Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 can be required in a variety of situations, from fixing important business conversations to saving memories of conversations with loved ones. However, standard MIUI features in this regard often raise questions from users. Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the call recording function can be integrated into the firmware by default, budget devices like the Redmi Note 9 do not always offer this solution out of the box.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to record conversations on the Redmi Note 9, including hidden MIUI settings, third-party apps with advanced functionality and workarounds for cases where standard methods do not work. We’ll focus on the legality of recording, compatibility with different versions of firmware and the nuances of working with Android 10/11 on which this device runs, you’ll learn how to set up automatic recording, where stored files are and how to avoid typical errors when writing.
1. Built-in call recording function in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is not a flagship, some versions of MIUI firmware do include a built-in conversation recording feature, which depends on the regional firmware and Android version.
Open the Phone app and go to the menu ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → If this item is missing, it means your version. MIUI It does not support the default function, in which case you can try alternative methods described below.
- 🔍 Where to look: The Way Phone → Settings → Recording of conversations (or additionally) → Recording of calls in some versions).
- 📱 Supported versions: The feature is more common in firmware for India (MIUI India) and global versions based on Android 10.
- 🔄 If there is no item: Update your firmware to the latest version or use third-party apps.
⚠️ Attention: Built-in recording in MIUI can automatically notify the person to start recording in some regions (e.g. EU) GDPR. Check local legislation before using.
If the built-in feature is available, you can:
- 🎤 Start recording manually during a call (button appears on the call screen).
- 🔄 Set up automatic recording for all or selected contacts.
- 📁 Save files in.amr format or.mp3 file MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.
Hidden MIUI settings: how to enable recording through the engineering menu
For users who don’t have a record point in their standard settings, there’s an alternative way to activate via the engineering menu, which works on most versions of MIUI 11/12 for the Redmi Note 9, but requires caution – incorrect changes can affect system stability.
To open the engineering menu, enter the phone combination in the application:
##36446337##After that:
- Go to the Audio section.
- Select Call Settings (or Voice Call)
- Find the Voice Call Record setting and set the Enabled value.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
After the reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button during the call. Please note that this method may not work on some custom firmware or after updates.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu could cause a communication module to malfunction.Redmi Note 9 with firmware MIUI 12.5 and later this method can cause microphone problems during calls – backup data before use.
3. Third-party applications for recording: TOP-5 Solutions for Redmi Note 9
If the built-in methods don’t work or work well, the best solution is specialized applications, we tested more than 10 programs and selected the 5 most reliable for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, given the compatibility with MIUI and Android 10/11:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | Automatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP support | Advertising in the free version, high battery consumption | Google Play |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Simple interface, MP3 recording, no time limits | Does not record calls through some messengers | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Built-in entry + number detector, spam blocking | Registration, limited functionality in some countries | Google Play |
| Automatic Call Recorder | Flexible settings, integration with Google Drive, tag support | Paid features in the Pro version, sometimes does not record incoming | Google Play |
| Call Recorder - IntCall | Cloud recording, no limit on number of calls | Internet connection is required, delays are possible | Google Play |
When choosing an application, pay attention to:
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Some programs are constantly running in the background, which can reduce the battery life of the Redmi Note 9 on 10-15%.
- 📡 Compatibility with MIUI: Some applications may conflict with Xiaomi optimization, which will interrupt the recording.
- 🔒 Avoid programs that require unnecessary permissions (such as access to the Internet) SMS geolocation).
Make sure the app is compatible with Android 10/11|
Check out reviews about work on Xiaomi|
Disable battery optimization for the application in MIUI | settings
Provide all necessary permits (microphone, storage, telephone) |
Create a backup of contacts in case of failure-->
Guide to setting up Cube Call Recorder ACR on Redmi Note 9
Cube Call Recorder ACR is one of the most popular solutions for recording calls on Xiaomi, thanks to the flexible settings and support for MIUI. Consider the step-by-step instructions for setting it up:
1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Provide all the requested permissions:
- Microphone (for recording sound),
- Storage (for saving files),
- Phone (to access calls).
