Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving memorable conversations with loved ones. However, not all users know that a smartphone based on MIUI has built-in tools for this task β they just need to be set up correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways, from standard functions to third-party applications, and also talk about legal aspects that are important to consider.
Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) is based on MIUI 12/13 firmware (depending on region and updates), and its ability to record calls depends on the software version. In some countries, this feature may be limited due to local legislation, which we will also discuss below. If built-in tools are not available, you can always use proven applications from Google Play, and we will describe the best of them in detail.
Before you start setting up, make sure your device has enough free space β recording hour-long conversations in high quality can take up to 50-70 MB per file. Also check the microphone and memory permissions, as without them, no solution will work.
The standard MIUI call recording function: where to look and how to turn on
In the Redmi 9 MIUI firmware, the call recording is implemented via the Dialer app, but its availability and availability depends on the regional version of the software. For example, in European builds (MIUI EU), this option is often disabled for legal reasons, and in the global (MIUI Global) or Chinese (MIUI China) version it can be active.
To check for the presence of the function:
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (or Call Recording in English).
If there is no option, it is disabled at the firmware level, in which case either changing the regional version of MIUI (which requires unlocking the bootloader) or using third-party applications will help.
β οΈ Note: In some countries (e.g. the U.S. or Germany), recording calls without notifying the interlocutor is prohibited by law.
If the option is available, you can:
- π± Enable automatic recording for all calls or only for selected contacts.
- π Set up a sound source: record only your voice, only the interlocutor, or both channels (if supported).
- π Select a folder to save files (by default this is the case) /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec).
- π Limit the recording time (e.g., up to 30 minutes to save space).
Alternative ways to record: apps from Google Play
If the built-in feature is missing or does not suit the quality, you can use third-party applications. For Redmi 9, the following proven solutions will suit:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | High quality recording, cloud storage, VoIP support (WhatsApp, Viber). | Advertising in the free version requires manual adjustment for some devices. | Google Play |
| Call Recorder β Automatic Call Recorder | Automatic recording, spam call filtering, integration with Google Drive. | Limit the duration of recording in the free version (10 minutes). | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Record + number detector, spam blocking, cloud backup. | Registration is required, the record is only available to premium users. | Google Play |
Before installing any application, check its permissions. To work correctly, you will need access to:
- π€ Microphone (for recording voice).
- π Call log (for automatic start-up).
- πΎ Storage (to save files).
- πΆ Telephone functions (for integration with the system).
After installing the application (such as Cube Call Recorder), follow the following steps:
Open the application and accept the terms of use
Enable entry in settings (section "Recording")
Select the file format (MP3 or AAC is recommended)
Set up contact exceptions (if necessary)
Check out the test call.-->
β οΈ Note: Some applications may conflict with Redmi 9's energy-saving modes. If recording is interrupted, add the app to the battery settings exception list (Settings) β Battery β Optimizing the battery).
Manual recording via voice recorder: when appropriate
If automated methods are not suitable (for example, due to legal restrictions or technical problems), you can record conversations manually using the standard Sound Recorder app or third-party solutions like Easy Voice Recorder.
Advantages of manual recording:
- β Complete control of the process (you decide when to start and finish).
- β No risk of accidentally recording personal conversations.
- β It can be used to record not only calls, but also surrounding sounds.
Disadvantages:
- β Requires manual start (you can forget to turn on at the right time).
- β Recording quality may be worse due to the distance of the microphone from the speaker.
Instructions for manual recording:
- Open the Dictaphone app (or install Easy Voice Recorder from Google Play).
- Press the recording button before starting the conversation.
- Place your phone next to the speaker (but donβt close the microphone!).
- At the end of the conversation, stop the recording and save the file.
π‘
For better quality manual recording use headphones with a microphone β this will reduce the noise level and improve the legibility of the voice of the interlocutor.
Legal Aspects: What the Law Says About Call Recording
Before recording conversations, it is important to understand the legal implications, and most countries have a rule of "unilateral consent" or "bilateral consent":
- π·πΊ 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.
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: Similar to Russia, but with stricter restrictions on the distribution of records.
- πͺπΊ EU (GDPR): Most EU countries require notice of the recording, and failure to comply can result in fines.
- πΊπΈ U.S.: Laws vary by state, 12 states (e.g. California) require consent from all participants in a conversation.
In Russia and CIS countries, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only for personal use. If you plan to use the recording in court, notify the second participant in advance of the fact of the recording - this will strengthen the legal force of the evidence.
If you are recording a conversation for work (such as interviews or talks), you must:
- π Get written or verbal consent of the interlocutor.
- π Notify the recording at the beginning of the conversation (for example: "The conversation is recorded for the record").
- π Keep records in a secure place and do not distribute them unnecessarily.
Where are the records stored and how to transfer them to the computer
By default, call records files are saved in a folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (for an embedded function) or in a folder specified in the settings of a third-party application (e.g, /CallRecordings Cube ACR). To transfer them to the computer:
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
- Open the folder with entries in Windows Explorer or Finder (Mac).
- Copy the files you want (usually in.mp3,.amr, or.m4a format).
If you need to free up space on your phone, but save the records:
- π Move files to cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
- π Use automatic sync in apps like Cube Call Recorder.
- πΎ Archive old records in ZIP and transfer to an external storage device.
File formats and their features:
| Format | Quality. | File size (1 min) | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| .mp3 | Average (128-192 kbit/s) | 1β1.5 MB | Universal, supported by all players |
| .amr | Low (8β16 kbps) | 0.3-0.6 MB | Save space, but worse quality |
| .m4a (AAC) | High (192β320 kbps) | 1.5β2.5 MB | Better quality, but bigger size |
How to recover deleted records?
Solving the Problem: Why Calls Are Not Recorded
If the call recording is not working, check the following points:
- π Microphone locked: Make sure no apps (like instant messengers) use the microphone in parallel. Close them through Settings β Annexes β Launched.
- π΅ Energy saving: Add an app to write in battery exclusions (Settings) β Battery β Optimizing the battery β All applications).
- π Low sound level: If there is a recording, but the interlocutor is not heard, check whether the microphone is covered with a cover or a finger.
- π± Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
If the problem persists, try:
- Reinstall the recording app.
- Clear the cache of the Phone application (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Phone β Clear the cache).
- Reset network settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings).
β οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 9 call recording may not work due to hardware limitations of MediaTek Helio processor G80. In this case, only manual recording through a dictaphone will help.
π‘
If none of these things worked, check to see if carrier-level call recording is disabled, and some mobile networks block this feature for corporate rates.