Recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: all methods and hidden settings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users still face the problem: how to turn on recording phone conversations? Unlike Xiaomi flagship models, where the recording function is often available out of the box, in the Redmi Note 9 Pro it has to be activated through hidden settings or third-party utilities. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from standard MIUI tools to bypassing restrictions using applications.

It is important to understand that the ability to record depends on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), regional settings and even the operator. For example, in some countries the function is blocked at the legislative level. We tested all methods on current versions of the software and collected only those that are guaranteed to work on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (models M2003J6A1G, M2003J6B1G and similar).

If you're looking for a way to save important conversations -- for work, legal purposes, or personal notes -- this guide will help you sort through the nuances, but first check if the recording feature is hidden in your version of MIUI.

1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added built-in call recording, but not for all regions. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it can be found in the phone's settings if:

  • πŸ“± You have a global (Global) or Indian (India) firmware.
  • πŸ“ž The operator does not block the function (for example, in Russia and the EU it can be disabled).
  • πŸ”„ The phone failed the factory reset procedure with the deletion of system data.

To check for the presence of the function:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (if there is no item, proceed to the next method).
πŸ“Š Your firmware on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
LineageOS (Pixel Experience)
I don't know.

If the Record conversations item is present, activate it and select one of the modes:

  • πŸ”΄ Recording all calls automatically saves every conversation.
  • 🟒 Record only selected ones - manually run during a call.
  • πŸ”΅ Disabled – the function is deactivated.

⚠️ Attention: Built-in recording in MIUI Stores files in.amr format in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. When transferring to a PC, listening may require conversion to.mp3.

Hidden MIUI settings: how to enable recording through the engineering menu

If the standard method didn’t work, try activating the function through the engineering menu, which works on firmware up to MIUI 13 inclusive, but requires caution – incorrect actions can disrupt the stability of the system.

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and dial 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 and activate the switch.
  4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

After the reboot, the Call Record section should appear in the phone settings. If it is not, check if the settings have reset after the reboot.

Backup | Charge your phone at least 50% | Record your current network settings (APN) | Do not interrupt the setup process-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for the European region), the engineering menu may not contain write options, in which case only third-party applications remain.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods didn’t work, use specialized utilities. We tested 5 popular apps and selected those that work well on the Redmi Note 9 Pro:

AnnexSupport for MIUIRecording formatFeatures
Cube Call Recorder ACRβœ… Yes, including MIUI 14).mp3, .wavCloud storage, voice recognition
Call Recorder – Automaticβœ… Yes (requires a rut for a rut) MIUI 12+).amr, .mp3Automatic decryption, integration with Google Drive
Truecaller⚠️ Partially (not working on all firmware).mp3Record + Block Spam, but limited functionality
Boldbeast Call Recorderβœ… Yes (best choice for you) MIUI).mp3, .wav, .oggVoIP support, bitrate setting, work without root rights

We recommend Boldbeast Call Recorder as the most stable solution for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

  1. Download APK from the official website (version for Android 10/11).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access.
  3. Launch the application and select Mode 1 Recording Mode (for MIUI).
  4. In the settings, activate Fix recording issues β†’ Record calls in high quality.

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn’t record the voice of the interlocutor, switch to Mode 8 in the Boldbeast settings and restart the phone.

4. Recording calls via Google Drive (alternative method)

A little-known way is to use Google Drive to write automatically, and it works through Backup and Sync, but it has limitations:

  • πŸ“ž Only incoming calls are recorded.
  • πŸ”Š The sound quality is lower than that of specialized applications.
  • ☁️ Files are saved in the cloud, not on the device.

How to set up:

  1. Install Google Drive and log in.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Backup.
  3. Activate Call Backup (this item may be called Call History).
  4. Enable Automatic Download for Multimedia Files.

Once set up, all incoming calls will be saved in the Drive β†’ Backup β†’ Call History folder. The downside of the method is the lack of recording of outgoing calls and the delay in synchronization (up to 5 minutes).

Before you activate the recording, make sure that it does not violate local laws.

Country/regionConsent is required?Penalties for violation
Russia❌ No (Article 23 of the Constitution)Up to 500,000. β‚½ spread
European Union (GDPR)βœ… Yes (required notice)Up to 20 million € or 4 percent turnover
United States (states)⚠️ Depends on the state (1- or 2-party consent)From $1,000 to jail time
India❌ No (but it is forbidden to use in court)No fines, but the record is not evidence

In Russia, recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor is legal if you are a participant in the conversation (Decree of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation) β„–However, the use of the record in court or its public distribution requires proof of its validity.

If you are recording conversations for work (such as interviews or customer conversations), you must:

  • πŸ“’ Notify the person at the beginning of the call ("Conversation is recordedΒ»).
  • πŸ“ Keep the records no longer than necessary.
  • πŸ”’ Do not transfer files to third parties without the consent of the participants.

6. Problem Solving: Why is the record not working?

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

What if the app does not record the voice of the interlocutor?
1. Check if the record is blocked by the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline in Russia sometimes restrict the function). 2. Switch to another recording mode in the application settings (for example, in Boldbeast from Mode 1 to Mode 8). 3. Turn off the energy saving mode in Settings β†’ Battery - it can suspend the background. 4. Install an alternative firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), where the recording function works stably.

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Application won't startBlock MIUIAllow auto-run in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions
Only your voice is recorded.Limitation of VoIPUse Mode 8 in Boldbeast or turn on speakerphone
Files are not saved.Memory deficitClear the cache or reconfigure the save path to SD-map
The record is cut off.Energy conservationAdd an app to battery exclusions

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (does not delete personal data).
  3. Restart the phone and check the recording again.

πŸ’‘

On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 14, the built-in recording is most often missing due to regional restrictions, and 90% of the time, third-party apps (Boldbeast or Cube ACR) or changing firmware to a global version help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations

Can I record calls via WhatsApp or Telegram?
No, messengers don't provide an API for recording voice calls, but you can use a second recording program (like Cube ACR) in parallel with the call, and the quality will be worse because of the compression of voice in VoIP.
Where are the Redmi Note 9 Pro recording files stored?
Depending on the method: πŸ“ Built-in recording MIUI: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ πŸ“ Boldbeast: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ (or folder of your choice) ☁️ Google Drive: Drive β†’ Backup copies β†’ To access system folders, use a file manager with root rights (for example, FX File Explorer).
How do I increase the volume of the recording?
If you can't hear someone: In Boldbeast, go to Settings β†’ Sound Improvement and activate the microphone amplifier. Use headphones with a microphone, this improves voice capture. Check if the microphone hole is covered with a case.
Can I record calls without notifying the interviewee?
Technically, but legally, it's risky. In Russia, recording without notice is allowed if you're engaged in a conversation, but: 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute the recording without consent. βš–οΈ In court, it may be necessary to prove that the interlocutor knew about the recording. πŸ”‡ Some apps (like Truecaller) automatically notify you when you start recording, and for business correspondence, it’s better to use consent services (like Zoom or Skype with the recording option enabled).
Why did the MIUI update stop working?
Xiaomi is regularly tightening its security policy, and after updating to MIUI 13/14: πŸ”„ Permissions for recording applications may be reset. 🚫 The system blocks access to the microphone during the call. πŸ“± The entries in the engineering menu disappear. Solutions: Reverse to the previous version. MIUI Install custom recovery (TWRP) And you can run through the Magisk module to get around the restrictions. 8 (root-rights).