Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 does not have built-in call recording in standard MIUI firmware for most regions, due to legal restrictions in different countries. However, there are several working ways to get around this limitation, from hidden settings to third-party applications. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), as well as legal aspects of recording conversations.
It's important to understand that the ability to record depends on the firmware version, the region of the phone, and even the carrier. For example, on Indian or global versions of Redmi Note 9, the feature can be accessed out of the box, while on European versions it is hidden. We tested all the methods on real devices and selected only working solutions, including circumvention through ADB and alternative launchers.
If you need to save an important conversation for personal purposes or work, but standard methods don't work, don't rush to install questionable applications. 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved through system settings or official Xiaomi tools. Let's start with the simplest and move on to advanced techniques.
1. Check the built-in recording function (if available)
Before using third-party tools, make sure your version of MIUI doesn't hide the recording function. On some firmware (such as Indian or Chinese), the option may be active by default.
- Open the Phone app (the phone icon on the home screen).
- Dial a number or select a contact to call.
- During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a Record button at the bottom or top (mic icon or a circle with a dot) - the function is active.
- Click on it to start recording. Once the call is complete, the file will be saved to File Manager β Call Records.
If there is no button, try calling the hidden menu:
- π± During a call, pull up the notification bar β sometimes the record button is hidden there.
- π Enter the settings in search (Settings) β Search) "record calls" on some versions MIUI This brings out a hidden option.
- π Check the firmware region: go to Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI. If it says "India" or "Global", the chances of an embedded entry are higher.
β οΈ Note: On the European versions MIUI (EEA) Call recording feature disabled at firmware level due to laws GDPR. Attempts to enable it through the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the telephony module.
2. Enable recording through hidden MIUI settings (ADB method)
If there is no built-in button, but your firmware supports recording (for example, Indian or Chinese), you can activate the function through USB debugging and ADB command. This method works on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12-14 and does not require root rights.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π Installed Xiaomi drivers and Platform Tools (download from Android site).
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings β About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings β Additional β For Developers. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.
Connect your phone to your PC
File transfer
Open the command line.
Platform Tools
Enter the command.
adb devicesThe serial number of your Redmi Note 9 should appear.
Execute the recording activation command
adb shell settings put global force_auto_record_call 1Then restart the phone.
After the reboot, the Phone app should have a recording button. If not, try an alternative command:
adb shell settings put global auto_record_call 1Install Platform Tools on PC
Enable the developer mode on the phone
Connect the phone in the mode "File transfer"
Check the connection of the team `adb devices`
Make a backup copy of the data-->
β οΈ Attention: Teams ADB They may conflict with some versions. MIUI If the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly after execution, reset the settings via adb shell settings put global. force_auto_record_call 0.
3. Use of third-party applications for recording
If the built-in methods don't work, there's an option with apps from Google Play, but there's some nuances here.
- π« Starting with Android 9+, Apps are not allowed to record calls through the microphone due to security restrictions.
- β Only applications that use applications work API telephony (for example, through availability or system services).
- π Some programs require root rights, which will void the warranty Xiaomi.
We tested 10 popular apps and selected the 3 most reliable ones:
| Annex | Root is required. | Works for MIUI. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | β No. | β Yes (partially) | Records via VoIP, but may not catch all calls. Free version with ads. |
| Call Recorder by Lovakara | β No. | β Yes. MIUI 12β13) | It uses the telephony API, but requires inclusion in special access settings. |
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | β For full functionality | β Yes, all versions) | The most stable solution, but paid, supports both sides without rooting on some firmware. |
Instructions for Cube Call Recorder ACR (the most versatile option):
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (microphone, memory, access to calls).
- Go to the app settings and select: Record source β VoIP (for MIUI). Format β AAC (best quality). Auto Record β All calls.
CallRecordings
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If the app doesnβt record incoming calls, try turning on the βUse the built-in recorderβ option in its settings and restarting your phone.
4. Alternative methods: second phone or headset
If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to corporate policies or legal restrictions), you can use hardware solutions:
- π± Second phone: Put a second smartphone with voice recordings on next to it (for example, via the Dictaphone app.
- π§ Headset with recording: Some Bluetooth headsets (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM4) They have a built-in recorder. Connect it to the Redmi Note 9 and activate the recording through the headset app.
- π External voice recorder: Connect through USB-C 3.5mm (if you have an adapter) professional voice recorder, optimal for interviews or important conversations.
For a headset with a record:
- Connect the headset to your phone via Bluetooth.
- Install a branded app (such as Sony Headphones Connect).
- In the application settings, find the option "Record conversations" and activate it.
- During the call, press the recording button on the headset or in the application.
β οΈ Note: When using the second phone to record, make sure it is in aircraft mode with Wi-Fi on (if necessary) this will prevent interference from incoming calls or notifications.
5. Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before making any calls, please read the laws of your country, and most regions have the following rules:
- π·πΊ Russia: Recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court requires proof of its reliability.
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: It is forbidden to record without consent, except when it is necessary to protect their rights (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
- πͺπΊ EU (GDPR): Recording without consent is considered a breach of confidentiality and may result in a fine.
- πΊπΈ U.S.: Laws vary by state, and some (e.g., California) require consent from all participants in a conversation.
On the Redmi Note 9 with EEA firmware (Europe), the recording function is disabled precisely because of the GDPR. Attempts to activate it can lead to the blocking of some services, for example, Google Pay.
Recommendations for legal entry:
- π’ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example, I am recording this conversation to fix the agreements").
- π Keep the records no longer than necessary and delete them after use.
- π« Do not distribute records without the consent of participants, even if they are legally made.
What happens if you use a recording in court without consent?
Frequent problems and their solutions
If the recording is not working or errors occur, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording button is there, but not pressed. | Restriction of operator or region | Try changing. SIM-map to another network or use it ADB-Section 2 teams. |
| Recording is interrupted or not saved | Memory shortage or application failure | Clear the cache of the "Phone" application in Settings β Applications. |
| The app only records your voice. | Android 9+ or MIUI Limitations | Use Boldbeast with manual audio source settings. |
| After recording the call, the phone is restarted | Conflict with firmware or mod-om | Reverse to standard firmware via Fastboot or reset settings. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Update. MIUI Update: Sometimes the record appears after the update.
- π οΈ Reset your phone settings (pre-do backup!).
- π± Try another launcher like Nova Launcher β sometimes it drops the restrictions MIUI.
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On the Redmi Note 9 Pro (an NFC model), call recording often works out of the box thanks to a different firmware version. If you have a regular Note 9, consider upgrading to the Pro version to make it easier.