Xiaomi’s current MIUI-powered smartphones often face restrictions imposed by Google, especially on the phone recorder feature. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners who have received an update to Android 10 or 11 may have noticed the disappearance of the usual record switch in the standard call interface, due to a change in privacy policy that prohibits third-party and system applications from recording audio from the microphone during a conversation without explicitly notifying the interlocutor.
However, the need for important information, agreements or evidence remains high. Fortunately, there are proven workarounds for the Redmi 9 to bring this feature back. We'll look at several methods, from activating hidden regional settings to installing specialized versions of the Google Phone app that have no software limitations.
It is important to understand that the setup process can vary depending on the firmware version (Global, EU, China) and the current version of Android. Some methods require connecting to Wi-Fi and performing precise actions in a specific sequence. Below are detailed instructions to help you regain control of communications.
⚠️ Note: Before making changes to system settings or installing modified APK-While the methods described are safe, accidental failure during the process of changing the region or installing certificates can lead to unstable operation of the application.
Why the Redmi 9 recording button is missing
The main reason for the loss of the feature lies in the transition of Xiaomi to use the stock application Google Dialer instead of its own development MIUI Dialer. Since certain versions of the shell, Google has implemented strict API restrictions that technically block the recording of the second-party sound. If you upgraded your Redmi 9 and lost the button, then the system has upgraded the telephony component to a limited version.
While the system used to be automatic and invisible, it now requires either hands-free (which degrades quality) or special certificates, and in some regions, such as India or Thailand, these restrictions work differently, allowing a loophole with a change of region to activate the native function.
There is also a difference between recording via speaker and through system audio stream: The native feature we will activate allows you to record in high quality, saving files directly to the device's internal memory in.m4a or.mp3 format. This is critical for those who use the phone for work conversations.
Activation method through region change
The easiest and most secure way to do this is to temporarily change the region of the device, and the logic is that in some countries, the law allows recording conversations, and Xiaomi activates this feature for devices located in the region, most often by switching to Indonesia, India or Vietnam.
You don't need root rights to do this, just go to the standard settings, but you should also consider that if you change the region, some system sounds, design themes, or recommended applications specific to the country you're selecting may change, and once you activate the record, you can go back to the region, but in some cases, the function may disappear again.
☑️ Algorithm of region change
If the button appears after the region change, make a test call. Record the conversation and check the file in the recorder or folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. If the recording is successful and both sides are heard, you can try to reclaim your original region. MIUI settings remain active even after the return, in others – you need to keep the region changed constantly.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the region to India can lead to ads in system applications (Conductor, Music, Themes).If you are not willing to put up with banner ads, use the method of installing modified ads. APK-file described below.
Installation of a modified Google Phone (Dialer)
A more reliable, but careful method is to replace the system telephony application with a modified version. APK-files that remove Google's audio recording restrictions. Redmi 9 requires you to find a version of Google Phone that is compatible with your version of Android (usually Android 10 or 11).
Before you install, you have to delete the standard application updates or allow installation from unknown sources, and the process is this: you download the file, you run it, the system warns you about security, and you confirm the installation, and then you have the "Call Record" option in the application settings, which was previously hidden.
It is important to download files only from trusted sources, such as forums. 4PDA repositories XDA Developers: Using unverified APK-Look for files marked "No recording restrictions" or "Unlocked".
Settings → Applications → All applications → Phone → Remove updatesAfter you delete the updates, install the downloaded modified file. If the system says "Application not installed", you may need a higher version of Android or a signature conflict, in which case, try to find a version with a different build code.
Where to find secure APK files?
Use of third-party applications for recording
If you think it’s too difficult to modify your system files, you can use third-party apps from the Google Play Store, the leader in this niche is Cube ACR. However, on Android 10+, these apps face the same API limitations as a standard call. To work fully, you need to install an Apple Connector through the special features menu.
Once the Cube ACR is installed, you need to give it all the permissions you want: access to microphone, phone, contacts and storage. Pay special attention to the Sound Source setting. For Redmi 9, the best choice is often Voice Call or Mic. If you choose Mic, recording can be done via an external microphone, which requires the speakerphone to be turned on.
The disadvantage of this method is the possible unstable sound quality, the interlocutor can be heard quietly or with echoes. In addition, some applications may conflict with the energy saving MIUI, which will "kill" the recording process in the background, to avoid this, you need to fix the application in memory and remove the battery limitations.
| Method | Sound quality | Difficulty | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of region | High (systemic) | Low. | Minimum |
| Modified APK | High (systemic) | Medium | Medium. |
| Cube ACR | Medium/Low | Low. | Low. |
| Recorder (loud) | Low. | Minimum | Absent. |
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For stable operation of Cube ACR on MIUI, go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun and turn it on for the recording application. Also, in the battery settings, select "No Limits".
Set up recording parameters and file storage
Once the recording function is activated by any means, it is important to adjust its behavior correctly. The call settings menu (three dots in the corner of the screen) will show a section called "Record calls", where you can enable automatic recording of all incoming and outgoing or select the record only certain numbers.
Files are stored in the internal memory of the device. The path to them usually looks like /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. If you use a third-party application, the path may be different, for example, /Android/data/com.cube.acr/. It is recommended to periodically check the memory occupancy, as audio files, especially in high quality, can occupy a significant amount of space.
You can also choose the recording format in the settings, and if you have a choice between AMR and MP3/AAC, you should choose the latter, because it provides better quality with a smaller file size, and you should also pay attention to the notification option: in many countries, the interlocutor must be warned by an audible signal to start recording.
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Automatic recording of selected numbers is the most convenient setting for business, allowing you not to miss the recording of an important conversation, without recording personal conversations.
Frequent problems and their solution
Redmi 9 users often experience a situation where recording is happening but the interlocutor is not heard. This is a classic problem of API restriction. If changing the region did not help, try in the call settings (if you have such an option) to switch the recording mode to "Speak" or use a headset. With headphones connected, recording often goes through their microphone, which gives a clear sound to both sides.
Another problem is the lack of sound after the MIUI update. Google Play Services security updates can patch the hole through which the recording was conducted again, in which case only waiting for a new version of the modified APK or re-changing the region to an exotic one (for example, Nepal or Bangladesh) helps, if Xiaomi has not already closed this loophole in your firmware version.
If the record file is corrupted or not opened, check the codec. The standard MIUI player may not support some formats encoded by third-party applications. Try opening the file through the VLC Player or converting it online. Also make sure there is enough free space on the disk; when memory is overflowing, the recording may be interrupted.
⚠️ Note: Remember the laws of your country, recording a conversation without warning may be a violation of the law on personal data and confidentiality of communications. Use the function only for personal or legitimate business purposes.