Recording telephone conversations on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones has long been one of the strongest aspects of the MIUI shell, which distinguishes it favorably from “pure” Android. However, in the latest firmware versions based on MIUI 13, 14 and the latest HyperOS, the situation has changed dramatically due to the tightening of Google's privacy policy and local laws. Now users are often faced with the absence of the usual record button or the complete disappearance of this function from the standard dialer.
However, the need to record important agreements, financial conditions, or simply save memories has not gone away. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods of recording conversations on Xiaomi i Redmidevices, starting from standard tools and ending with complex workarounds through third-party software. You will learn how to activate hidden functions, which applications really work on new versions of Android, and why sometimes recording occurs without the sound of the interlocutor.
Checking for a built-in recording function
First of all, you need to make sure whether the native recording function is available to you, since its availability directly depends on the firmware region (Global, EEA, Russia, China) and the Android version. In most cases, on devices purchased officially in the Russian Federation or China, this option is present out of the box, while on European versions (EEA) it is often blocked at the system level. To check the availability of the function, open the standard application Phone (handset icon) and go to settings.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select Settings. In the menu that opens, look for the section Call recording. If there is such an item, you are in luck: the system allows you to record automatically or manually. If this item is not present, it means that your firmware version programmatically limits this ability, and you will have to look for alternative solutions, which we will discuss below.
Inside the recording settings menu, you can flexibly configure the behavior of the voice recorder. Options are available to record all incoming and outgoing calls, record only from certain numbers from the contact list, or fully automate the process. It is important to note that the recording quality in normal mode is usually higher than that of third-party applications, since the system has direct access to the audio stream without restrictions of Android 9 and higher.
⚠️ Attention: In some updated versions of MIUI, the recording button may disappear after a system update, even if it was there before. This is due to a change in Google Play Services certificates.
Setting up automatic call recording
If the recording function is available, the most convenient option is to set the automatic mode. This saves you from having to frantically press the record button at the beginning of every important call when you urgently need to resolve an issue. To activate this mode, go to the menu Call settings → Call recording and activate the switch Automatic recording.
The system will prompt you to select a recording scenario. You can record absolutely all calls, which is useful for monitoring call quality or security, but will quickly clog up the device’s memory. A more rational approach is to choose specific numbers. Click on the item Select numbers and add contacts whose conversations must be recorded. This is an ideal option for communicating with banks, delivery services or management.
It is also worth paying attention to the warning playback option. By default, many versions of MIUI play a voice message “The conversation is being recorded” for both interlocutors. This is a legal requirement in a number of countries. If you want to turn off this notification (which may be illegal in your jurisdiction), find the appropriate toggle in settings, but be aware of the legal risks.
☑️ Setting up the perfect recording
Where are the recorded files stored? By default, they are saved in the internal memory in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. You can access them through a standard explorer or directly from the call log: a cassette icon will appear next to the subscriber number, by clicking on which you will immediately listen to the dialogue. The files have the format .m4a or .mp3, which ensures good compatibility with any players.
Solving the problem of no sound from the interlocutor
One of the most common problems of Xiaomi users on Android 10, 11, 12 and newer is recording a conversation in which only your voice can be heard, and the interlocutor speaks “out of the blue” or cannot be heard at all. This is due to the fact that Google has closed the access of third-party applications to the audio stream recording API during a call in order to protect privacy. Standard recording bypasses this limitation, but if you use third-party software on global firmware, you will encounter this problem.
If standard recording works, but the sound is quiet, try changing the sound source in the voice recorder settings, if such an option is available. Sometimes switching from Voice through the microphone to Voice through the callhelps. Also check if you have the speakerphone mode turned on during a call - in some Redmi models, when the speaker is on, recording is carried out correctly, and through the auditory speaker the sound may be muffled by the noise reduction system.
In cases where nothing helps, the only way out is to use speakerphone mode in combination with a third-party voice recorder configured to record from a microphone. The quality will be lower, there will be an echo and room noise, but the information will be preserved. Some users resort to a radical method: enabling screen recording with sound, although this is also often blocked by the system during a phone call.
Why does Google block recording?
Google refers to the two-party consent privacy laws in force in some US states and European countries. They believe that the user must explicitly warn the interlocutor about the recording, and automatic hidden recording violates these rights. Therefore, Android 9+ introduced a ban on access to the audio stream for third-party applications.
Third-party applications for recording calls
When the built-in tools are unavailable or do not work correctly, applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. However, choosing the right software is critical as most popular apps stop working after Android security updates. Below is a comparison table of current solutions for Xiaomi devices.
| Application | Works on Android 11+ | Sound quality | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Partially (requires configuration) | High | Records VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram) |
| TalkRecorder | Yes (via Accessibility) | Average | Simple interface, no advertising |
| Blackbox Call Recorder | Yes | High | Uses special drivers |
| Automatic Call Recorder | Low (often without sound) | Low | Outdated, a lot of advertising |
The leader in this niche for a long time was the application Cube ACR. It can record not only regular calls, but also conversations in instant messengers. To work correctly on Xiaomi, you must grant the application all possible permissions, including access to special features (Special features → Cube ACR App Connector). Without this, the recording will be interrupted or there will be no sound.
