Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be a useful feature for business negotiations, fixing important agreements or simply saving memorable conversations. However, many users are faced with the fact that the autowriting option is either absent from the menu or unstable. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the function, from standard MIUI settings to alternative solutions using third-party applications.
It's important to understand that recording capabilities depend on the firmware version, regional restrictions, and even the carrier. For example, in some countries, automatic recording of conversations is prohibited at the legislative level, so manufacturers can block the feature. But for Redmi 9 with global or Russian firmware, there is a workaround through the system menu "Special features", which is not known by everyone.
Before you start setting up, make sure that your device has the current version installed. MIUI 12.5+ (for stable operation of the function is recommended MIUI 13/14). Also check the availability of free space on the internal drive - the records take about 1-2 MB in a minute of conversation in.amr format.
Method 1: Standard settings through the "Phone" application
The most obvious method is to use the built-in tools of the Phone app, but on Redmi 9, this option can be hidden or disabled by default.
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Recording Conversations section (if no item is available, see Alternative Methods).
- Activate the Auto Record switch and select contacts or numbers to record.
If there is no record of conversations, this may mean:
- π± You have a "lightweight" version of the firmware installed (for example, MIUI Lite where the function is removed.
- π Regional restrictions (e.g. firmware for the EU or India).
- π System updates are required to MIUI 13+.
β οΈ Note: Some firmware only uses incoming calls, and you will need to use third-party applications to record outgoing calls (see Section 4).
Method 2: Hidden menu "Special features"
Little-known fact: on Xiaomi Redmi 9, auto-recording can be activated via the special features menu, even if it is not in the Phone app. This method works on most versions of MIUI 12-14:
- Go to Settings. β Special facilities.
- Select Hearing (or Hearing aids in newer versions).
- Activate the option to amplify the sound when talking.
- At the bottom of the screen will appear an additional menu β click the Record settings.
- Set the Automatic Record switch to the "On" position.
After activation, all conversations will be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec The files are.amr format and can be played by a standard player.
Check out the MIUI version (should be 12.5+)
Free up 500+MB of memory for recordings
Turn off battery optimization for the Phone app
Set up exceptions to write in "Application Permissions"-->
If the Record Settings menu does not appear, try:
- π Reboot the phone after turning on the sound amplification.
- π² Update the Phone app via Google Play (if you use global firmware).
- π οΈ Reset the settings of special features (in extreme cases).
Method 3: Alternative system settings
If the first two methods didnβt work, try activating the recording via an engineering menu or hidden commands, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to failures.
First, check for the hidden option:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down and find Enable Call Record (if any).
If the combination doesnβt work, try another way:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers.
- Find the Call Recording option (could be called Call Recording) and activate it.
β οΈ Warning: Enabling developer mode and changing hidden settings can affect the stability of your phone. Do not change other settings in this menu without understanding their purpose!
| Activation method | Works for MIUI. | Requires root rights | Keeps the outgoing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings for the phone. | 12.5β14 | No. | Partially. |
| βSpecial capabilitiesβ | 12β14 | No. | Yes. |
| Engineering menu | 11β13 | No. | Yes. |
| Developer mode | 12+ | No. | Yes. |
Method 4: Third-party applications for recording
If the system methods didn't work, there's a third-party application option, and the most reliable solutions for Redmi 9 are:
- π± Cube Call Recorder ACR β Supports automatic recording, cloud storage and transcription (translation of speech into text) and works even on non-rooted devices.
- π§ Call Recorder β Automatic Call Recorder β simple interface, recording format.mp3, Integration with Google Drive.
- π Truecaller β in addition to identifying numbers, has a built-in recording function (requires a premium subscription).
When installing third-party applications, consider:
- π Some programs require permission to access the Call Log and Microphone.
- π΄ Android 10.+ The record may be blocked by the system due to privacy restrictions.
- πΎ Records take up more space than in standard mode (up to 3-5 MB / min in format.mp3).
For stable operation Cube Call Recorder ACR on Redmi 9:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, provide all the permissions requested.
- In the app settings, select Record Source: Loud Communication (this bypasses Android restrictions).
- Activate Auto Record and add contacts to the whitelist.
π‘
If the app doesnβt record conversations, try turning off battery optimization for it in Settings β Apps β Application Management β Battery Optimization.
Where records are stored and how to manage them
By default, conversation records on Redmi 9 are saved in the following folders:
- π For standard recording: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
- π For Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecorder/
- π For Automatic Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/
To listen to or delete the recordings:
- Use any file manager (e.g., Google Files or Mi File Manager).
- Go to the appropriate folder (see above).
- Files are sorted by date and phone number (e.g, 20260515_143022_+79123456789.amr).
- To play it, just click on the file - a standard player will open.
To automate the management of records:
- ποΈ Set up automatic deletion of old files in the recording app (for example, Cube Call Recorder has the option to Delete records older than 30 days).
- βοΈ Enable sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud for backup.
- π Use tags for quick search (e.g., "#important", "#work").
How to recover accidentally deleted records?
Solving recording problems
If the auto record is not working or only records one side of the conversation, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | Blocking permits | Check the permissions for the Phone app or third-party recorder in Settings β Apps β Permissions. |
| You're the only one who can hear your voice. | Limitations of Android 10+ | Use the record via speakerphone or apps like Cube Call Recorder with option VOIP-regime. |
| Records are cut off. | Optimizing the battery | Turn off optimization for the write-up app in the battery settings. |
| Files are not saved. | Memory deficit | Clear the cache or transfer the records to SD-card (if supported). |
If the problem persists, try:
- Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings β Applications β Phone β Storage β Reset).
- Install an alternative dialer (such as Google Phone) that supports recording.
- Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings β System Update.
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware (e.g. India) may have their conversations locked at the core level, in which case only a global or European flashing will help. MIUI.
π‘
If none of these methods worked, check if the carrier has disabled the recording function. SIM-Cards (most often in corporate rates).
Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before using an auto record, please read the laws of your country, and most regions have the following rules:
- π·πΊ Russia: Recording of a conversation is allowed without notifying the interlocutor if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: Consent of the second participant of the conversation is required (Article 31 of the Constitution of Ukraine).
- πͺπΊ EU: Recording without consent is prohibited in most EU countries (RE Directive 2002/58/EC).
- πΊπΈ Laws vary by state: 12 states (e.g. California) require consent from all participants.
To avoid legal problems:
- π’ Notify the person you are recording (e.g., "The conversation is recorded to record the arrangements. You don't mind?").
- π Keep the records no longer than necessary.
- π« Do not distribute records to third parties without the consent of participants.
For business negotiations, it is recommended to use specialized services (for example, Zoom or Skype with recording function), where consent to fix the conversation is automatically requested.