Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones are hugely popular, and they all come with a screen recorder built into HyperOS or the older MIUI. This guide explains how to screen record on Xiaomi and Redmi phones (POCO works the same way), how to get sound, and how to deal with the extra permission settings that sometimes stop recorder apps from working properly.
Menu names vary between HyperOS and MIUI versions and between regions, so treat the paths below as the usual route and look for similar wording on your phone.
Where to find the screen recorder
There are two common places:
- Control Centre / quick settings. Swipe down from the top right (or top) of the screen and look for a Screen recorder tile. If it's missing, tap the edit icon and add it.
- The Screen Recorder app. On many models there is an app called Screen Recorder, often inside a "Tools" or "More apps" folder on the home screen.
Opening the app shows your previous recordings and a settings gear, which is where the useful options live.
How to screen record on Xiaomi and Redmi, step by step
- Open settings first. In the Screen Recorder app, tap the gear icon. Set resolution, video quality, frame rate and sound source.
- Choose the sound source. Options are usually Mute, System sounds and Microphone. Some versions allow system and mic together.
- Start. Tap the Screen recorder tile or the red record button in the app. A floating button appears on screen.
- Tap the floating button to begin. On many versions recording doesn't start until you tap this button, which lets you open the app you want to show first.
- Stop. Tap the floating button again. The video saves to the Gallery.
Getting sound right on Xiaomi phones
If you choose System sounds, Android captures sound from apps, provided the app allows it and your phone runs Android 10 or newer. If you choose Microphone, your voice and room sound are recorded instead.
Common sound problems on Xiaomi phones:
- The sound source was set to Mute from a previous recording.
- The app you're recording blocks audio capture (common with streaming and some banking apps).
- Microphone permission for the recorder app is off, or a privacy setting is blocking the mic.
- You're trying to record a phone call, which screen recorders can't capture.
Our full troubleshooting guide on screen recordings with no sound explains each fix in detail.
Xiaomi permission quirks for recorder apps
HyperOS and MIUI are more aggressive than most Android skins about saving battery and limiting what apps can do in the background. If you use a third-party recorder app, such as Cinematic Recorder, you may need to adjust a few settings once.
Display pop-up windows while running in the background
Floating controls and camera bubbles need permission to draw over other apps. On Xiaomi phones there is often an additional setting, usually under Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [app] → Other permissions, called something like "Display pop-up windows while running in the background". Turn it on if the floating controls don't appear.
Autostart and battery saver
If recording stops when you switch apps, open the app's info page and set Battery saver to "No restrictions", and allow Autostart if that option is shown. This keeps the recording service alive during long sessions.
Install and security prompts
Some Xiaomi phones show extra security prompts, similar to the "install via USB" style confirmations developers see, before granting sensitive permissions. These are normal system dialogs. Read them, and only allow permissions for apps you installed from a trusted source such as Google Play.
Built-in recorder or a dedicated app?
Xiaomi's recorder is one of the better built-in tools: it already offers frame rate and quality options. A dedicated app adds what the built-in tool doesn't:
- A front-camera bubble recorded into the video.
- A live mic level meter so you know your narration is coming through.
- Floating controls to pause and resume, not just start and stop.
- An editor with click-based auto zoom, cursor effects, focus highlight, and export to 16:9, 9:16 or 4:5. See all recording features.
Cinematic Recorder also runs fully in Bangla, English, Hindi and Arabic, which helps if you prefer your phone in your own language.
Tips for clean Xiaomi recordings
- Hide notifications. Turn on Do Not Disturb before recording. See our guide on how to screen record without notifications.
- Watch the floating button. Xiaomi's own floating recorder button appears in the video. Drag it to a corner or use a recorder whose controls aren't captured.
- Keep the phone cool. Redmi and POCO gaming sessions at 60fps can heat the phone. If your recording stutters, read how to fix a laggy screen recording.
- Check storage. High bitrates fill storage fast. Our screen recording storage tips show typical file sizes.
FAQ
Why doesn't my Xiaomi screen recording start when I tap the tile?
On many HyperOS and MIUI versions, the tile only shows a floating red button. Recording starts when you tap that button.
Can I record internal audio on Redmi phones?
Yes, on Android 10 or newer choose System sounds in the recorder settings. Some apps still block their audio.
Why do floating controls from other recorder apps not show up?
Usually the overlay or "pop-up windows while running in the background" permission is off. Turn it on in the app's permission settings.
Do POCO phones use the same steps?
Yes. POCO phones run the same HyperOS or MIUI software, so the recorder and settings are in the same places.
Set up your sound source and permissions once, and recording on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO becomes a two-tap job. Then you can focus on what really matters: a clear, useful video.