Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be useful in a variety of situations, from saving important business information to fixing evidence for legal purposes. However, standard MIUI settings do not always provide this feature out of the box - it all depends on the firmware version and the regional version of the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to activate the record, including hidden settings, third-party applications and circumventing the limitations of MIUI.
The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC, M2004C3LGG and other modifications) feature can be blocked at the firmware level due to legal restrictions in some countries, but even then there are legal methods to unlock it - without root rights and risk losing warranty. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), as well as solutions to typical problems, such as when the record is not stored in the device's memory or is interrupted after 30 seconds.
Verification of the built-in recording function
Before installing third-party apps, make sure your Redmi 9 doesnβt support recording out-of-the-box calls. In some regional versions of MIUI, this option is hidden, but you can activate it through the standard menu.
Open the Phone app and follow the following steps:
- π Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
- βοΈ Select Settings β Recording of conversations.
- π If there is no item, try the path: Settings β Additionally. β Recording calls.
- π€ Turn on the switch Automatic recording or Record all calls.
If the option is not available at all, it means that your firmware does not support the function at the MIUI level. In this case, move to the following sections with alternative methods. Please note: on Redmi 9 with global firmware (MIUI Global), the record is often disabled for legal reasons, whereas on Chinese (MIUI China) or Indian (MIUI India) versions it may be available.
Activation of hidden function through the engineering menu
Some versions of Redmi 9 have their call recording hidden in the engineering menu, which works without rooting permissions, but requires caution β incorrect settings can disrupt the communication module.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Turn on/off call recording block.
- Activate the option, restart the device.
After the reboot, the phone's Settings menu should have Recorded Conversations. If it's not available, try the alternative code:
##847##β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13+ The engineering menu can be blocked. In this case, use the method of using the ADB (described below) or third-party annexes.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Using ADB to unlock the record
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method allows you to enable call recording over a debugging bridge without getting root rights. It's an official tool from Google, but it requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC.
Step-by-step:
- Download Platform Tools from the Android site and unpack the archive.
- On Redmi 9, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the Platform Tools folder, and type:
adb devices(The name of your device should appear.)
adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1After you run the command, restart Redmi 9. The phone's settings will show you a write option. If the method didn't work, try an alternative command:
adb shell settings put global call_recording_allowed 1Install Platform Tools on PC
Enable the developer mode on Redmi 9
Activate debugging over USB
Connect your phone to the original cable
Check device detection by adb devices-->
Third-party applications for recording calls
If the built-in methods didnβt work, thereβs still the option of Google Play apps, but thereβs a nuance: with Android 9 (which runs on Redmi 9), Google has restricted apps from accessing the microphone during calls, so many programs only record your voice, not the person youβre talking to.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi 9:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | Records both voices, cloud storage, automatic saving | Paid subscription for full functionality | Google Play |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Free version without restrictions, MIUI support | Advertising, sometimes not recording incoming | Google Play |
| Automatic Call Recorder | Simple interface, sorting records by contacts | It doesnβt work on some MIUI firmware. | Google Play |
For the correct operation of applications:
- π§ Give all necessary permissions (microphone, access to calls, memory).
- π± In battery settings add the application to No restrictions.
- π Restart the phone after installation.
β οΈ Attention: Redmi 9s MIUI 12.5+ Some applications may not record the voice of the interlocutor due to the limitations of Android, in which case only root or a change of firmware will help.
π‘
If the app does not record the voice of the interlocutor, try to turn on speaker communication for 1-2 seconds during a conversation - this will sometimes "wake up" the microphone for recording.
Solving problems with keeping records
A common problem with Redmi 9 is that records are either not saved or disappear after a reboot, due to the MIUI file system and the /sdcard/CallRecordings/ folder restrictions.
Methods of correction:
- Change the save path: In the recording app settings, specify the Download or Documents folder instead of the standard one.
- Turn off battery optimization: Go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β [Title of the programme] β Battery and select No Limitations.
- Use file manager: The folder with records can be hidden. Enable the display of hidden files in MI File Manager (settings β show hidden files).
- Check permissions: In Settings β Privacy β Permissions β Storage make sure the application has access to memory.
If the recordings are saved but interrupted after 30-60 seconds, this may be due to energy saving.
- π Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery.
- π Find your application to write in the list.
- π Choose Not to Optimize.
Alternative methods: Google Drive and second phone
If none of these methods worked, there are workarounds, which are less convenient but guaranteed to work on any Redmi 9, regardless of the firmware.
Method 1: Recording through Google Drive
- During the call, turn on speaker.
- Open Google Drive and click + β Record Voice.
- Place the phone microphone next to the speaker (or use headphones with a microphone).
- After the conversation, the record will automatically be saved to your Google account.
Method 2: Using the second phone
- π± Put a second phone next to you with a running voice recorder.
- π Turn on speakerphone on Redmi 9.
- π§ For better quality, use headphones with a microphone connected to the second device.
These methods are firmware-free and work even on locked devices, the main drawback is the need to manually start recordings and possible interference with hands-free communication.
π‘
Google Drive and the second phone are the only recording methods that run on 100% of MIUI versions, including the latest firmware with maximum restrictions.
Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before using the call record, make sure it does not violate local law. In most countries, recording the call is only allowed with the consent of the person involved, otherwise it cannot be used in court or as evidence.
Key points:
- π In Russia (Article 23 of the Constitution), recording a conversation without consent is allowed if you are a participant in it, but you can use it in court only with permission.
- πΊπ¦ In Ukraine, notification of the interlocutor about the recording is required (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
- πͺπΊ The EU is operating GDPR β Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality.
- πΊπΈ In the United States, laws vary by state: some (such as California) require the consent of all participants.
If you plan to use the recordings for official purposes, notify the interviewee in advance with the phrase: "The conversation is recorded to record information. Do you mind?" This will protect you from legal risks.
β οΈ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), even storing records without consent can result in a fine of up to 20,000 euros.