3. In the main menu, go to Settings → General and enable the AutoWrite option.
For optimal performance on Redmi Note 9, we recommend the following settings:
- 📁 Save folder: Select internal memory → CallRecordings (or SD-map, if it is installed).
- 🔄 File format: Install MP3 (b) for better quality (but greater size) or AMR save space.
- 📱 Exceptions: In the Ignore section, add contacts that you do not need to record (for example, banking services).
- ☁️ Cloud reservation: Link Google Drive or Dropbox to automatically download records.
Features of working at MIUI:
- 🔋 To prevent the application from being closed by background optimization, add it to Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Cube ACR → No restrictions.
- 📞 To record outgoing calls, you may need to enable the option to use your own dialer in the settings ACR.
💡
If Cube ACR If you don’t record calls to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, try enabling Root Mode in your app settings (even without real root rights). MIUI.
5 Where records are stored and how to manage them
By default, call records are saved in different folders depending on the method of recording:
- 📂 Built-in function MIUI: Internal Storage folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec. The files are.amr format.
- 📂 Cube ACR: Internal Storage folder → CallRecordings (or ACR in some versions.mp3 or.
- 📂 Truecaller: Internal Storage folder → Truecaller → Call Recordings.
For easy recording management:
- Use the built-in player (for example, Cube ACR has a feature for listening and editing tags).
- For mass export, connect Redmi Note 9 to your PC and copy files through MTP-protocol.
- To save space, set up automatic deletion of old records (in ACR: Settings → Delete → Autoclean).
If the records are not displayed in the gallery, check:
- 🔍 File management (for example, Mi File Manager).
- 🔄 Displaying hidden files settings (enable the option to Show hidden files).
- 📱 Permissions for the Gallery app (sometimes) MIUI Blocks access to system folders).
💡
Clean your records folder regularly – on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (with 64/128 GB of storage), records files can take up to 1-2 GB per month when used actively.
6.Problems and Solutions: Why Redmi Note 9 calls are not recorded
Even with the right setup, Redmi Note 9 users may experience recording problems, and consider common errors and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording does not start automatically | Battery optimization blocks the application | Turn off optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization |
| Only one voice (my voice or the interlocutor) is recorded. | Android 10+ or MIUI Limitations | Use VoIP-enabled apps or turn on speakerphone |
| The app flies out when you call. | Conflict with other services | Clear the app cache and restart the phone |
| No sound on the record. | Microphone is busy with another app | Close all background programs that use the microphone (such as voice assistants) |
| Records interrupted | Unstable network connection (for cloud services) | Switch to local storage or change your network to 4G |
To diagnose problems:
- Check the application logs (in Cube ACR: Settings → Log).
- Make sure that the device has enough free space (less than 10% of the free memory can cause crashes).
- Update the MIUI app and firmware to the latest version.
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 9 firmware MIUI 13+ Some recording applications may require additional permission android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO through ADB. To activate it, connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.catalinagroup.acr android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
7 Legal Aspects: Can You Record Conversations on Xiaomi?
Telephone recording is regulated by the laws of different countries, and in most cases the following rules apply:
- 🇷🇺 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), however, using the recording in court may require proof of its reliability.
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine: At least one of the interlocutors must agree (your own consent is sufficient).
- 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): In most EU countries, it is necessary to notify the interlocutor of the recording (except for business correspondence with a preliminary agreement).
- 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state, most of the time the consent of one party (your) is sufficient, but some states (e.g. California) require the consent of all parties.
Recommendations for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:
- 📢 If you are recording a business conversation, notify the person at the beginning of the call (for example: “The conversation is recorded for the record").
- 🔒 Keep records in a secure place – leaking personal data can lead to legal liability.
- ⚖️ Do not use the recordings to blackmail or distribute without consent – this may qualify as a violation of the right to privacy.
On MIUI, some firmware automatically add a recording notification at the beginning of a call (e.g., in the global version for the EU), which cannot be disabled through standard settings - this is a legal requirement.