recognizes speech by sharing voices.

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The most reliable way to record conversations on MIUI 14+ is to use the Boldbeast Recorder app with the "Record Mode = 1" setting and disable audio compression.

6.Legal aspects and protection of records

Before recording conversations, make sure that it is not against local law. Most countries have the following rules:

• 🇷🇺 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).
• 🇪🇺 EU: Notification of the interlocutor is required (except when recording is for security reasons).
• 🇺🇸 Laws vary by state – some (e.g. California) require consent from all participants.

So the records don't get lost:

• 🔒 Encrypt files: Use 7-Zip password-wise or Cryptomator app.
• ☁️ Automatic Cloud Upload: Set up Voice Recorder Sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Backup: Regularly copy records to your computer or external drive.