How to set up a record of phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways

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 doesn’t 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:

  • πŸ“ž Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
  • βš™οΈ Select Settings β†’ Recording of conversations.
  • πŸ”„ If there is no item, try the path: Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Recording calls.
  • 🎀 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.

πŸ“Š Your firmware on Redmi 9?
MIUI Global
MIUI China
MIUI India
Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)
I don't know.

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:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Turn on/off call recording block.
  4. 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##

⚠️ 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?
If nothing happens after you enter the code, check: 1. Correct combination (characters * and # must be in Latin). 2. No spaces between characters. 3. Firmware version - on some custom assemblies, the engineering menu is disabled. If the menu opens but there is no write option, then your firmware does not support this function at the hardware level.

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:

  1. Download Platform Tools from the Android site and unpack the archive.
  2. On Redmi 9, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  3. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  4. 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 1

After 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 1

Install 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 didn’t work, there’s still the option of Google Play apps, but there’s 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 you’re talking to.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi 9:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube Call RecorderRecords both voices, cloud storage, automatic savingPaid subscription for full functionalityGoogle Play
Call Recorder by LovekeshFree version without restrictions, MIUI supportAdvertising, sometimes not recording incomingGoogle Play
Automatic Call RecorderSimple interface, sorting records by contactsIt doesn’t work on some MIUI firmware.Google Play

For the correct operation of applications:

  • πŸ”§ Give all necessary permissions (microphone, access to calls, memory).
  • πŸ“± In battery settings add the application to No restrictions.
  • πŸ”„ Restart the phone after installation.

⚠️ 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.

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. Change the save path: In the recording app settings, specify the Download or Documents folder instead of the standard one.
  2. Turn off battery optimization: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ [Title of the programme] β†’ Battery and select No Limitations.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.

  • πŸ”‹ Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery.
  • πŸ” Find your application to write in the list.
  • πŸ”„ 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

  1. During the call, turn on speaker.
  2. Open Google Drive and click + β†’ Record Voice.
  3. Place the phone microphone next to the speaker (or use headphones with a microphone).
  4. After the conversation, the record will automatically be saved to your Google account.

Method 2: Using the second phone

  • πŸ“± Put a second phone next to you with a running voice recorder.
  • πŸ”Š Turn on speakerphone on Redmi 9.
  • 🎧 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.

πŸ’‘

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.

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:

  • πŸ“œ 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.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ In Ukraine, notification of the interlocutor about the recording is required (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί The EU is operating GDPR β€” Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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.

⚠️ 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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Redmi 9

Can I turn on Redmi 9 without root?
Yes, in most cases it is possible. Root-free methods: Activation through the engineering menu (codes ##4636## or ##847##). Use of the ADB-Adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1). Installation of third-party applications (Cube Call Recorder, Automatic Call Recorder). Ruth is only required for deep modification of system files, which is not necessary in the system. 90% case.
Why does the recording stop in 30 seconds?
This is a typical problem on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware related to battery optimization. Solutions: Add the write application to Battery Optimization Exceptions (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization). Turn off power saving mode during calls. Try another application (for example, Cube Call Recorder instead of the built-in feature). If the problem persists, check the free space on the device (records can be interrupted if memory is not enough).
Where are the Redmi 9 call records stored?
The path depends on the recording method: Built-in function MIUI: /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /sdcard/CallRecordings/. Cube Call Recorder: /sdcard/CubeBackup/CallRecordings/. Automatic Call Recorder: /sdcard/CallRecordings/ (If the folder is not available, check the settings of the application – it is possible that the records are saved to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) or to internal memory (/data/..., available only with root rights).
How to record a call if the interlocutor does not consent?
A legally safe way to do this is to politely alert you to a recording at the beginning of a conversation, such as, "Sorry, I'm turning on the recording to record important information. Do you mind? If yes, let me know, I'll turn it off." If you don't get consent but the recording is critically important (for example, to protect against fraud), use methods that don't involve direct saving to your phone: Recording via a second phone (without mention); Using a recorder with a live recorder (for example, a smartwatch); Remember, in court, such recordings may be considered inadmisible evidence.
Can I recover deleted call records?
The odds depend on how long the files have been deleted: If less than 30 days have passed: Use file recovery software (DiskDigger, Recuva) - connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode and scan the memory. If the records were stored in the cloud: Check the Google Drive or Dropbox Recycle Bin (files are stored there for 30-60 days) If the phone memory is overwritten: Recover unlikely. In the future, set up automatic copying of records to the cloud. On Redmi 9 to increase the chances of recovery immediately after removal: Turn off the Internet (so that changes are not synchronized).