How to set up call recording on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: the full guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9C often face an unexpected problem: after a system update or when the device is first turned on, the phone recording function may be missing or not working correctly.This is due to changes in Google’s privacy policy that affected the standard set of applications for calling on Android. However, for users who need to save important agreements or record information from customers, the lack of this option becomes a critical obstacle.

Fortunately, Xiaomi engineers have provided several workarounds to return the recording functionality to your gadget. Depending on the firmware version (Global or EEA) and the region installed on the system, the methods may differ. In some cases, simply change the region in the settings, in others, you will need to install a specialized plugin or third-party application.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to activate this feature on Redmi 9C. We will look at both standard methods through a change of region, and more advanced options using Google Phone and third-party utilities. You will learn how to avoid common errors when a record is broken or a file is not saved. Read carefully to choose the method that is suitable for your version of the software.

⚠️ Warning: Before making any changes to system settings or installing unverified applications, be sure to back up important data.While the methods described below are safe, unforeseen system failures are always possible.

Why the Redmi 9C call record went missing

The main reason for the disappearance of the usual record button lies in the transition of Xiaomi to the standard set of Google Dialer applications instead of its own Mi Dialer. Since certain versions of Android (particularly Android 10 and above), Google has implemented strict restrictions. API, It's a big change that prevents apps from automatically recording conversations without user input or special system rights. 9C.

Mi Dialer used to allow you to record in the background in a discreet way and save files automatically, but now, if you have a Google Phone installed, the system can either have no record button at all, or when you press it, it can loudly announce, "Recording has begun," which is what both people are hearing, and this is done to comply with privacy laws in different countries.

But the situation is mixed: in some regions, like India, Indonesia, Serbia, the Google Dialer restrictions are less stringent and it works well, and that's where the first and easiest way to solve a problem is based. You don't have to be a programmer to use this method, you just have to know where to look for the settings on the menu.

  • 📱 Regional restrictions: The functionality of the Phone application depends on the region selected in the settings.
  • 🔒 Google policy: New versions of Android block background recording through standard API.
  • 🔄 Shell difference: MIUI Google Dialer behaves differently than Mi Dialer.

Understanding the cause of the problem helps you choose the right solution, because if your phone is locked in the European Region (EEA), then standard recording will not work without crutches. If you have a global version, there are more şans, and it is also important to consider that some carriers may block this feature at the network level, although this is rare.

📊 What's your version of the shell? MIUI on the Redmi 9C?
Global (Global)
European (EEA)
Chinese (CN)
Indian (IN)
I don't know.

Activation of the record through region change

The easiest and safest way to return the record button to Redmi 9C is to change the region in your system settings, which requires no additional software and works on most MIUI-enabled devices. The idea is to trick the system into thinking that you are in a country where recording calls is legally and technically allowed.

To start, you need to go to the settings menu. Find the option (or Advanced Settings) and select Region. In the list that opens, you need to find the country where the write feature is built into Google Dialer by default. Most people choose India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam or Serbia. After choosing the region, the phone interface may change slightly (for example, the format of the date or currency), but the call functionality will become richer.

Once you change region, reboot your device. This is a must, because system services have to reread the configuration files. Once you turn on, check the Phone app. Go to the call settings (three dots in the corner or the gear icon). If you're lucky, there'll be a Call Recorder. Turn it on and set up automatic recording for all numbers or only selected contacts.

☑️ Checklist of region change

Done: 0 / 1

It's worth noting that in some newer versions of MIUI, even changing the region doesn't return the native button if you have a specific Google Phone package installed, so you can get a button, but it'll be recorded with a loud alert, and if you're happy with the alert, it's perfect. If you want silence, move on to the next sections.

RegionProbability of successNotification of the recordRecommendation
IndiaTall.OftenRecommended
IndonesiaTall.OftenRecommended
SerbiaMediumRarely.It's worth a try.
RussiaLow.No button.It's not working.

Use of the Google Phone plugin (R12 and later)

If changing the region didn't help or you don't want to change the system settings, you can try modifying the Phone app itself. 9C It is often preinstalled by Google Phone. There is a special plugin (usually this is a Google Phone). APK-file) that adds hidden features to the application, including the ability to write without alert and process automation.

To implement this method, you will need to find and download the current version of the plugin for Google Phone (often searched for “Google Phone R12 plugin” or “True Phone Dialer” as an alternative, but it is the plugin that is implemented into the system). Install the plugin, then a new partition may appear in the settings of the Phone application or a hidden menu may be activated. Sometimes you need to reset the data of the Phone application through the application menu (Settings → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Clear data).

It is important to understand the risks: installing modified APK-Files from unverified sources can pose a security risk. Always check files with antivirus. Also, after updating the Phone application via Google Play, the plugin may stop working and the procedure will have to be repeated.

Where to look for secure plugins?
Look for proven developer forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers. Avoid random sites with a bunch of ads. It's best to use versions that are recommended in the discussion threads specifically for your Redmi 9C model.