Another reliable option is Blackbox Call Recorder. The developers of this application have found a way to bypass Android limitations by using their own recording drivers that are injected into the system. However, installation may require additional steps, such as granting permissions through ADB or installing a special plugin. This solution is for more advanced users who are willing to spend time setting up for a guaranteed result.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party applications from unknown sources (not from the Play Market), always check the file for viruses. Modified versions of popular voice recorders may contain spyware.
Before installing a third-party voice recorder, remove old versions of such apps. A conflict between several applications trying to intercept an audio stream often leads to a complete lack of recording or system crashes.
Recording conversations in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram)
Recording calls via Internet messengers deserves special attention. The standard Xiaomi phone application cannot record conversations in WhatsApp, Viber or Telegramas they use the VoIP protocol and not the standard telephone network. For these purposes, you will again have to turn to third-party software, primarily to the one mentioned above Cube ACR.
The setup process is similar to recording regular calls, but requires turning on a special switch VoIP recording in the settings of the voice recorder application. You'll also need to grant the "Overlay on top" permission to make the recording widget appear on top of the messenger interface. Please note that the quality of recording VoIP calls is often worse due to traffic encryption and variable bitrate.
It is worth remembering that the security policies of instant messengers are constantly becoming stricter. What worked a month ago may no longer function after the next WhatsApp update. So always keep your recorder app up to date. If the recording does not work, try turning on the speakerphone during a call in the messenger - this often helps the microphone to pick up the voice of the interlocutor.
Changing the firmware region to activate recording
For users of European firmware versions (EEA), who completely lack a record button, there is a technical life hack - changing the device region. The functionality of the dialer is often tied to the region selected in the settings. By switching the region to India, Singapore or Russia, you can unlock hidden features of the standard application Phone.
To do this, go to Settings → Advanced settings → Region. Select the desired country from the list. After changing the region, restart your smartphone and check your call settings. In most cases, the record button appears instantly. This method is safe, does not require root access and does not affect the device warranty, as it is a standard MIUI feature.
However, this method has side effects. Changing the region may result in advertisements appearing in system applications (if you have selected a region with aggressive monetization), changes in the list of pre-installed applications, and a change in the default time zone. Also, some local services tied to your real location may stop working, for example, correct display of weather or news.
Changing the region to India or Singapore is the easiest and safest way to return the record button on global Xiaomi firmware without installing third-party software.
Legal aspects and data storage
It is important not only to be able to record conversations, but also to do it legally. Different countries have different regulations regarding recording telephone conversations. In Russia, according to the Federal Law “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection,” you have the right to record your conversations if you are one of the participants in the conversation and do not plan to distribute the recording to third parties without the consent of the interlocutor.
However, using the recording as evidence in court may have nuances. The court may take the audio recording into account if it is proven that it was not edited and was made by a participant in the conversation. To strengthen the evidence base, it is recommended to store files in their original format without converting them, and save metadata about the time and date of the call.
Do not forget about the security of the files themselves. The recording folder is not password protected by default. Anyone who gains access to your unlocked phone will be able to listen to confidential conversations. It is recommended to use the “Hidden Folder” function in MIUI Explorer or install a separate safe application to move important entries there immediately after they are created.
Why did the entry disappear after updating Android?
Google introduces new security restrictions with each version of Android. Starting with Android 9, access to the call recording API for third-party apps was limited, and in Android 10 and 11 these restrictions became even stricter. Smartphone makers like Xiaomi are forced to comply with Google Play rules in order for their devices to be certified and use the app store. Therefore, in global firmware the function is often cut out or hidden.
Is it possible to recover a deleted conversation recording?
If you deleted a recording from a folder call_rec, you can only restore it using special data recovery apps (for example, DiskDigger), and only if the memory sector has not yet been overwritten by new files. The chances of success are low, especially if the phone was actively used after removal. Regularly backup important recordings to the cloud.
Is a conversation recorded if I minimize the phone application?
Yes, when using the standard recording function or properly configured third-party applications (with permission to run in the background), recording continues regardless of whether the Phone application is minimized or you switch to another screen. The recording process works at the system level and is not interrupted when changing tasks.
In what format are recordings saved on Xiaomi?
By default, modern versions of MIUI save recordings in the format .m4a (AAC), which provides good quality with a small file size. Older versions could use .mp3 or .amr. The format .m4a is supported by most modern players and operating systems, including Windows 10/11 and macOS.
How to transfer recordings to a computer?
Connect your phone to the computer via a USB cable, select the file transfer mode (MTP) in the notifications on the smartphone screen. Then open the phone memory on your PC, follow the path MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec and copy the necessary files. You can also set up synchronization of this folder with cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) through the cloud service application.