Smartphone owners often face the challenge of keeping an important conversation, whether it’s a business agreement or just valuable information from a loved one. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular devices in the budget segment, but the MIUI software installed on it has its own peculiarities. In recent firmware versions, developers have hidden the standard feature of recording conversations due to changes in privacy laws in different countries.
This means that users may not find a button or menu item immediately after purchasing the gadget. However, recording calls is still possible, and there are several proven ways to activate this option. In this article, we will discuss in detail everything from simple change of region to using third-party applications that are guaranteed to run on Android 10 and 11.
It's important to understand that Redmi 9 runs a MIUI shell that's deeply integrated into the system, so trying to just download any voice recorder from the Play Market may not work because of the operating system's security limitations, and we'll only look at those options that allow you to record automatically and with high audio quality.
Why the Redmi 9 recording feature is missing
Until a few years ago, the voice recorder function was available by default anywhere in the world, changed with the introduction of strict GDPR rules in Europe and similar laws in other regions, Xiaomi, in an effort to comply with legal regulations, forcibly disables the ability to record conversations for certain regions, if your smartphone was bought at official retail or has global firmware, chances are you fall into this category.
The main reason is a software restriction that blocks access to the audio stream during a conversation, the system "thinks" that you are in a country where recording without notifying the interlocutor is prohibited, it is not a breakage of the audio module or a hardware defect. The software code simply hides the corresponding sliders in the settings, making them inaccessible to the user.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to flash the device to the Chinese version (CN ROM) For this function, you may lose your warranty and your banking applications may be unstable. Use the software bypass methods described below.
There is also a difference between the global firmware version (Global) and the Russian version (RU). In the Russian version, the legislation allows you to keep a record, but sometimes even on the Internet. RU-This feature may be hidden or not work properly due to Google security updates, so it is important to check the current status of the settings before moving on to more sophisticated methods.
The method of changing the region: the easiest way
The first and least risky way to get it back is to change the regional settings of the smartphone, and the logic is simple: we trick the system into telling it that the device is in a country where it's legal to record conversations, most often by choosing countries in Asia, like India, Pakistan or Vietnam, which requires no root rights and is safe for user data.
You need to go to the settings menu first, find the general settings section, depending on the version of MIUI, it can be called "Advanced" or have a separate item, and here we'll change the georeference of the interface.
☑️ Checking before changing the region
When you change region, the interface can change a little, you can have new widgets or you can change the format of the date, which is fine. The main thing is that the ringer should have a cherished button. If nothing happened after the region change and the reboot, try clearing the cache of the Phone application through the application settings.
⚠️ Attention: Region change may affect some localized services, such as Mi News Feed or browser recommendations. You can return them at any time by selecting your real region. 2022-2023 In the past, this method has stopped working because of blocking at the level of Google Play Services, and if the change of region has not helped, move on to the next, more effective method. If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t work, Google’s built-in assistant comes to the rescue.This method is standard for pure Android, but it works on the shell as well. MIUI, The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require any doubtful software to be installed and uses system resources. To activate, you need to open the Google Assistant settings, find the section related to personalization or additional settings, and activate the switch that allows the assistant to be used during calls. Then, when you call in or out, you can activate the recording with a voice command: 📱 Open the Google app or Google Assistant settings. 🗣️ Go to the "Assistant" section and find the "Phone" item». ✅ Activate the option “Personal results” or “Recording calls». 📞 When you talk, say, "OK, Google, turn on the record," or press the Assistant button, and the thing about this is that it will voice the message to the person that they're recording, and that's a security requirement that you can't get around without deep interference. However, for many users, this is an acceptable compromise that allows you to save dialogue legally. What to do if the Assistant does not see the phone?If the phone is not in the settings of the Google Assistant, then your phone application is not compatible with this feature. Try to update the Google app and Google Phone through the Play Market to the latest versions. Also make sure that the system language is installed in Russian or English (US). Third-party applications for recording conversations When system methods are exhausted, specialized applications come to the arena. However, with the release of Android 10 and above, Google, direct access to the audio from the Play Market to the latest versions will be very quietly closed to the microphones. However, there are applications that use special methods of bypassing, such as creating a conference call with a recording server or using accessibility services. ACR. It can bypass restrictions. MIUI And you can record the sound directly from the system, if you set the permissions correctly: 🛡️ The app will request a variety of permissions, including access to contacts and phone – this is necessary for work. 