How to record a conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the unfortunate situation where the regular call recording feature stops working after another system update, especially for the Redmi Note 9 Pro model, which originally had a built-in voice recorder but lost it due to Google's privacy policy.

There are several ways to solve this problem, from simple region settings to complex replacement of system applications through TWRP. The choice of the specific method depends on your version of the firmware (MIUI or HyperOS) and the level of technical training. In this article, we will discuss all the available options in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your device.

It is worth noting that any manipulation of system files carries certain risks. However, following proven algorithms of actions, you can safely return the functionality of recording conversations without losing the guarantee or stability of the gadget.

Reasons for the disappearance of the call recording function

The main reason for blocking native recording of calls was Google’s strict data privacy policy: Starting with certain versions of Android (around 9 and above), access to the audio stream during a conversation was limited to third-party applications and system components, and this also affected the MIUI shell, which previously allowed recording without alerting the interlocutor.

Owners of the Redmi Note 9 Pro noticed the loss of the write button after upgrading to global firmware versions. Local versions for some countries (for example, India or Indonesia) continued to support this feature, which gave rise to a method of changing the region. However, in the latest builds of MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13, this one ceased to be effective, as the lock became tied to the device itself, not only to the region.

It's important to understand that the restrictions are on the system caller. Third-party apps on Google Play often can't record the sound of the interlocutor due to the same Android limitations, recording only silence or your voice through the microphone, which is why the most reliable way is to replace the system component with a modified version.

Users who do not want to go into technical details may find that even after a change in region, the recording button does not appear, in which case a more radical intervention in the file system of the smartphone is required, as we will discuss in the next sections.

The method of changing the region and its limitations

The easiest and safest way to do this in the early stages of the restrictions was to change the region of the smartphone settings, and the logic was that in some countries, the legislation allowed recording of conversations, and Xiaomi activated this feature for the respective markets, but with the release of new versions of MIUI, the effectiveness of this method decreased.

This is a way to go to the settings menu and select the appropriate item. If you are lucky with the firmware version, changing the location can return the cherished button. However, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with the latest updates, this method often fails, requiring more complex actions.

The algorithm for testing this method is as follows:

• 📍 Open Settings and go to the Additional section.
• 🌍 Select Region and set the value of India or Indonesia.
• 📞 Open the Phone app and check for the recording button during the call.
• 🔄 If the button is not, try clearing the phone application data through the app menu.

It is worth considering that changing the region can affect the operation of some services, such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet) or the news feed. In addition, in some regions, advertising notifications from the system may appear. If this method does not work, do not despair - there are more reliable ways that require patching.

Installation of a modified Phone application

The most effective solution is to install a modified version of the MIUI Dialer system application, which allows you to return native conversation recording that works consistently and does not require constant intervention. However, to implement it, you will need superuser rights (Root) or an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) to install a custom TWRP recover.

The method is to replace the standard system file miui-dialer.apk with a modified version that removes regional restrictions, often created by XDA Developers community enthusiasts or dedicated Telegram channels.

The installation process is as follows:

• 📥 Download the current version of the modified APK-file MIUI.
• 📂 Copy the file to the root of internal memory or to a memory card.
• 💻 Reboot the smartphone in Recovery mode (clamping the volume and power buttons).
• 🛠 Use the file manager in TWRP file-replacement /system/product/priv-app/MiuiDialer.

After you replace the file, you need to reset the phone application settings and clear its cache. Only after you reboot the device, the recording function should work. Please note that when you update the system through OTA, the modified file can be replaced with the original one, and the procedure will have to be repeated.

Use of third-party voice recorder applications

If you’re not ready to unlock the bootloader or get Root rights, the only option is third-party apps from the Google Play store. However, due to Android restrictions, most of them only record your voice or require hands-free, but some developers have found ways to bypass these restrictions.

One popular solution is Call Recorder's Cube ACR app, which uses Accessibility Services to capture audio. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it performs well, but requires careful tuning of audio sources. In some cases, it may require the speakerphone to be turned on for better audibility.

Another option is to use applications that record a call through a conference call, so you call the person, then you connect to the recording service, and you create a conference, and the sound quality depends on the speed of the Internet connection and the tariffs of your carrier, because the conference call can be charged.

Below is a table comparing popular writing solutions:

When choosing a third-party app, read user reviews carefully for your model and Android version.What worked a year ago may not work now due to security updates.

Customization of quality and format of recording

Once the recording function is successfully activated, whether through a patch or a third-party app, it is important to properly configure the audio settings. This depends on how legible the dialogue will be when listening. In the native Xiaomi voice recorder, the settings are usually hidden, but in modified versions they can be accessed.

For the built-in recorder, the default recording format is AMR or MP3. The AMR format takes up less space but is of lower quality. The MP3 or WAV format provides better audibility, but the files take up more space on the drive. If you're writing important conversations where every detail of the intonation matters, you'd better choose a high-bitrate format.

Also, you should pay attention to the source of the sound. In the modified caller settings, you can often choose the source: Mic (microphone), Voice Call (voice call) or Voice Communication. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the best choice is the Voice Call source, since it captures the digital stream directly, providing crystal clear sound on both sides without the noise of the surroundings.

If you use third-party apps, experiment with microphone settings. Sometimes standard values are not enough and the voice of the interlocutor is barely audible. The zoom in can help, but be careful not to wheez and distort.

⚠️ Note: When using modified system files, there is always a risk of cyclic restart (bootloop). ADB Fastboot to return the original file via console in case of problems.

Problems with recording notifications

One of the features of modern versions of Android and MIUI is the mandatory voice notification of the beginning of recording. Even with modified versions of the caller, the phrase "Talk recording has begun" is often left, which is heard by both interlocutors, and it is almost impossible to remove it completely without deep modification of system resources (APK reassembly).

Some users try to silence this notification by quickly turning down the loudspeaker at the start of the conversation, but it's uncomfortable and not always effective.There are special patches for MiuiDialer that cut out the notification audio file, but finding them takes time and virus checks.

In Russia, according to current court practice, recording your own conversation does not require you to notify the interlocutor unless the recording is publicly available, but if you plan to use the recording as evidence in court, the lack of warning can become a matter of dispute.

If voice notification is critical to you, consider using apps that send you. SMS-a recording message or use a visual indicator, although in the case of a phone call, only you can see the visual indicator.

💡

To minimize noise when recording through the microphone (if there is no system recording), use a headset, which will allow you to separate the recording channels and improve the intelligibility of the interlocutor's speech.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Warning: When you install modified system components from unverified sources, you risk giving attackers access to your phone conversations and contacts.