How to set up call recording on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Redmi Note 9 smartphones have earned themselves some of the most popular devices in their price segment, offering users a great balance between performance and functionality. However, with the upgrade of MIUI and the transition to the standard Google Dialer in many regions, the native conversation recording feature has become less obvious or completely disappeared from the settings menu, which raises a lot of questions for gadget owners who are used to fixing important agreements or conversations with support services in one click.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to restore and configure this feature on your device. We will look at the regular system features that can be hidden depending on the firmware region, and also discuss proven third-party solutions. It is important to understand that in modern versions of Android (10, 11, 12 and above), Google’s security policy strictly limits the access of applications to the microphone during a call, which makes some old methods unworkable, but workarounds do exist.

Before you start installing additional software or changing your region, check the basic settings of your phone. Often users simply do not notice the switch that was moved by developers to the back of the menu or deactivated by default due to the laws of the particular country. Let's figure out how to regain control of their dialogues.

Checking the native recording function in MIUI

The first step should always be to carefully check the built-in capabilities of the MIUI shell. Depending on the firmware version (Global, EEA, Russia) and the Android version, the interface may differ. The standard path to activate is usually in the Phone app. You need to open the dial, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings. Here you should look for the Call Record section.

If this partition is present but the function is not working, additional activation may be required. In some MIUI builds, it is easy to switch the Auto Record switch to the active position. You can also configure the rules here: record all incoming, only certain numbers or all outgoing calls. This is the most stable method, since it does not require installing third-party software and does not consume a battery.

⚠️ Note: If the phone’s settings menu does not include Call Record, this means that your current firmware version has this feature software blocked by the manufacturer or carrier.

If the standard menu doesn’t offer the right options, don’t despair. There are ways to activate hidden features through region change or using special codes, but they don’t work on all versions of Android. Below is a table that helps determine the status of the feature depending on the version of the system.

Changing the region as a way of activating

One of the most effective and safest ways to return the recording function is to temporarily change the region of the device, and the logic is simple: in some countries (for example, India, Indonesia, Vietnam), the law allows you to record conversations with the notification of the interlocutor, so for these regions the function is sewn into the system. By switching the region, you can activate the desired item in the menu, and then return the settings.

To do this, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Region. Select from the list, for example, India or Indonesia. After changing the region, restart your smartphone. Go to the call settings and check if the record has appeared. If it appears, turn on automatic recording and set the necessary parameters. After that, you can return the original region.

• 🌏 Open the settings and find the "Region" item».
• 🇮🇳 Select the country with the allowed entry (India, Indonesia).
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.
• 📞 Check for the “Call Record” item on your phone.

It is worth noting that once a region is returned (e.g. to Russia or Ukraine), the recording function often remains active because it has already been activated in the system. However, in rare cases, after updating the system, the settings may reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.

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After changing the region, check all system applications, as in some regions, standard wallpapers or a set of preinstalled services may change.

Use of third-party recorder applications

If native methods don’t work, specialized apps come to the rescue from the Google Play Store. However, due to the limitations of Android 10+, most of them can’t record the voice of the interlocutor directly through the system audio stream. They either record only your voice, require the speakerphone to be turned on, or use sophisticated access methods through Accessibility.

One of the leaders in this niche is Call Recorder's Cube ACR app, which can bypass many restrictions using special features, and once installed, you'll need to give the app a number of permissions, including access to a microphone, a phone, and critically, access control rights.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party recorders, recording quality may vary depending on the processor model and Android version. Always make a test call before an important conversation.

Other popular solutions include Appliqato’s Automatic Call Recorder or TapeACall, which work in a similar way: they create conferencing or use system bugs to capture audio. It’s important to carefully adjust the sound source in the app’s menu, trying out different options (Voice Call, Microphone, Speaker) to find the best one for your Redmi Note 9 configuration.

Google Dialer Problems and Their Solutions

The main reason for the disappearance of the record was the introduction of Google Phone (calls from Google) instead of the proprietary MIUI Dialer. Google adheres to a strict privacy policy, prohibiting recording conversations without explicit notice to both parties (which is implemented by voice message “Recording Begins”).

There is a method of replacing a standard call with a modified version from Xiaomi.eu or custom builds of Google Dialer with unlocked entry. This requires deeper intervention in the system. → Annexes → All applications → Phone. → Remove updates and then install APK-modified-version file.

The process of installing a third-party call can be risky for inexperienced users, as an error can lead to the inability to make calls. In addition, the MIUI security system can block the installation of applications from unknown sources, requiring constant confirmation of actions. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to changing the region.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.dialer

This ADB command allows you to delete Google's system call, making room for an alternative to install. However, using ADB requires a PC connection and USB debugging. This is an advanced method that gives you complete control over system components.

Setting up the quality and storage of records

Record quality directly affects its legibility in the future. In the settings of any recorder (staff or third-party), you should choose the coding format. Usually, the choice is between AMR and MP3 (or AAC). AMR format takes up less space but has lower sound quality. MP3 provides better audibility, but the files will weigh more.

It's also important to determine where you're going to store it. By default, the records are stored in the internal memory in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec If you are actively using the feature, memory can run out quickly, it is recommended to set up cloud sync via Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud, or regularly migrate archives to the Internet. SD-The card is installed in your Redmi Note. 9.

• 🎙️ Choose the format MP3 for better sound quality.
• 💾 Clean your records folder regularly or set up autodelete old files.
• ☁️ Enable cloud sync to keep data safe.
• 🔊 Use headphones to improve legibility when recording through a microphone.

Keep in mind that storing records of third-party conversations without warning may violate the laws of your country. Use this feature responsibly and only for personal or legal purposes.

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The optimal balance between quality and file size is achieved by using an AAC or MP3 codec with a bitrate of 128 kbps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)