🎙️ Be sure to enable “Special Features” for the application in the system settings. 🔊 In the settings of the application, select the source of the sound "Voice Call" or "VoIP". It is worth considering that the operation of such applications can be more battery-consuming, since they constantly monitor the status of the call. Also, some antiviruses may react to methods of bypassing Android protection, considering them suspicious, although the functionality of the applications is safe.+ Needs Cube Root Rights ACR System / VoIP Yes (with setting) No Call Recorder - ACR Partially desirable Blackbox Call Recorder System Yes No Mi Dialer (MOD) Native Yes No (installation required) APK) 💡When using third-party apps, turn off energy savings for them in Xiaomi's battery settings. MIUI «The most advanced and stable way for Redmi 9 is to replace the standard "caller" with a modified version of Google Phone. APK-files that unlock the entry menu for all regions of the world. This method allows you to use the native Google interface with quality noise cancellation and built-in recording function. APK-Google Phone file with unlocked entry (often marked as "with recording enabled"). After downloading the file from a trusted source (for example, a forum) 4PDA Or specialized Telegram channels, you need to install it on top of the current application. APK When you install it, you'll tell the system to change the app, confirm the action. Open the app, go to the settings (three dots) and select Call Record. Activate the function and set up an automatic record of all numbers or favorites. Critical: Once you install the modified Dialer, be sure to turn off the automatic update of this app in the Google Play Market.If the store updates the app to the official version, the recording feature will disappear again. ⚠️ Attention: Installation APK-Files from unknown sources carry security risks. Make sure you download the file from a proven resource with a good reputation, so as not to infect your smartphone with a virus. After you have chosen the appropriate method and activated the function, you need to properly configure the storage options. On Xiaomi Redmi 9 files are saved to internal memory by default. If you talk a lot, it can quickly fill up your internal drive. In the standard application and most third-party recorders, you can configure automatic cleaning of old records or saving them on the computer. SD-To do this, in the voice recorder settings, look for the "Save Way" or "Storage" option and select a memory card. This is especially true if you have a smartphone version with 32 or 64 GB of memory. You should also pay attention to the recording format. There are usually two options available: MP3 and WAV (or M4A). Format MP3 It takes up less space but has compression. WAV It's good for quality, but files weigh a lot more. MP3 64 or 128 kbit/s bitrate. 💡Optimal setting: enable automatic recording for all numbers, format MP3 preserve SD-This will balance quality, record availability and space. Even following the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. The most common problem is that the recording is ongoing, but only one person can be heard. This often happens when using methods from the microphone. In this case, only changing the recording method in the application settings will help (for example, switching from "Microphone" to "Voice Call"). Another common issue is the lack of sound in the WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram recordings. Standard methods for recording ordinary calls often do not work for VoIP protocols. The best way to record messengers is the Cube ACR application in conjunction with the installed connection with the plugin, if you do not use the plugin, then you can use the plugin, then you can use it after you use it, and then use the plugin, then you use it. Some deep MIUI themes may hide interface elements. Try switching to the standard "Classic" theme and rebooting the device. Why is recording interrupted?Frequently, the reason for recording interruption is the aggressive energy saving of MIUI. Go to Settings -> Battery -> Application Management, find your voice recorder and select "No restrictions." Also, forbid auto-start if it interferes, but leave work in the background. FAQ: Frequently asked questions Will sound quality decrease when recording a native recording (through a change of region or a moder) how the phone's quality is digitally controlled by the user, and the user's the user's ability to use of the original user's recording. If you use Xiaomi's standard methods and Google's modified Dialer, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. If you're taking a call. APK-file from a known forum (for example, 4PDA) From a trusted developer, the risk is minimal. However, you should always be careful with files from unverified sources. Where are the records stored after the function is activated? Usually the files are in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec or Recordings/Call You can find them through the standard Files Explorer. SIM-- Yes, the Redmi recording function. 9 It works regardless of which SIM-The settings apply globally to all incoming and outgoing calls.