Once you install the plugin, the algorithm is: open call settings, find Call Record. If it appears, activate it. In the advanced plugin settings, you can often choose the recording format (MP3 or AMR) and quality. AMR format takes up less space, but MP3 is easier to play on other devices.

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party plugins for system applications, you are acting at your own risk. Make sure the source of the file is reliable so as not to infect the device with malware.

Third-party applications for recording conversations

When Xiaomi and Google’s regular funds fail to produce the desired result, specialized applications from Google Play come to the rescue. Call Recorder – Cube ACR has long been considered the leader in this niche.

To set up a Cube ACR or analogue recording (like Automatic Call Recorder), download the app and give it all the permissions you want: access to a microphone, phone, contacts, and most importantly, "Special Features." Without the last item, recording on new Android will not work. In the application settings, select the sound source "VoIP" or "Microphone" if the standard one does not work.

However, third-party solutions have a downside: on the Redmi 9C with its budget processor and MIUI optimization, the recorder application can be “killed” by the system to save battery. To avoid this, go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Management, find your recorder and set the “No Limits” mode.

  • 🎙️ Cube ACR: Powerful application, supports recording via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • 🔋 Battery setup: Be sure to remove power saving restrictions for the recording app.
  • 🎧 Sound problem: If the interlocutor is not heard, turn on the speakerphone or select the sound source "Microphone" in the settings».

Some users have noted that when using third-party applications, the voice of the interlocutor can be quiet, in which case, try to turn on the option “Use the phone speaker” in the recorder settings or experiment with sound sources. On Redmi 9C, this often helps improve the legibility of the second side of the conversation.

💡

If you're the only one you can hear when you're recording through a third-party app, try briefly turning on and off speaker while you're talking, which can wake up the right audio channel to record.

Alternative solutions: True Phone Dialer

Another radical but effective method is to completely replace the standard "caller." True Phone Dialer & Contacts is a complete replacement for the phone's system app. It has its own recording engine that often ignores Google's limitations. However, installing True Phone on Redmi 9C requires several steps.

Once you install True Phone, you need to designate it as the default app for making calls. The system will insist on returning Google Phone — accept a change. Then, in the True Phone settings, activate the recording. The advantage of this method is stability: the application is independent of Google Phone updates. However, the interface may be different from the usual MIUI.

It's worth mentioning the MIUI Phone app, which is an attempt to bring Xiaomi's native bell ringer back to global firmware, requiring root rights or special scripts through ADB, which makes it difficult for the average user, and if you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better go with True Phone or Cube ACR.

Replacing the system application is always a risk. In emergency cases (call 112, 102, etc.), it is better to use the standard interface, so completely delete Google Phone is not recommended, it is better to simply change the default settings. True Phone allows you to flexibly adjust the appearance, making it look like a standard one, which minimizes discomfort.

MethodDifficultyStabilitySound quality
Change of regionLow.Tall.Great.
Google pluginMediumMediumGreat.
Cube ACRLow.Depends on the OS.Good.
True PhoneMediumTall.Great.

Frequent problems and their solution

Even after setting up correctly, Redmi 9C users may encounter a number of difficulties, the most common being that the recording is cut off after a few seconds or the file is not saved, often due to lack of space or aggressive memory cleanup, and check if the internal drive is full.

The second problem is the lack of audio from the interlocutor. This is a classic Android 10+ problem. The solution is to switch the recording source in the app settings or use hands-free. Also try turning off noise cancellation in the audio settings if this option is available in your version of MIUI. Sometimes cleaning the cache of the Phone application helps.

The third caveat is that files are not visible in the gallery or the explorer. Call records are usually stored in hidden folders. For Google Dialer, the path often looks like Internal Storage/Call or Internal Storage/Recordings/Call. For Cube ACR, Internal Storage/Cube ACR. Use a file manager like MI File Manager or Total Commander to find and copy the files you want.

💡

If neither method yields 100% results, try the combination: switching from region to India. + Cube ACR It gives you the best chance of success.

⚠️ Note: Remember your country's laws. In some countries, recording a conversation without warning is prohibited by law. Use the recording function responsibly and only for personal purposes or with the consent of the other party.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Will the recording be notified to the interviewee?
It depends on the method you choose. When you change region to India, Google Dialer often uses a voice notification. When using a Cube ACR or True Phone with the right settings, the recording usually goes silently (silent), but there is no 100% guarantee due to differences in Android versions.
Where are the Redmi 9C call records stored?
By default, files are stored in internal memory. The path can be: Device memory/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (for native recording) or device memory/Call (The exact path can be viewed in the Dictator or Phone settings».
Can I record calls from WhatsApp and Viber?
Standard means are not. The best way to record calls from messengers (VoIP) is with the Cube ACR app with the App Connector plugin enabled, but the recording quality can vary depending on the Android version.
Will the recording setup reset after the MIUI update?
Major system updates (e.g. MIUI 12 to 13) can reset regions or delete modified files. After the update, check the functionality and reset if necessary.
Why isn't the automatic recording working?
Check if AutoWrite is enabled in the settings, also make sure the app doesn't put the energy saving system to sleep, and set the "No Limits" mode in the battery settings.